"It's a lovely event. I love to see what other artists are doing. It's a great way for their work to be appreciated," says Linda Krechel of Saylorsburg as she mixes with the large crowd of about 175 at the Palmerton Area Library's Fourth Annual Art and Lunch Show.

This year there were 89 paintings submitted by 37 local artists in various paint mediums from oils, to watercolors, acrylics, colored ink, pastels, Monotype, mixed medium and Chinese painting. Ten of the paintings were sold and some of the artists received commissions for paintings."It's fantastic. Every year it gets better and better," said Andy and Mary Collazo of Saylorsburg."This is really nice. I like to see who painted what," says visitor Bob Costenbader, Palmerton and Arlene Kresge, Palmerton, says she loves the show."This is my first time. It's really nice. It's local and interesting," says Ginny Rex of Macungie."The paintings are beautiful. It's great to see so many people here. It's terrific that the library hosts this event. The library is a great resource for the community," says Jim Lavelle of East Penn.Diane Danielson, library director, said the show was fantastic and "The Friends of the Library always does a great job with everything they do for the library."The visitors of the show are asked to vote for the Best of Show. This year, first place was awarded to Doug Wilkens for his acrylic painting of the Palmerton Park bandstand. Second place was awarded to Pat DeLong for an acrylic painting "Horse Collar Workers" and third place went to an acrylic painting, "Raindrops on Autumn Leaves" by Anibal "Andy" Collazo.The delicious lunch of homemade soups and sandwiches, salad, fresh fruit and desserts was made by The Friends of the Library, who thanks everyone for helping make the event a masterpiece.