Galleries, tours, tastings, workshops, shows - its all part of the Jim Thorpe Art Weekend, to be held Saturday, May 14 and Sunday, May 15 in and around downtown Jim Thorpe.

The beautiful Lehigh River Valley and the Victorian architecture of Jim Thorpe has helped to transform the town into an artist's destination. Its main streets are filled with art galleries in buildings dating to the mid-1800s.From realism to abstract impressionism, from painting to sculpture, from poetry to music, Jim Thorpe has a lot of art to offer.The Jim Thorpe Art Weekend begins on Saturday from 1 to 7 p.m. with an Open Studio and Gallery Tour in the Historic Downtown District. A walking map is available at the Jim Thorpe Train Station.At 1 p.m. at the Harry Packer Mansion, Jack Gunsser, will appear in costume and tell stories about art in old Jim Thorpe.At 2 p.m. at the Jim Thorpe Train Station, bring your camera and join a photo tour of Jim Thorpe with local art photographer Tom Storm.From 2 to 4:30 p.m. is a free concert in the Josiah White Park by the Shannon Marsyada Trio.At 3 p.m. join a tour of the art of Mauch Chunk Cemetery with historians Jack Sterling and Keith Bellhorn. Meet at the cemetery located on South Avenue near Walnut Street. Directions available at the Jim Thorpe Train Station.At 4 p.m., there's wine tasting at the Albright Mansion restaurant led by owner and wine expert Bart Springer. 3 reds and 3 whites paired with hors d'oeuvre created in the Mansion kitchen by their cordon bleu trained chef. Reservations are required, call 570 325-4440.At 5 p.m.: Poetry and Dramatic Readings at the Gilded Cupid. Listen to poetry by Joe Hiaat and others, plus a dramatic reading called "Dreams to Reality." Free to the public.At 6:30 p.m. Dinner at the Moya Restaurant Art Gallery featuring culinary artist Heriberto Yunda. Advanced reservations are required, call 570 325-8530.At 7 p.m. at the Dakota Ridge Gallery is an opening reception for photographer Alex Trejo. Free to the public. The series, entitled "Architectural Surreal," highlights Mr. Trejo's passion for architectural subjects and their relation to surreal and romantic art.At 8 p.m., the roots-music group, YARN, performs at the Mauch Chunk Opera House.The Jim Thorpe Art Weekend continues on Sunday, May 15, from noon to 4 p.m., with an Open Studio and Gallery Tour in the Historic Downtown District. A walking map is available at the Jim Thorpe Train Station.At 1 p.m. at the Hill Home Forge bed and breakfast, 10 Flagstaff Road in Jim Thorpe, master artist, Nic East will give a lecture demonstration of his stained glass art. Tour his studio and gallery where you will see stained glass windows, doors, lamps, screens, and sculpture. Free event. Parking available.At 2 p.m. at the Jim Thorpe Train Station, bring your camera and join a photo tour of Jim Thorpe with local art photographer Tom Storm.3 p.m. Open House at selected Beds and Breakfasts. Visit some of the finest beds and breakfasts in Jim Thorpe. Some are historic landmarks, and others are unusual settings that inspired their inn keepers to open to the public. End at the Harry Packer Mansion Libations Bar, and enjoy a cool glass of wine in Victorian splendor.Unless otherwise noted, fees may apply for events. For details, see

www.jimthorpeart.com.