A Lehighton artist won the People’s Choice Award at the 12th Annual Palmerton Area Library Show, sponsored by Friends of the Library.

Sunday’s event showcased the work of 19 artists, with a total of 55 pieces of art on display at Palmerton Area Library.

The annual event concludes with awarding the People’s Choice Award, an award chosen by those who attend the event. In addition to having earned the title, the annual winner is also presented with a cash award.

This year’s winner is Cheryl Popek, of Lehighton. Popek received the award for her charcoal piece, “The 425 Steam Engine.”

Pieces included everything from acrylic and pastels to charcoal and mixed media art. A selection of landscapes, area landmarks, animals, and food were represented in the display.

The $7 admission fee to the show allowed show-goers to mingle with others, view the art work on display, meet artists, and enjoy lunch prepared by the Friends of the Library group, with Joan Turko heading the food preparation efforts.

Artists are not charged an entrance fee to participate in the annual exhibit. However, those who do sell pieces are asked to donate 20 percent of their proceeds to the library.

Artists with work on display included: Duane Costenbader, Lucy Freck, Peggy Rehrig, Wayne Yurchak, Glenn Steiner, Fern Breininger, June Scheimer, Cheryl Popek, Earlene Russell, Katlyn Hoffman, Cindy Lou Morris, Paul Swedar, Tina Madonia, Linda Kreckel, Joan Sayer, Jeanne Stemler, Sharon Schoch, Joan Rohn, and Mary Anne Shafer.

“The Palmerton area has always had lots of wonderful artists. This event seemed like a wonderful idea to offer the community, especially in the middle of winter,” said Diane Danielson, library director.

The event was started with just a few local artists; it now draws contributors from the area, as well as artists from Allentown and the greater Lehigh Valley, Saylorsburg, and even Stroudsburg. The event continues to grow, with proceeds from the show always supporting PAL programs, including the summer reading program.

Mary Anne Shafer, a resident of Carbon County, is an artist who entered a few pieces in this year’s show. Her work included “Kid Clyde,” which was done in charcoal. In addition Fern Breininger, of Slatington, who particularly enjoys painting food, showcased a few items, including “Backyard Barbecue,” an oil painting.

“I have been drawn to painting food. The idea for ‘Backyard Barbecue’ just came to me one day when food was lined up on the grill,” Breininger said.

For those who weren’t able to make the show, there’s good news — paintings remain on display at the library for two weeks.

Palmerton Area Library is located at 402 Delaware Ave. in Palmerton. Hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday and Tuesday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Friday; and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. For information, visit www.palmertonarealibrary.com