Palmerton Area Historical Society recently paid homage to Mary Kocher, the very cornerstone of the community’s art scene whose work spans generations.

Kocher has painted countless works for family and friends over the past 60 years.

Just a week after celebrating her 97th birthday, the heritage center held a showing of her incredible catalog for 75 special guests, highlighting her personal warmth and sensitivity.

“It’s quite an eclectic collection of Mary Kocher paintings, some of which haven’t been seen before,” Palmerton Area Historical Society’s Peter Kern said.

Over her lengthy career, Kocher has done commissioned work for numerous people and businesses, including the First Northern Bank and Trust and Mauch Chunk Trust Company. Her paintings have covered a wealth of local imagery, including landscapes, historic buildings, wildlife and her own family.

“They’re realistic with a tinge of impressionism,” Kern said. “Her coloring and her use of pigment really makes her paintings stand out.”

Thanks to the likes of Tamaqua resident Dale Freudenberger, the historical society was able to begin its expansive Kocher collection with a still life piece that he had acquired at an auction in Deer Lake.

“It was an ‘early’ Mary Kocher work from 1952,” a release from the historical society reads.

“The provenance of the painting was not known, but the care with which it had been maintained through the years testified to the fact that it had been someone’s proud possession.”

With her signature covered, Kocher was asked to critique the piece.

“Good proportions and nicely executed,” she said in a reserved appraisal. “Who did it?”

When it was revealed that she was the mystery artist, Kocher burst into laughter. Being as prolific a painter as she was, she had forgotten the work, which now serves as the centerpiece to the heritage center’s collection.

Even though she is teetering on the edge of triple digits, Kocher kept up her distinct and energetic personality throughout the show, entertaining guests and examining her extensive body of work.

“I think Mary has had a wonderful effect on six generations of artists in the Carbon County area. This is reflected in the number of people who learned from her, emulated her style and shared her joy of painting,” Kern said. “She has touched so many lives with her paintings.”

For those who missed the grand opening, Kocher’s exhibit will remain on display for the next two months at 410 Delaware Ave., from noon to 3:30 p.m. on Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursdays, noon to 4 p.m. on Fridays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays. Other hours are available by appointment. Interested visitors can call the heritage center at 610-824-6954.