The Gallery in Weissport will host “Art Around the Park” from noon to 5 p.m. Oct. 6.

They are currently accepting reservations for artists who wish to display at the show.

The exhibit will be a walking tour throughout the center of Weissport. In addition to the 10 artists currently displaying their work at The Gallery on Bridge Street, new artists will also be featured at Jacob’s United Church of Christ, Christ Community Church and Hope Community Fellowship Church. Organizers are also searching for a sketch artist to work at Chantilly Good’s Ice Cream Parlor the day of the event.

Owners Jeff and Sharon Elder first considered hosting an art show after The Gallery hosted a successful car show at the Weissport park. It was quickly pointed out that artists aren’t usually willing to display their work outdoors during the fall, when wind and rain and humidity can easily damage their work. Instead, it would need to be held indoors — leading to an idea for an even larger event, hosted in the churches, art gallery and ice cream parlor surrounding the park.

“All three churches have donated their social halls to host the artists,” he said.

Like the car show, Elder plans to host the artists free of charge. Instead of charging an admission fee, he asks that the artists donate a portion of their profit to their host church, or support the churches and local businesses by purchasing food at their host church or within the park.

Artists can also make a donation to the national Alzheimer’s Association. The Gallery is a 501(c) nonprofit organization that contributes regularly to Alzheimer’s research in memory of Jeff’s father and Sharon’s brother, who both passed away from Alzheimer’s.

The Weissport area has been reinventing itself, said Elder. He hopes that this art show will not only give artists a venue to display their work, but also give the public an opportunity to see how Weissport is evolving and thriving.

“We’re new. We’ve only been here for four months, and we want to encourage more traffic,” said Elder. “If people can come here they will say ‘Look at Weissport, look at the beautiful park.’ There’s a lot of history here that hasn’t been talked about.

“The question isn’t ‘Why Weissport?’ It should be ‘Why not Weissport?’ ” he added. “I think it’s a great place.”

In addition to the main art exhibits in each building, “Pigcasso” the pig will also be creating art in the park. Proceeds from Pigcasso’s sales will benefit rescue pigs. Smokey Bear will also be at the park to promote fire safety.

Oct. 6 will also be the first weekend that hay rides are offered along the D&L Canal trail.

Artists from as far away as Lancaster have expressed interest in taking part in the event. Elder is also working with local school photography clubs and artist leagues to bring more young and local artists to the show.

“This is for everybody,” he said. “Anyone who has a God-given talent is an artist, and is welcome.”

The Gallery’s current artists include several photographers, a blacksmith, painters, and an artist specializing in pen and ink. None of the people currently displaying their work considers themselves professional artists. They pursue art as a hobby or passion, and range in age from recent high school graduates to retirees.

“We want people to see what we see behind the camera. Everyone has a different take,” said Sharon Elder, whose photographs are on display at The Gallery. “Every time you go somewhere, there is always something different to see. It’s a different season, or there are different crops in the field.”

Artists interested in reserving a spot in “Art Around the Park” should contact Jeff Elder at 484-221-0325 before Oct. 3.