The Schwenkfelder Library & Heritage Center is planning a reception on Sunday, September 15, 2 to 4 p.m. to celebrate the donation of 10 paintings and 

George W. Bockius (1913 - 1999)

drawings by the late George W. Bockius to the Center's permanent collection. The public is invited and refreshments and light snacks will be served.

            The painting collection was donated by Mr. Bockius' daughter, Susan, and will be on long-term exhibit on the ground and first floors of the Heritage Center, located at 105 Seminary St. in Pennsburg.

            Philadelphia-born George W. Bockius (1913-1999) attended the Philadelphia Museum College of Industrial Art from 1934 to 1937, studying figure painting and drawing and brush lettering. His academic background in lettering led him to establish a sign painting business in Mount Airy, which served as his career until 1985.

            In 1951, Mr. Bockius and his wife, Edna, decided to move their young family to the suburbs and located a home on Upper Ridge Road near Green Lane that would become the home of George and Edna for the next 40 years.

"Winter Night"

            The Upper Perkiomen Valley and Sumneytown became muses of a sort for Bockius. He painted scenes of the area both experiencing the landscape outside, painting "en plein air" as it is known, and in the studio, where he often reimagined the views in an earlier time, minus the signs of modern life. He infused his work with a wonderful play of light and color, creating captivating and memorable views of the Valley that he had adopted as his home. 

            Susan Bockius based her selections for donation to the Heritage Center specifically because of the relationship to the Upper Perkiomen Valley and Sumneytown particularly.

"McLean Station Milk Stop"	"Snow on the Unami"

            "My father, George W. Bockius, painted hundreds of pictures of the local scenes and landscapes he loved so well," Ms. Bockius commented. "He sold many of these to individuals at local art shows. But there has never been an institutional home for George's portrayal of the Perkiomen Valley. The Schwenkfelder Library and Heritage Center seems an ideal place to realize that goal, and where his vision might be more fully understood."

            The Heritage Center Board of Directors and staff are honored to be able to introduce George W. Bockius' paintings to the visiting public. Beth Twiss Houting, executive director of the Heritage Center, stated, "Besides being a regional history center, with this generous donation of George W. Bockius paintings, we are increasing our presence as a museum of regional art too. It is fabulous to have images made available for the people who live here to enjoy."

             A brochure will accompany the exhibit to provide deeper insight into Mr. Bockius' work, and a booklet discussing his life and art will be available soon.

"Over the Unami, toward Sumneytown"

            The Schwenkfelder Library & Heritage is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday 1 to 4 p.m.  Admission is free and all are welcome to visit the seven museum galleries and historical library. Tours of the 1826 Seipt Barn, located at the Heritage Center, are available by appointment during business hours.

            For more information, visit www.schwenkfelder.org or call 215-679-3103.