Program to preview art exhibit at Chester County Historical Society
By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times
Artist Adrian Martinez (right) gets into position at Martin’s Tavern in Marshallton so his wife, Leah Martinez, can photograph the scene for use in one of the paintings that will comprise the 2015 exhibit, “History in the Making: A Contemporary Artist’s View of Chester County, 1750-1800.”
In September – using Newlin Township and Marshallton as backdrops – acclaimed artist Adrian Martinez turned back time to recreate pivotal moments in Chester County history.
Using a group of committed volunteers and authentic costumes, Martinez, who did double duty as director and an Iroquois Warrior, amassed a series of photographs that would form the basis of an art exhibition: “History in the Making: A Contemporary Artist’s View of Chester County, 1750-1800.”
Although the display of oil paintings is not scheduled to open until 2015 at the Chester County Historical Society (CCHS), 50 people will receive a sneak preview on Monday courtesy of “History on Tap,” a periodic CCHS program that promotes history in the casual atmosphere of a local restaurant or watering hole.
Martinez will take participants on a journey to the 18th century with a preview of two of the 12 paintings destined for the 2015 exhibit. It will explore an era of wonder and change in the nation’s history through figures such as surveyors Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon; botanist, astronomer, stonemason and farmer, Humphry Marshall; and Indian Hannah, considered the “last of the Lenape in Chester County.”
A 30-minute presentation will be followed by discussion, Q & A, and conversation. Food and drink will be available for purchase.
“History on Tap” is a free community program that is sponsored by Susquehanna Bank, WCHE 1520AM, and in partnership with the 1893s (Chester County Historical Society Young Friends Association). The Monday program will be held in the inn’s lower-level dining area, where space is limited to 50, on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The Dilworthtown Inn (610-399-1390) is located at 1390 Old Wilmington Pike, West Chester, 19382.
