By ANNA GILGOFF

Special to The Press

The Albany Township Historical Society headquarters, 404 Old Philly Pike, Kempton, will be transformed into a showplace Oct. 22, when area artists fill that space with their original work for the community to view.

Participating in the Arts Fest are Ron Imboden, watercolors; Gene Allen, acrylic painting; Scott Ferguson, oil painting; Jeanne Stock, pastels; and Lisa Gauker, fine art prints.

Jeffrey Dietrich and Mark Amey will showcase their pottery. They will be joined by Luke Voytas, woodworker; Rose Fritch, jewelry; and the Woolly Bugger Hat Company.

The Arts Fest is Imboden’s brainchild.

“After doing several shows with a lot of these artists I decided to create a show that featured the local talents in the area,” he said. “This part of Berks County has an abundance of varied artists.”

Allen agreed.

“There’s such a high concentration of artists here,” he said. “Everyone kind of knows each other and each other’s work, plus there’s easy access to Philadelphia and New York.”

Stock offered her comments.

“Folks who attended last year seemed to enjoy themselves and responded with enthusiasm when I sent the information for this year,” she said.

Stock designed and posted an online ad for this year’s show.

“They seemed to appreciate the quality of the work, which is certainly nice to hear,” Stock said.

Though the artists works are in different media, they all enjoy displaying their work.

“The Arts Fest grew out of the fact that most of us are participants in the Hawk Mountain Arts Tour,” Imboden explained, “So, it seemed only natural that we get together at the Albany Township Historical Society Building for an annual show in October.

“As artists we all enjoy being together and support one another.”

Visitors can converse with the artists about their work and their process.

“As a participant, I would say I did like the wonderful camaraderie amongst the artists at the event last year,” Stock said.

This time of year, the ride to the Albany Township Historical Society Building is in itself a treat.

“It’s so beautiful out here,” Allen said. “Kistler Valley Road is like a live Currier and Ives.”

The Albany Arts Fest runs 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Everyone is invited to attend the free event.

This year, the Albany Township Historical Society will be the last stop on the Berks Historical Society’s Road Ramble, a self-guided driving tour that pays homage to the Mystery Road Rambles held in the 1980s and ’90s.

Those interested in participating in the Road Ramble may purchase a ticket.

Road Ramble is a self-guided driving tour that pays homage to the Mystery Road Rambles held in the 1980s and ’90s.

The ramble packet leads motorists through Leesport, Hamburg, Lenhartsville, Virginville and Kempton and highlights stops along the route that are rich in local folklore.

Tickets for the Fall 2022 Road Ramble may be purchased per car and include a Road Ramble tour booklet, navigator guide, narrative CD or USB and a Road Ramble participant bumper sticker.

Call 610-375-4375 for more information

Proceeds from the Road Ramble will benefit the Albany Township Historical Society and Berks History Center.