Christmas Snow Falls in Downtown Emmaus

A  snowy scene of downtown Emmaus by artist Bob Boehmer is featured on the 2010 edition of Christmas note cards honoring the community's history and present-day vibrancy.

A portion of the proceeds from sale of the cards, now available at several Emmaus merchants, will benefit projects of the Emmaus Arts Commission.

Bob Boehmer is an Emmaus resident, teacher and artist. This is the sixth year he has created artwork for the collectable Christmas note cards. He paints an original watercolor, from which limited edition prints and note cards are made.

Boehmer chooses a scene, either current or nostalgic, that represents a memorable aspect of Emmaus. Past subjects have included the , theand a train running by the .

"This year's scene," Boehmer said, "is called 'Christmas Time in Emmaus,' because it's looking up Main Street from the clock towards the Triangle." Light snow is falling, shops have been decorated for the holidays, and two children in winter jackets and hats pull a sled.

Boehmer works in watercolor and acrylic, capturing quiet images of Pennsylvania landscapes. For the past six years he has been chairman of the Emmaus Arts Commission, which was created by to support, develop and promote visual and performing arts in the community.

Boehmer began the Christmas note card project as a way to generate funds for the Arts Commission by volunteering his personal talent. The cards also give recognition to the town when they are sent as Christmas greetings all over the United States and beyond.

The limited edition prints are sold unframed for $30 at , 417 Chestnut St. The Christmas note cards are sold in packs of 10 for $12. They are available at , , , , and , as well as Bach & Company.

Boehmer will be at for a signing party from 7-9 p.m. Dec. 3. Customers can have limited edition prints signed by the artist. proprietor Cheryl Peters explained that when people are buying the prints as gifts, they often like to have them personalized for the recipient as well.

Each year, Boehmer's original artwork for the Christmas scene is matted and framed and also offered for sale. Although it will be on display, the 2010 edition already has been reserved by an Emmaus resident.

Boehmer has been a teacher in Parkland School District for 30 years, where he shares both his knowledge and love of art and his passion for science. Through his inspiration and determination, with the support of Mack Trucks, a half-size replica of the NASA Space Shuttle has been built as a mobile classroom to teach students about space exploration and technology.

The shuttle replica appeared in Emmaus's 250th anniversary parade in 2009.