Talk about the virtues of Emmaus and tops on the list will be that it's quaint, it's historical and it was named by Money magazine as one of the top 100 places to live in the U.S.
In addition, many say Emmaus distinguishes itself as a place with tremendous artistic appeal. There is great cooperation to celebrate creativity in all forms, in all seasons.
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Meet the Emmaus Arts Commission. This small group of volunteer professionals is foremost among those who foster an active artistic vibe around town. Created by borough council, the comission's mission is to "encourage, educate and promote the arts and to develop an appreciation of the arts, which will enrich and enhance the quality of life within the Emmaus and surrounding Pennsylvania areas."
In its current configuration, the commission has been in existence for six years. Two of the most recognizable ongoing projects run by the EAC are the Student Horror Film Festival and the SnowBlast Winter Festival. Past events have included Art in the Garden and the Front Porch Art Walk.
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Whenever possible, projects are developed to encourage participants to experience Emmaus while they are enjoying the arts. "People from across the Lehigh Valley patronize our events," said Commissioner Teri Sorg-McManamon. "We are definitely on the radar of folks in the Valley."
The 2010 Horror Film Festival in October was the EAC's sixth annual and the biggest to date, chaired by Commissioner Jeff Shubzda. More than 70 middle and high school students from many districts beyond East Penn answered the call. Working in teams, they submitted 21 six-minute horror films into competition, vying for cash prizes. Entrants had just 96 hours to create, edit and deliver the films.
After judging by film professionals, the films were shown in a public viewing at the before an audience of more than 300. Being able to see their work on the big screen was a special treat for the young directors.
In February, in cooperation with the , the EAC will reprise its popular SnowBlast Winter Festival. Held outdoors on the Triangle and elsewhere in town, it features ice sculpting, jugglers, a skating Ice Princess, fire pits and refreshments served from a bar constructed of huge blocks of ice.
A new initiative soon to be released is the online Artists' Directory. It will be posted on the EAC Web site, offering the public a convenient way to learn about artists who live and work in Emmaus. For someone searching for a unique, handmade gift, the directory will be a handy resource. Artists who wish to be included may complete the online form. Their profiles will be added to the directory after research and approval by the EAC,
Another new project now underway is the EARTH Art Rain Barrel Project, which blends public art with environmental awareness. The EAC has invited artists to submit designs for decoratively painting functional barrels that collect rain water. Artists who are chosen will be given a plain rain barrel and $100 for paint and supplies. The finished pieces will be displayed around Emmaus for about three weeks in April. The barrels will be auctioned to the public after the Emmaus Earth Day Clean-up on April 23.
To fund its projects, the EAC receives $1,000 annually as a line item in the borough council budget. The group has also been successful in securing sponsorships from local businesses.
Some events also generate income. Chairman Bob Boehmer explained that after the painted rain barrels are auctioned in spring, the EAC will "recycle" the proceeds back into projects that will keep the arts alive in Emmaus.
Members of the Emmaus Arts Commission are: Bob Boehmer, chairman; Dr. Mike Waddell, council representative; Jeff Shubzda, Parks & Recreation Commission representative; Laura Bauder, Ariel Scholz, Teri Sorg-McManamon, Denise Tempest, Linda Waddell and Ellen Wilson. There are currently two vacancies. Interested parties are encouraged to submit a letter of application to borough council. Volunteers from the community are also welcome to participate in the projects and activities. Visit www.emmausarts.org.