ALLENTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA, August 30, 2023 — Today, the West Park Civic Association announced that its 48th Art In The Park will host a record-breaking 126 artist exhibitors, 18 arts-related community groups, and 10 musical performances on Saturday, September 16, 2023 in West Park. A city block-size oasis of winding paths, lawns, and mature trees located at 16th Street and West Turner Street, West Park is Allentown’s oldest park. Performing at the event will be the Allentown Band, Allentown Symphony Youth Orchestra, Church of the Mediator Choir, Civic Theatre, Community Music School, Miller Symphony quintet, MunOpCo, Repertory Dance Theater, William Allen Dance, and William Allen Marching Band. Food and drink from several vendors will be available.

The 126 artists will exhibit and sell a wide variety of works, from original ceramics, drawings, glass, jewelry, paintings, photography, sculpture, and weaving to art made from recycled or re-purposed materials. Eight of the artists will demonstrate how they create their works.

To celebrate the 100th anniversary of its groundbreaking, the Allentown Masonic Temple will offer free tours of its Lodge building at 1524 West Linden Street (across the street from West Park) during Art In The Park from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm. It will mark the first time in five years that members of the general public have been able to explore the inside of this National Historic Site. “Though I’ve lived in Allentown for three decades, I’ve never been inside the Masonic Temple,” admits local resident Sharon Gilbert. “I’ve heard the Lodge rooms described as magnificent and ornate. I can’t wait to see them for myself.”

In addition, the Masonic Temple will curate Centennial Celebration, a one-day-only exhibition highlighting rare books, artworks, and ceremonial objects from the Temple’s archives, many of which have never before been seen by non-Masons. The exhibition, which powerfully visualizes Masonic traditions, is curated by Temple historian Theodore W. Schick, Ph.D.

The Allentown Masonic Temple embodies a uniquely American heritage and culture, preserving a fraternal art form and distinctive early 20th Century aesthetic style. Numerous ceremonies and activities take place in the Lodge.

In the early 1920’s, when fraternal activity in America was at an all time high, Mason membership in Allentown grew dramatically. The leadership at that time was composed of the area’s leading industrialists, judges, doctors, attorneys, educators, prominent businessmen, public officials, and the city’s leading contractors. When funds were solicited to begin construction, 3,168 members contributed monthly to pledges that generated $445,000. A public bond sale in 1926 raised the additional $500,000 needed to complete the building.

West Park opened on September 17, 1908. Art In The Park 2023 will take place on the eve of its 115th anniversary.

Additional details at art-in-the-park.org.