What Schelp's phone recorded when he read aloud the above Scribbled Notes of AITP History Interviews with Robbie Egolf and Christine Oaklander
TIME TO COMPLETE: 2 MINUTES

ChatGPT, write a press release for the 50th Art in the Park in West Park Allentown on Sept 13 using the following notes: Betty Helwig, who was married to a doctor started art in the park 1975 in 1980 1976. Betty Helwig ran art in the park until she died in 2008. Peggy egolf decided to join Betty Helwig in running art in the park, and they did it as code chairs, Peggy, and Betty until 2008, when Betty Helwig died, then Peggy continued running art in the park with her husband Robbie eagolf. Peggy died in November of 2017 in early 2017. Christine oaklander, agreed to be the chair of art in the park Peggy and Betty started art in the park. Well, I'm sorry, Betty started art in the park because this the ideal setting that band shall there have been musical performances from the get-go West park was the first park. In Allentown, and they want to celebrate the beauty of west park in the beginning, there were no pastels, pottery, woodwork, or jewelry, just paintings and watercolors. Peggy egoff was an elementary teacher, K first grade and second grade. She worked at Allentown Central Ellen school in the beginning, they only had ADS in the newspaper. Uh, the royal heirs played in the banshell, the vo-tech team at Allentown at William Allen high school, built the screens Christine, was the art in the park chair from 2017 for 4 years. She moved to the Lehigh valley in 2001 and for 5 years. She worked at the Allentown art museum as director and head of curatorial. She later works at the Lehigh Valley Health network from 20:06 to 20:13 as an arts coordinator she knew many artists, and she thought there were many, many top quality artists in the area, the Lehigh valley, and she wanted to for out in the park she wanted to celebrate and uh champion. Local artists, so she cast a wide net and tried to find as many talented artists in the area as possible. She took over just 3 months before the 2017 art in the park. Because Peggy was, you know, sick and she, uh, she started vetting by professionals. She her philosophy was to really create the show more than it had been. She invited high-profile artistic people in the arts world from Lehigh university Lafayette university mitchener art center in dolestown and Redding museum to help curate and to help vet applicants, and she established prize money. And she tried to really bring in more collectors, and she also encouraged student artists, which Peggy also did. In 2021 Michael sharp and Allen youngkin took over their philosophy was to really. Spend money to market and promote the event through television radio and the media and uh and also try and balance like Peggy and Betty, the needs of people who want to have affordable art with those who want higher value. Art

The Press Release created by ChatGPT using internet information and Schelp's read-aloud Scribbled Notes of AITP History Interviews with Robbie Egolf and Christine Oaklander
TIME TO COMPLETE: 12 SECONDS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
West Park Civic Association
Email: AITP.Allentown@gmail.com
Website: art-in-the-park.org

50th Art in the Park to Celebrate West Park’s Creative Legacy 

ALLENTOWN, PA – August 21, 2025 — The West Park Civic Association proudly announces the 50th Art in the Park, to be held on Saturday, September 13, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Allentown’s historic West Park. This milestone year honors half a century of artistry, community spirit, and cultural heritage in one of the city’s most beautiful green spaces. This year, more than 130 artists will showcase and sell their work, including 30 first-time participants. Attendees can expect to browse and buy a diverse range of high-quality, original art: ceramics, drawings, glass, jewelry, paintings, photography, sculpture, weaving, and creative pieces made from recycled or repurposed materials. Adding to the interactive experience, six featured artists will be giving live demonstrations, offering guests a chance to witness the creative process in real time.

What began in 1975 as a grassroots effort by local resident Betty Helwig, the wife of a local physician and passionate advocate for the arts, has blossomed into one of the region’s most beloved annual arts festivals. Inspired by the picturesque setting and iconic bandshell of West Park, Helwig launched Art in the Park to celebrate local artists and the beauty of the city’s first public park.

After Helwig’s passing in 2008, the torch was carried by Peggy Egolf, a dedicated elementary teacher at Allentown Central Elementary School. Egolf had co-chaired the event with Helwig since 1984. Along with her husband Robbie, Peggy sustained and grew the event until her own passing in 2017, leaving behind a legacy of passion for both the arts and community.

That same year, respected art historian and former Allentown Art Museum curator Christine Oaklander, Ph.D. stepped in to lead. With just three months’ notice, Oaklander introduced a jury system, established cash prizes, and enlisted curators from institutions including Lehigh University, Lafayette College, the Michener Art Museum, and Reading Public Museum. She also broadened outreach to student and demonstration artists and emphasized a blend of affordable and high-end art to engage a wider audience.

Since 2022, the event has been co-chaired by Alan Younkin and Michael Schelp, who have focused on promoting and growing the festival’s visibility. Their approach mirrors the original spirit of excellence, balancing affordability for local families with showcasing top-tier artistic talent.

From its humble beginnings—advertised only through newspaper ads and featuring watercolors and paintings—Art in the Park now features a vibrant mix of original fine art, pottery, woodwork, and jewelry. This year’s event will once again welcome musicians and dancers who will perform in the West Park bandshell, just as they have since the early days. Taking the stage throughout the day will be an exceptional mix of local talent, including:

The Allentown Band

El Sistema Lehigh Valley Orchestra

Church of the Mediator Choir

Civic Theatre

Community Music School

Macungie Minstrelaires

Repertory Dance Theatre

William Allen High School Dance Department

William Allen Marching Band

Sweet Adelines

From choral and classical music to theatrical and dance performances, the schedule is packed with entertainment the whole family can enjoy. An assortment of local food and drink vendors will be on site to keep visitors fueled throughout the day, offering everything from savory meals to Udder Bar ice cream.

In a special addition to this year’s festivities, the Allentown Masonic Temple — located just across the street from West Park — will commemorate the 100th anniversary of its opening by offering free guided tours of its Lodge building. This is a rare and exciting opportunity to step inside one of Allentown’s most architecturally significant and historic sites, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Over the decades, Art in the Park has become more than an art show—it’s become a symbol of Allentown’s creative spirit, a gathering place for generations, and a celebration of the beauty and history of West Park itself.

Join us this September to mark 50 years of art, music, and community. Admission is free, and all are welcome.

Event Details:
What: 50th Annual Art in the Park
When: Saturday, September 13, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Where: West Park, Allentown, PA
Admission: Free
More Info: www.art-in-the-park.org

About the West Park Civic Association:
The WPCA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the beauty, history, and vitality of West Park and the surrounding neighborhood. Through events like Art in the Park, the WPCA works to enrich the cultural life of the Allentown community.

MEDIA CONTACT:
To schedule interviews, request photos, or for press inquiries, contact:
Email: AITP.Allentown@gmail.com