Smethport Web — by Nathan Muller

McART Nite drew over 100 attendees to the Courthouse on Saturday night.

The event, sponsored by the McKean County Historical Society, featured an exhibit by Holgate Toys based in Bradford, the maker of wooden toys since 1789. In the 1920s and ‘30s, Jarvis Rockwell – the brother of illustrator Norman Rockwell – was Holgate’s chief toy designer.

As attendees strolled through three floors of framed artwork, handmade quilts, jewelry and other items from 41 local artisans, dulcimer music could be heard wafting through the corridors. Wine and cheese whetted the appetite for an auction that included paintings, prints, decorations and gift baskets, among other items donated by local companies, artists and craftspeople.

Northwest Bank was a key sponsor of McArt Nite, which was also supported by the Pennsylvania Council of the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts. View some of the highlights of the evening..

Smethport’s most talented people were on hand to talk about their works. John Wesley showcased his fine watercolors depicting local landmarks. Christopher Robbins exhibited paintings featuring industrial scenes. Bob Murphy put up an impressive landscape painting for auction. Jane Defilippi showed her crocheted and sewn handworks and Sue Hagg displayed several quilts. Julie Mader presented her acclaimed watercolors, “The Messinger” and “Junco”.

Steve Miller from Kane showed intricate pencil sketches. Author William Robertson discussed his many Bucktail novels. Jackie Hazen from Port Allegany exhibited custom hand-guided machine quilting.

The proceeds from the McART auction will go to helping the McKean County Historical Society with their operating expenses.