Greshville Antiques & Fine Art

  Valerie Malmberg bought a painting of chicks and a hen because the scene “spoke to her.” And so began a career of bringing Berks County art to a wide audience. That painting, which just happened to be by premier Berks artist Ben Austrian, was inspiration for the first art show at Greshville Antiques and Fine Arts 25 years ago. 

  Building on husband Kurt’s family’s antique business and specialty in clocks and furniture, the couple created a market for the Berks art. Initially traveling widely searching out paintings, the Malmbergs now have a steady supply come to them — the experts (Valerie has written a definitive book).

  The first week in October will again bring 3000 Berks art lovers and collectors to Boyertown to look, buy and catch up with old friends.  This important show, featuring 125 pieces collected throughout the year, has made serious buyers cancel trips to Paris and give up 50-yard line tickets!

  If you’ve wanted to own regional art or put your money where you can enjoy it, stop by October 4 through 11 and see what charmed Valerie years ago. Contact: 610-367-0076.

Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools (PAIS)

  Parent of two independent school graduates and grandparent of an independent school student, Linda Phelps worked for over 25 years with public and independent schools (from Tredyffrin-Easttown to Penn Charter) before joining PAIS.       

  An organization of over 100 independent schools, PAIS provides services, including accreditation, to schools supported primarily by tuition rather than tax or church funds and governed by a board of trustees. A nice fit for the Executive Director who credits her own success to “a strong liberal arts education at an independent college” — Juniata College in Huntington, PA.

  While PAIS continues to focus on advocacy, its current priority is implementing new accreditation standards for competencies such as complex communication, digital literacy, global perspectives and ethical decision-making, a mission Linda sees as helping “create good 21st-century citizens of the world.” 

  With Linda’s help, Pennsylvania’s independent schools continue to be places where rigorous academic standards and artistic talents are valued and where young people are expected to be good citizens. Clearly a great life’s work. -CL-