At the heart of Pennridge School District, a hidden treasure exists behind closed doors. Adorning the walls of the district office is an extensive art collection, which has been cultivated over several years and includes over 30 paintings and other pieces.
The artwork displayed in the district office is not student work but rather professionally done pieces that showcase the foundations and beauty of Bucks County, some of which are worth quite a bit. One of the many paintings displayed here is the Centennial Parade in Perkasie by John Falter, which is worth $75,000 and was originally in Guth Elementary School but now resides in the filing room of the district office. One of the most expensive paintings within the office is Two Roads by George W. Sotter, which costs $100,000 and was initially located in Sellersville Elementary library. This piece was acquired by Pennridge in 1952 through the efforts of the art committee of the district’s Parent-Teacher Association (PTA). Sotter also has work displayed at the Michener Museum, LaSalle University Art Museum, New Jersey State Museum, Pennsylvania State Museum, and Woodmere Art Museum. Another piece is Red Roof of Bruges by Walter Emerson Baum, who was known for “discovering the beauty of Main Street” in Sellersville, and it is worth $50,000. Sarah Moos, an art teacher at Pennridge High School, stated, “He [Baum] made his life’s work painting Bucks County.” There are at least 17 different Baum artworks that decorate the walls of the district office, which is no coincidence, as he donated his work to the school district himself. According to Moos, Baum donated so many paintings because “He was very much about education. He wanted art to be studied and part of the curriculum.” It was his way of facilitating the exposure of art and creativity to the people of Pennridge, though the collection is currently kept where students cannot see it.
Despite being kept from public view, the art has not gone unappreciated. Various artworks scatter the walls of the first and second floor of the district officer, which all who work and visit there can see. Jackie Schuler took a special interest in the collection and has dedicated much of her time to researching the pieces that are hung up around the building. Because of her, some of the artworks have labels that contain important information about the art, such as its name, creator, and history. Schuler is not the only one to take notice of the artwork either. When Earnest Johnson, the Director of Studnet Services at Pennridge, was asked if he’s ever observed the art, he stated, “Absolutely, it’s beautiful. Actually, I’m fascinated with the artwork.” While Johson loves having the ability to view the art while he works, he did express that he believes the student body could benefit from some of the paintings being displayed around the school as well as the district office. Johnson explained, “It’s like a talking point. You may not have anything in common, but this art, you’re like, wow.”
While Pennridge might not commonly be known for its substantial art collection, the paintings littering the distinct office are something to be admired. With works from Sotter, Baum, Falter, and many more, they have managed to accumulate an immense amount of artwork that proudly displays the history and beauty of Bucks County and Pennridge.
Sources:
https://woodmereartmuseum.org/explore-online/collection/artist/george-w-sotter
https://www.incollect.com/artists/george-sotter-paintings
https://americanillustration.org/project/john-falter/
https://bucksco.michenerartmuseum.org/artists/walter-emerson-baum/
