Museum To Host Heritage Day, Artists-In-Residence

The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, 300 Gap Road, Strasburg, will host Railroad Heritage Day on Saturday, Sept. 10, and the public is invited.

The event will include a Pennsylvania Railroad Technical and Historical Society educational and historical display, as well as a vintage Ford truck in the Pennsylvania Railroad livery from Ken Briers. At 11 a.m., Marino J. "Joe" Acri III will present on the Pennsylvania Railroad G5's locomotive and backup service with commuter trains. Retired CSX engineer Dominic "DJ" Arlia will speak at 1 p.m. about his experiences working for the railroad, his model railroading hobby, being a licensed drone pilot, and his YouTube videos.

In addition, Frank Crowe will create and exhibit works at the museum on Sept. 10 and Sunday, Sept. 11. Crowe is one of four artists-in-residence who will be hosted at the museum in the coming months in cooperation with the American Society of Railway Artists. The other artists are Gil Bennett, Ken Muramoto, and Nadine Charlsen.

Crowe began watching trains at an early age, took up drawing and painting them and, as a result, earned a scholarship to the University of Georgia. Upon graduation, Crowe worked briefly for several railroads, and today he is a senior designer for a large carpet manufacturer. His work allows him to travel, shoot railroad photography, and paint. He has photographed trains in the 48 contiguous United States and in all but one Canadian province.

Bennett will visit the museum on Saturday, Oct. 22, and Sunday, Oct. 23. He has had a passion for trains since age 2. Classically trained, he graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in architecture and fine arts. A self-described "rivet counter," he makes sure his subjects are rendered as accurately as possible. Bennett's works in oil and watercolor are collected and commissioned by individuals worldwide and may also be found on calendars, cards, and book covers.

Muramoto will also be present at the museum on Oct. 22 and 23. Muramoto blends his fascination with trains with his love of art. Diagnosed with autism at age 3, he showed a gift for drawing early on, and this talent was nurtured by his parents. He has received numerous awards in community shows.

Charlsen will visit the museum on Saturday, Dec. 3, and Sunday, Dec. 4. She is an urban landscape watercolor artist with a flair for trains and industrial sites. From her extensive background as a theatrical lighting designer, she incorporates light, shadows, scale, colors, and textures into her work. While Charlsen paints all things related to the railroad industry, she said she particularly enjoys the challenge that capturing steam engines presents, as their workings are exposed and need to be portrayed accurately.

The American Society of Railway Artists, formed in 2013, encourages the depiction of railroading past and present through art. The society counts both noted and emerging railroad artists among its members and presents a variety of opportunities annually for those who love art and railroading to come together.

Additionally, a Railroading Merit Badge Workshop has been set for Saturday, Sept. 17, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for boys and girls ages 11 to 17. The workshop will feature a variety of railroad-themed activities, including equipment tours, demonstrations, and a G-scale model railroad simulation. All badge requirements will be fulfilled in a single day. There is a cost.

The museum will offer sensory hours on Tuesday, Sept. 20, from 3 to 5 p.m. for people of all ages with special sensory needs. The museum will reduce lighting and sounds and maintain a low attendance, with quiet spaces set up for breaks. A few of the historic trains will be open, with museum staff present to answer questions. There is a fee.

To learn more, visit http://www.rrmuseumpa.org or call 717-687-8628.

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