Langhorne Council for the Arts will host a community-wide celebration of Langhorne’s native son, primitive folk artist Edward Hicks, on Saturday, April 23 from noon – 4:00 pm. Rain date is Sunday, April 24. Best known for his many paintings of “The Peaceable Kingdom,” Hicks was born in the Hicks House (now Langhorne Coffee House), developed his artistic skills by painting carriages at a shop behind the Tomlinson-Huddleston House, worked as a bartender at the Langhorne Hotel, and was married at Middletown Friends Meetinghouse. It’s only fitting, then, that the Hicks House, Langhorne Hotel, and Meetinghouse will be venues for the day’s many activities, along with the Richardson House and the Anna Mary Williamson Museum and Library.
For the children, there will be a petting zoo, face painting, and colonial games and crafts. For all ages, there will be costumed actors portraying Edward Hicks in his youth and older years, live colonial-era music, a pop-up art gallery of Hicks’ most famous paintings, a virtual walking tour of Langhorne and its ties to the Hicks family, craft vendors, and artists of present-day Langhorne. There will also be a lecture on the elements of Hicks’ work as influenced by his Quaker faith. The highlight of the day will be the dedication of three murals, created by Langhorne artist Jean-Marc Dubus, that honor Edward Hicks, his art, and his commitment to peace.
This event is family friendly and free to the public. Food will be sold in multiple locations.
For more information on all of the ways you can support our Edward Hicks Day celebration, please email LanghorneArtsEvents@gmail.com or call Pat Mervine at 215-752-0854.
In March, before the murals are installed, LCA will be offering an exciting photo op for adults, kids, and pets: get your photo taken with the Edward Hicks panel of the mural! Details of this photo op and the full schedule of events will be posted on www.LanghorneArts.org and on Langhorne Council for the Arts’ Facebook page, so stay tuned!