Janey Hill wins Schroeder painting raffle at St. Peter’s Art Show

The winner of the St. Peter's Art Show raffle for an original watercolor by artist Howard Schroeder, a longtime resident who achieved national fame for his paintings, is Janey Hill of Oak Orchard.

"I was thrilled - I couldn't believe it. I never win anything, and to win that - it was so unexpected," said Hill, who plans to hang the watercolor of fishing boats on her living room wall. She said she came to the show with her mother and bought a ticket there.

The Schroeder raffle was a big attraction at the 50th annual show sponsored by St. Peter's Episcopal Church, Lewes, July 2. The artist, who died in 1995, helped organize the church's art shows for several years when they began and was a longtime exhibitor. His son, John and his wife, Sue, donated the painting to the church in honor of the show's 50th anniversary.

In addition to the Schroeder painting, the featured artists' raffle, a traditional part of the show, included works by four of this year's exhibitors. The plein air painter's box by wood artisan Michael Quattrociocchi was won by Mary Shea of Milton; a sterling silver and black onyx necklace from jewelry designer Joy Davis was won by Patty Bennett of Lewes; two lobster prints by watercolorist Bonnie White went to Madison Werner of Milton; and a painting celebrating the art show by Pamella Bounds-Seemans was won by Denise Seliskar of Lewes.

All proceeds from the art show are given as grants to community organizations that help individuals and families in the local area. While final figures are not yet in, show organizers estimate more than $20,000 was raised this year.

Members of the Art Show Committee expressed appreciation to the exhibitors, to the estimated 2,000 people who visited the show and especially to neighbors and businesses nearby for their cooperation and hospitality. The streets surrounding the church were closed for the show.

"Special thanks should also be given to Adele Fluharty, parish administrator, and Bob Reehorst, sexton, for working with exhibitors, neighbors and the public to make the art show a success," said Karen Fischer, co-chair of the committee with Shelly Souder. "And to the many St. Peter's volunteers, the church's Green Team members who made available cold water to vendors and visitors, and to the women and men who prepared and served the luncheon."

The committee also thanked Deny Howeth for designing the 50th anniversary logo; Mayor Ted Becker, members of the City Council, City Manager Paul Eckrich and the Streets and Public Works Department, and police and fire departments for supporting the show throughout the years; M&T Bank for use of its parking lot for exhibitors; Citizens Bank for displaying the featured artists' raffle items; the Cape Henlopen School District, Lewes Presbyterian Church and Bethel United Methodist Church for providing free exhibitor parking; Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices/Gallo Realty for shuttle transportation; SignARama for the show banners; Rehoboth Art and Framing for framing the Schroeder painting; and the Lewes Public Library, Lewes Chamber of Commerce, Community Bank, Lewes Historical Society and Rehoboth YMCA, all of which helped publicize the show.