SMETHPORT – The McKean County Historical Society’s “McArt Nite”
is back.

When the doors open at 7 p.m. Nov. 10, the McKean County
Courthouse will be transformed into an art gallery featuring the
best paintings, photographs, sculptures, drawings, woodcarvings,
woodworking, stained glass, jewelry and fabric art by McKean County
artists.

McKean County artists who have not been contacted are invited to
display some of their works and should contact the Old Jail Museum
for additional information.

Jim Johnson, a society director, is chairman.

Many of the artists’ items will be sold at an auction that
begins at 8:30 p.m.

“This will be an excellent opportunity to buy Christmas gifts
from our own county for ages 1 to 100,” said Eileen McKean society
president.

Two oil paintings from the Kane family will be on display – a
portrait of Elizabeth Kane by an unknown artist and the other which
records a sinking of a battleship by Elijah K. Kent. They have been
donated by the Everett Engstrom family in Smethport.

“Neither one will be sold since it is the society’s policy not
to sell donated items,” McKean said.

Art work will be displayed on all floors of the courthouse.
Society volunteers will be present to assist the public.

The evening will also include music, according to Johnson.
Margaret Hoehman, a harpist from Port Allegany, will be playing
selections in the mezzanine. Among the other musicians slated to
appear is Danbee Kim of Bradford, a classical pianist and
violinist.

Well-known authors, Bill Robertson, Patricia Costa Viglucci and
Brian Connolly, will autograph copies of their books.

Advanced sale tickets are being sold now at a savings by calling
the Old Jail Musem. Tickets will also be sold at the door.

Proceeds will benefit the roofing replacement project at the
museum.