Joanna Spicer believes art can bring people together. "Community outreach and work is important to me," said the textile artist. "Art is a therapeutic, friendly and fun way for me to connect with others."

Spicer will showcase her work in an exhibit titled "A Spice of Life" in the cottage at Mount Bethel Cemetery, 700 Locust St., Columbia. The exhibit will be held on Friday, April 23, from 5 to 8 p.m. and on Sunday, April 25, from 2 to 4 p.m.

Spicer's exhibit will be a fundraiser for the cemetery, which relies on funding for a variety of reasons. "Nonprofit organizations such as the Mount Bethel Cemetery had to cancel all fundraising events (this past year) due to the pandemic," said Claire Storm, a member of the cemetery board of directors. "Although most of the work to keep the cemetery in pristine condition is performed by volunteers, there are other expenses that are supported by fundraisers." Money from the event will be raised by the sale of Spicer's artwork as well as by donations and will be used for groundskeeping and landscaping, among other projects.

Spicer, who teaches art at Our Lady of the Angels Catholic School in Columbia, has helped the cemetery committee with numerous fundraisers over the years, although this will be her first time exhibiting her own work at the cottage.

"I'll be showcasing a variety of weavings and fabric pieces and possibly some prints," she said. In addition to working with the cemetery committee, Spicer has organized other art events for local individuals and organizations, and she works with the Lancaster Office of Aging and Lancaster Creative Factory as an online art instructor for senior classes. She also completed two murals in Columbia - one at Coffee and Cream cafe and one at Locust Street Park.

Spicer said supporting the Mount Bethel Cemetery is important because the site has historic significance in the community. According to the nonprofit's website, the cemetery dates to the 1720s and is the oldest burial ground in continuous use in the Columbia area.

"Not only is the show a great opportunity for community outreach, but it's also an opportunity to support a group that preserves the history of our town so that the younger generation will have an idea of the importance of these places," Spicer stated. "It's also a great opportunity to come to a place that's part of the local community and to spotlight the work that people do behind the scenes to keep things running at the cemetery."

All visitors to "A Spice of Life" are asked to wear a mask, and a limit of 10 people will be allowed to enter the cottage at one time. Light refreshments will be available under a tent at the exhibit's exit.