Former Manheim Township supervisor and former Pennsylvania state Rep. Roy Baldwin remembers when Boettcher House Museum in Landis Woods became a township facility in 1996. "We had three objectives for the museum," recalled Baldwin, who listed preserving natural history, renting the facility, and holding events.

In 1999, one of those events, an annual art show, kicked off. "I promoted that because I had good relationships with local artists," said Baldwin, who mentioned Lisa Madenspacher, Suk Shuglie, and Andy Smith in that group. "They helped plan it all." Baldwin's interest in art began when he was attending Cornell University and met his wife-to-be. "I started going to art history classes," said Baldwin, who later visited art museums worldwide.

Baldwin's efforts to launch the local show were successful, and this year, the 21st annual Landis Woods Outdoor Fine Art Show will be held rain or shine on the Boettcher House Museum grounds, 2369 Lititz Pike, Neffsville, on Saturday, Sept. 25, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. An art walk, which will feature the work of local high school artists, is planned from noon until 3 p.m. on the day of the show. Items that artists and craftspeople will sell at the show include jewelry, mixed-media pieces, abstract art, landscapes, watercolor paintings, ceramics, and pottery. This year, an artist who specializes in body painting will be present to take appointments. The show is billed as a child-friendly and pet-friendly event.

Madenspacher, who has traditionally participated in the show but is skipping this year, said that her daughter, artist Adrienne Judge, would take part. "She has always had artistic flair," said Madenspacher, displaying a metallic abstract painting by Judge. "This year ... she dove into (her creative side) headfirst, and she is doing great."

Paris Llanso has participated for many years. The local artist, known for her prima impasto method, displayed a commissioned piece of a llama, a rabbit, and a bird. "I am working on a similar piece for the show," said Llanso.

One of artist Irene Miller's works is a precise Lancaster County farm scene based on a property located north of Lititz. "I do watercolor, (but) I don't do the traditional watercolors," explained Miller, meaning that her work does not have the fluid appearance often associated with watercolor. During the art show, organizers will hold hourly drawings for gift certificates to be used toward the purchase of artwork. Each attendee will receive a ticket as he or she enters the event. Refreshments will be available for purchase from the Neffsville Mennonite Church youth group. Both admission and parking are free.

John Beaumont, who organizes the musical entertainment for the show, has put together a lineup that brings back a number of favorites from past events. Musical groups will include the Sorrentino Jazz Band at 9:30 a.m. and Stone Soup String Band playing old-time mountain music at 11:15 a.m. At 1 p.m., the Steve Barth Band will play rock tunes and soft rock covers. At 2:45 p.m., TJ Earley, of which Beaumont is a member, will play originals and covers of blues, rock, and soft rock songs.

Attendees may enter the event grounds from either Hillside Lane or Meadow Lane, located off Lititz Pike in Neffsville.