It is the beauty of art coupled with the beauty of nature. The Landis Woods Outdoor Fine Art Show is art as an event, presented outside and interpreted among the trees.

By all accounts, the latest edition of the annual Landis Woods Outdoor Fine Art Show - the 24th - was another success. Sponsored by Manheim Township, the show was held at Landis Woods Park, 2369 Lititz Pike, on the last Saturday in September.

"It's always wonderful, and we always seem to have good weather," said Paris Wyatt Llanso, a member of the show's selection committee. "It's a really nice day of community visiting, it's great exposure for the artists and it's a fun-filled day for residents of Manheim Township and surrounding areas. It's also a chance to have a natural art event."

"Art is a pressure valve release," continued Llanso. "It allows people to experience things. Art speaks to the heart. It can be beautiful, but it also evokes emotions. It can also be adding a little color and life to your house."

More than 1,000 people from Manheim Township, other parts of Lancaster County and beyond attended the Landis Woods Outdoor Fine Art Show. They were treated to the work of 37 artists - some from as far away as Baltimore and New York - including creations in the mediums of oil painting, sculpture, photography, watercolor, jewelry, acrylic ceramic and, appropriately, wood.

Live music and refreshments including wine made the event even more festive.

"It's one of the smaller art shows around," said Llanso. "It's like a mini Mount Gretna. I think a lot of people don't know about us. I think we have a wonderful, special event that the community needs to be aware of and support. It's invaluable for the community to have an event like this. In an ugly world, it's a place of beauty."

Prizes were awarded to artists in a variety of categories. Their works were made available for sale, with some fetching as much as $5,000.

"We are trying to pull in unique talent," said Llanso. "We do let in some people who are beginning to develop their style, but for the most part, they're well-established artists who sell locally and internationally."

"The feedback is invaluable," she added. "Just to see if you're on the right track and to see if people are getting what you are trying to get across. You need these venues to get an audience. In a way, it's validation to see if you're hitting the mark."

Founded in 1999 by former Manheim Township Commissioner Ray Baldwin, the Landis Woods Outdoor Fine Art Show has endured its fair share of changes and challenges. The venue has served as a constant.

"(Baldwin) loved the arts," said Llanso. "He felt there was something missing in Township. He thought Landis Woods was the perfect venue for the show. Over the years, I've watched it grow and shrink and grow again. The committee has changed, but we're always looking for new blood and new ideas to make the show better."