Johnny Appleseed Festivals

The festivals, held in the fall, are a collaborative effort of Orchard Artworks and the Bryn Athyn Cathedral. They celebrate art, literature and nature, centered around the legendary John Chapman, a humanitarian and believer in Emanuel Swedenborg’s principles. The Festival goals are to: (1) promote public awareness and interest in arts and crafts in the tri-county area, (2) involve participants in celebrating autumn, art and the human spirit through the legacy of John Chapman, (3) provide fun learning through planned activities for children, and (4) further partnerships in the immediate community.

Orchard Artworks offers an “Autumn in the Orchard” group art exhibit and children’s clothesline art show, together with apple cider pressing in an antique press and an apple tree planting ceremony. The Bryn Athyn Cathedral offers books, story telling and films about Johnny Appleseed. The festival engages people of all ages in a unique experience that brings together the best of art, nature and the human spirit.

The 2006-2007 project was made possible through the 5-County Arts Fund, a Pennsylvania Partners in the Arts program of the Pennsylvania Council of the Arts, a state agency. It is funded by the citizens of Pennsylvania through an annual legislative appropriation, and administered locally by the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance. The Pennsylvania Council on the Arts is supported by the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. The 5-County Arts Fund is also supported by PECO, An Exelon Company. Some Montgomery County projects are also funded, in part, by an appropriation from Montgomery County. For additional information about these grants, visit the Cultural Alliance online.

Improvements to the Historic Powell House

Grants from the Asplundh Foundation have enabled Orchard Artworks to stabilize the exterior of this 18th century farmhouse and construct a covered porch for art classes and shows in the summer months.

Artist Credits

Nicole Dul – for Johnny Appleseed logo

Christopher Carter – for 2006 Johnny Appleseed postcard