Berks County artists and arts organizations are invited to take part in a series of Arts Town Hall listening sessions focused on the needs and future of the local arts community.
The Reading Musical Foundation, GoggleWorks Center for the Arts, Yocum Institute for Arts Education, and BCTV are partnering to host five sessions at locations throughout Berks County. The conversations will provide an opportunity for participants to talk about what they are experiencing now, where they see gaps or opportunities, and what a strong arts community could look like in the years ahead.
The initiative comes at a time of transition for the local arts community and reflects a shared commitment among the participating organizations to listen before determining what comes next.
“We want to begin by listening,” said Vicki Haller Graff, executive director of Yocum Institute, and Keri Shultz, president of Reading Musical Foundation. “There are many people and organizations doing important creative work throughout Berks County, and this is an opportunity to hear directly from them about what they need, what they’re seeing, and what they hope for the future.”
Artists, arts educators, creative professionals, and representatives of arts and cultural organizations are invited to participate in one of the following sessions:
• Oct. 27, noon, Yocum Institute, 3000 Penn Ave., West Lawn
• Oct. 29, 7 p.m., Reading Civic Theatre, 4350 Perkiomen Ave., Exeter Township
• Nov. 4, 7 p.m., Hamburg Strand, 6 S. Fourth St., Hamburg
• Nov. 10, 7 p.m., Clay on Main, 313 Main St. R, Oley
• Nov. 18, noon, GoggleWorks, 201 Washington St., Reading
Sessions are limited to 20 participants and are expected to last 90 minutes. Due to the intimate design of these listening sessions and limited space, organizations are asked to send one representative to ensure there is enough space for organizations, artists, and volunteers from a multitude of disciplines and geographical areas to participate.
Following the listening sessions, a community-wide survey will provide an opportunity for additional voices, including arts patrons and other members of the public, to participate. Feedback from the sessions and survey will then be compiled into a summary report and shared with the community.
The listening sessions are intended as the beginning of a broader conversation about how Berks County can support a strong, connected, and sustainable arts community for the future.
To register, go to https://tinyurl.com/2upf9rsr.
Exhibit
Every object in our world has a story of how it is made. “How People Make Things,” a new exhibit on view through Jan. 10, 2027, in the Reading Public Museum’s Meinig and World Cultures Galleries, tells that story by linking familiar childhood objects to a process of manufacturing that combines people, ideas and technology.
“How People Make Things,” inspired by the factory tour segments from the “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” television series, offers hands-on activities using real factory tools and machines to create objects with four manufacturing processes — molding, cutting, deforming and assembly. Many common manufactured products help tell the story of how people, ideas and technology transform raw materials into finished products.
A youngster uses a penny press, part of the “How People Make Things” exhibit at the Reading Public Museum. (Courtesy of the Reading Public Museum)
Visitors can use a die cutter to make a box and a horse, cut wax using different sculpting tools, deform a wire by taking a straight wire into a spring shape by winding it around the metal shaft, mold spoons using real melted wax, assemble a trolley and test your skills on the testing track.
“’How People Make Things’ is an especially meaningful exhibition to bring to Reading,” said Geoffrey K. Fleming, executive director and CEO of the Reading Public Museum. “Historically and today, manufacturing has been a driving force in our region’s economy and heritage, thanks to the skill and dedication of local workers. We hope this exhibition inspires a greater appreciation for the craftsmanship and innovation behind the everyday objects we use, while its interactive components spark children’s curiosity and encourage them to explore future careers in manufacturing and STEAM.”
“This exhibit brings children close to the real stuff, the nuts and bolts of how products are manufactured, which is very easy to feel removed from these days,” says Jane Werner, executive director of the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh. “Through his factory tours, Fred Rogers took complex issues and made them simple and direct so children could understand them and relate them to their own lives. He made manufacturing fascinating and inspirational, and we continue that tradition with How People Make Things.”
The factory tour videos from the “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” television series featured in the exhibit depict the making of crayons, carousel horses, balls, stop lights, quarters, shoes, toy cars and toy wagons.
“How People Make Things” was created by Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh in collaboration with Family Communications, Inc. (FCI), the producer of “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” and the University of Pittsburgh Center for Learning in Out-of-School Environments (UPCLOSE). The exhibit was made possible with support from the National Science Foundation and The Grable Foundation.
“How People Make Things” is presented locally by the Berks County Community Foundation, with additional support from Brentwood Industries, East Penn Manufacturing, and the Wyomissing Foundation.
The Reading Public Museum, 500 Museum Road, is supported in part by grants from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts. Admission per day is $14 for adults (18-64), $8 for children/seniors/college students (w/ID) and free to members and children 3 and under. Currently enrolled Reading School District students and up to five accompanying guests receive free regular museum admission and free admission to public Neag Planetarium shows with proof of enrollment. The museum is open daily from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Visit online at www.readingpublicmuseum.org.
Storytelling
Reading Theater Project will host the Spooky Stacks Story Slam, an evening of stories and haunts, on Wednesday from 7-9 p.m. at The Velvet Spine Bookstore, 508 Penn Ave., West Reading. Local performers will share original short stories while guests browse and buy from a curated bookstore selection. The event also offers community members, arts supporters, and local businesses a relaxed way to connect.
The evening is a fundraiser with a goal of $1,500, with donations and sponsorships supporting RTP’s 2026-2027 programming. Tickets are available at rtp.ludus.com.
Fundraiser
Reading Roller Derby will bring a full day of live music, roller derby and family-friendly entertainment to the Reading Liederkranz in Lower Alsace Township next Sunday for the second annual RDG Jam Fest, a fundraising event featuring five local bands, a roller derby demonstration, vendors, raffles and more.
(Courtesy of RDG Jam Fest)
The outdoor festival will run from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and will feature live performances by The Great American Typewriter, Crashout, The Angies, Hometown Ghosts and UNC Punk. Comedian Dana Charitonchick will serve as the event’s special guest emcee.
Inked Anatomy, Berks County’s first female owned and operated tattoo studio, will be offering flash tattoos.
Sage Rock Massage and Bodywork will be available for chair massages.
The festival will also feature a roller derby demonstration with commentary from RDG coach BoOm offering attendees a chance to see the sport up close and learn more about roller derby.
Throughout the day, guests can shop with local vendors, visit the RDG merchandise sale, take part in a dime toss, enjoy a photobooth and stop by the bake sale. A basket raffle and 50/50 raffle will also be held, with drawings at 5 p.m. Winners do not need to be present.
Food and beverages will be available for purchase from the Reading Liederkranz.
The event will be held outdoors, rain or shine, and will include free parking and access to indoor restrooms.
Admission is $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Children 12 and under are free. For tickets, visit https://tinyurl.com/RDG-Jam-Fest-2026.
Art
Pennsylvania-based classical artist Marky Barto announced her second solo exhibition, “In the Footsteps of the Old Masters: Continuing the Legacy,” running Nov. 1-29 at Art Plus Gallery, 604 Penn Ave., West Reading.
“Red Coated Gentleman” by Marky Barto. (Courtesy of Marky Barto)
Presenting a curated collection of oil paintings and charcoal drawings, the showcase pairs new works with select foundational pieces to chronicle the artist’s evolving mastery of traditional techniques. Through dramatic play of light and dark, Barto pulls quiet subjects out of deep, velvety shadows — from intimate still-lifes to evocative animal portraits.
An opening reception will be held on Nov. 13 from 5-8 p.m. at the Art Plus Gallery. Guests will have the opportunity to meet the artist, view the collection up close, and enjoy complimentary refreshments. The event is free.
Barto draws inspiration from her European roots, specializing in traditional Old Masters techniques. Her artistic journey spans rigorous classical training, including a studio apprenticeship under renowned classical painter Eric Armusik, and intricate 14th-century paper filigree, honoring timeless traditions across multiple mediums.
Following her debut solo exhibition in 2023, Barto’s artwork and paper quilling creations have been featured in regional exhibitions and gallery displays across Pennsylvania, as well as highlighted on local television programming. Through her studio practice and instructional workshops, she remains dedicated to preserving and sharing the timeless traditions of fine art. For more information, visit www.artbymarky.com.
Speakers
The Jewish Federation of Reading/Berks will host Ziv Abud and Eliya Cohen, two young people from Israel who have endured the unimaginable, for an extremely powerful program, “From Captivity to Freedom.”
As they recently did at the U.N in New York City, Abud and Cohen will share their remarkable stories on Oct. 28 at 7 p.m. The event is free. Audience members are required to register by Tuesday. Visit readingjewishcommunity.org or contact Jewish Federation of Reading/Berks at info@jfreading.org or 610-921-0624. The location of the event will be given upon registration. Be prepared to show photo I.D. for admittance.
Cohen was kidnapped from the NOVA Music Festival and held hostage in Gaza for 505 days. His story is one of endurance and courage. Abud is a survivor of NOVA; she survived by hiding in a pile of bodies and afterwards fought tirelessly to bring Ziv home. They will offer powerful insights into the lasting impact of Oct. 7 and the resilience of the human spirit.
“From Captivity to Freedom” is presented by Jewish Federation of Reading/Berks and sponsored by Victor and Dena Hammel, Kingsview Partners, Sweet Street Desserts, Alvernia University and Dr. David Sacks.
Music
The Yocum Institute for Arts Education will welcome Grammy Award-winning musician David Cullen for a special afternoon of music next Sunday, offering young musicians the opportunity to learn directly from an accomplished performer and explore a variety of musical styles.
Designed for students ages 18 and under, the afternoon will feature two hands-on workshops focused on guitar and vocal performance. Audience members of all ages are welcome to attend and experience the workshops.
The Guitar Workshop, beginning at 2 p.m., will give students the opportunity to develop their guitar-playing skills while learning tips and techniques from Cullen. Drawing from his experience across a range of musical styles, Cullen will explore classical, jazz, folk, and blues with participants. Students attending the guitar workshop should bring their own instrument.
At 3, the Vocal Workshop will invite students to strengthen their singing skills while learning from Cullen’s experience performing a diverse range of musical genres, including pop, jazz, folk, blues, and church music.
Cullen is a Grammy Award-winning musician whose extensive musical experience spans multiple genres and performance settings. His ability to move comfortably between musical styles makes this workshop a unique opportunity for students to gain insight from a professional performer and broaden their musical perspectives.
The workshops will take place at Yocum Institute for Arts Education, 3000 Penn Ave., West Lawn. Registration is $10 per workshop, and current Yocum students may attend free of charge, thanks to the generous support of the Reading Musical Foundation. Current Yocum students can request a special registration code from their teacher prior to registering.
For more information or questions, contact Music Department Director Suzanne Bado at sbado@yocuminstitute.org. To register, click tickets at www.yocuminstitute.org, call 610-376-1576, or stop by Yocum Institute in person.