By Claire Chow ’26

Mercersburg Historical Society in conjunction with Mercersburg Academy presents the annual Nancy Horton Heefner Memorial Art Show now on exhibit in the Cofrin Gallery in the Burgin Center for the Arts. A closing reception will be held on Sunday, September 22, from 1 to 4 p.m., offering light refreshments and conversation with attending artists. The Mercersburg community and local art enthusiasts are all welcome to attend.

The exhibition consists of works by many artists from the greater Mercersburg community and surrounding areas, as well as students, staff, alumni, and faculty children of Mercersburg Academy. Among the works on display is “Mercersburg Academy Chapel,” acrylic on canvas, by McConnellsburg artist Joe Wolfe, depicting the Academy’s very own chapel. Other works consist of various mediums, including oil paintings, blown glass, wooden sculpture, and ceramic sculpture.

Syd Caretti, director of galleries and arts faculty member at Mercersburg Academy, extends her gratitude to all the artists, especially watercolor artist Susan Shaffer, parent to one of the school counselors, Amy Shaffer Post ’02, for her generous help in arranging the pieces and setting the show. Two of her watercolour batik pieces are included in the exhibition.

Caretti noted, “It is a delight and honor to be part of this show in partnership with the Mercersburg Historical Society. I appreciate all the friendships that have developed from this annual event.”

The show is in honor of Nancy Horton Heefner, who was an artist, author, and teacher at Mercersburg Academy. For 22 years, she taught art history, drawing, and ceramics at the Academy and was head of the art department for seven years, retiring in 1994. 

Heefner earned a degree in fine arts from Wilson College and did postgraduate work at Alfred University in New York and San Francisco State University. She was also a member of the Mercersburg Women’s Club and vice president of the Mercersburg Historical Society. She passed away in 2001. Her husband, Tom ’57, is a former member of the school’s Alumni Council and continues to stay involved with the school. 

Running concurrently with the Art Show, in the corner gallery, is an exhibit of work by Mercersburg Academy Class of 2025 students from Advanced Studies: Studio Art.

Visitors should contact the Office of Campus Safety using instructions at the front door to be admitted to the building or can make an appointment with Caretti at 717-328-6206. The Burgin Center for the Arts is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday and 1 to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.