In The Valley, Press Release

THE SOTA SHOW HOUSE HAS RETURNED



THE SOCIETY OF THE ARTS BRINGS BACK ITS PREMIER FUNDRAISING EFFORT

THE SOTA SHOW HOUSE THIS YEAR AT THE HISTORIC JOHN B. SHIMER HOUSE

[Emmaus, Pennsylvania, April 27, 2026] — The Society of the Arts (SOTA) opens the doors of its 18th Show House on May 2 — and this year, the results are extraordinary. The Lehigh Valley’s most talented designers and landscapers have transformed every room of the historic John B. Shimer House in Emmaus, Pennsylvania, each given complete creative freedom to reimagine the space while honoring its 170-year history. An exclusive Preview Party kicks things off on May 1, before the public gets its turn May 2–17. All proceeds support the Allentown Art Museum’s educational programs, including the SOTA Education Endowment and the SOTA Print Fund.

“The Society of the Arts (SOTA) Show House is one of the most exciting events we present as an organization to raise funds for the Allentown Art Museum. We are thrilled to bring it back to the Lehigh Valley this year,” said SOTA President Peggy Herman. “The historic John B. Shimer House is a stunning backdrop for our talented designers, and we can’t wait to share it with the community.”

On Friday, April 24, community leaders gathered at the Shimer House for a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony marking the grand opening countdown. Lehigh Valley singer Kendal Conrad opened with the National Anthem, Pennsylvania State Representative Milou Mackenzie delivered remarks, and Allentown Art Museum Executive Director Max Weintraub performed the ceremonial cut.

This year’s Show House takes place at the home of Museum enthusiasts Dan Kainz and Ellen Larmer, who generously opened their landmark property to SOTA. Built in 1855 for John B. Shimer — a son of the influential Shimer family whose roots trace back to early German settlers in the Lehigh Valley — the Greek Revival farmhouse at 5445 Chestnut Street carries deep local history. Dan Kainz is a sculptor, whose work is part of the permanent collection at Grounds for Sculpture in New Jersey; Ellen Larmer serves as the Show House’s resident historian. Together, they set the stage for a transformation that unites the home’s unique heritage with exquisite, modern design at every turn. The Show House also hosts a full calendar of special events during the two-week May 2-17 run.       (382)

SOTA Show House Features and Highlights

  • Show rooms created by a robust, impressive roster of local designers and landscapers.

Visit the SOTA Show House and experience the latest in home décor and design. Participating designers and landscapers: FD Design Co (Jaime Ricchio Bassett), Stonewood Interiors (Shelbie Bemis), Love Your Room (Jenn Bonner and Hannah Miller), SpunDesign (Amy Bloom), WCA Interiors (Wandra Cain), RE:find (Jon Clark and Ron Susser), Closet Factory Allentown, Fathom Design Company (Kelly Dunn), Mairin Egge Artist and Interior Design, Ross Allen Design (Ross Allen Garza), LYR Interior Design (Shoshana Gosselin), House Splendid (Lia Papasimakis), SJ Interiors (Shweta Jajodia), Oswald Painting (David, Nora, and Prason Oswald), Beautiful Home (Sarah Perrotta), Perianth Interior Design (Hilary Unger), PLACE (Scott Rothenberger), Anthony Sierra Designs, Swine Design, Sombra’s Landscaping & Hardscaping, Papas Landcare & Construction, and RL Landscape and Design.

  • Designer Day — All Designers Meet + Greet (May 2)

Meet all 18 Show House designers in their rooms on opening day, 11 AM–4 PM. The perfect introduction to the spaces and the talent behind them.

  • Designer Talks and Demonstrations Throughout the Run (All Access Pass)

All Access passholders enjoy exclusive designer talks and demonstrations throughout the two-week run, including Hilary Unger on life as a designer, Ellen Larmer on the history of the Shimer House, Nora Oswald’s faux finish demo, Wandra Cain on designing for every season of life, Shoshana Gosselin on getting unstuck in your space, and Mairin Egge on mural effects.

  • Off-Site Opening Night at RE:find + Art Haus (May 7, Off-Site)

Join RE:find’s Jon Clark, Ron Susser, and curator Deborah Rabinsky at 645 Hamilton St., Allentown for sparkling wine and a chance to meet featured artist Michael Sincavage. Then continue next door to Art Haus for a new exhibit by sculptor Graham Lucks, featuring kinetic works and drawings by Michio Ihara. 4–6 PM. All Access passholders only — RSVP required.

  • Mother’s Day Luncheon & Fashion Show (May 9 at Lehigh Country Club)

SOTA comes alive with style! Join us for an afternoon of delicious food and spectacular fashion from Boutique to Go, Lara Bly Fashion Design Studio & Boutique, and Assembly 88. Each ticket includes one complimentary admission to the SOTA Show House. 11:30 AM–2:30 PM, $75 per person. Tickets at sotapa.org/events.

  • Wellness in Design with Jaime Bassett of FD Design Studio (May 14, Off-Site)

Discover how thoughtful design choices — from materials and air quality to lighting and layout — can support your physical health, mental clarity, and overall comfort. At FD Design Studio, 4887 Hamilton Blvd., Allentown. 4–6 PM. All Access passholders only — RSVP required.

  • Sustainable + Environmentally Friendly Design with Shweta Jajodia of SJ Interiors (May 15, Off-Site)

A talk on mindful, sustainable design — prioritizing quality, craftsmanship, and natural materials over fast furniture and disposable décor. Light refreshments served. At SJ Interiors Studio, 26 N. 6th St., Suite 130, Allentown. 4:30–6:30 PM. All Access passholders only — RSVP required.

  • Planters, Pastries & Prosecco with Scott Rothenberger of PLACE (May 16, Off-Site)

Join internationally recognized, award-winning landscape designer Scott Rothenberger at PLACE Design Studio (1780 Rt 100, Bally) for a container garden and tablescape workshop with complimentary libations and light bites. Receive 25% off one in-stock item; raffle proceeds benefit SOTA. 11:30 AM–2:30 PM. All Access passholders only — RSVP required.

  • Shopping opportunities at SOTA’S Boutique 

And so much more!

Show House Hours & Admission

Open May 2–17, 2026
Tuesday–Friday: 10 AM – 4 PM  |  Saturday–Sunday: 10 AM – 5 PM  |  Closed Mondays

5445 Chestnut Street, Emmaus, PA 18049

General Admission: $35  |  All-Access Pass: $50

Please note: As a historic 1855 structure, the Shimer House is not ADA accessible.

Tickets now available at https://www.sotapa.org/events

About Society of the Arts

Society of the Arts (SOTA) is a nonprofit cultural organization founded in 1964 with a mission to support the Allentown Art Museum’s presentation of outstanding artistic programs. Throughout the year, the SOTA offers a number of public events, including docent tours, art activities for children and families, Luncheon with the Authors, the SOTA Show House, and more. Throughout our sixty-year history, SOTA has contributed generously to the Allentown Art Museum. Our gifts have included funds for the purchase of more than 400 prints for the Museum’s collections through the SOTA Print Fund, the creation of the SOTA Education Endowment, and financial support for “Free Sundays,” “Art Ways” and other Museum educational needs. Society of the Arts is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

SOTA is dedicated to advancing and promoting the mission of the Allentown Art Museum, in our community and beyond.

 

Information provided to TVL by:
Whitney McCabe