{"id":148865,"date":"2026-04-27T16:58:39","date_gmt":"2026-04-27T20:58:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thevalleyledger.com\/?p=148865"},"modified":"2026-04-27T16:58:39","modified_gmt":"2026-04-27T20:58:39","slug":"the-sota-show-house-has-returned","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thevalleyledger.com\/?p=148865","title":{"rendered":"THE SOTA SHOW HOUSE HAS RETURNED"},"content":{"rendered":"

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THE SOCIETY OF THE ARTS BRINGS BACK ITS PREMIER FUNDRAISING EFFORT<\/p>\n

THE SOTA SHOW HOUSE THIS YEAR AT THE HISTORIC JOHN B. SHIMER HOUSE<\/p>\n

[Emmaus, Pennsylvania, April 27, 2026]<\/strong> \u2014 The Society of the Arts (SOTA) opens the doors of its 18th Show House on May 2 \u2014 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\u201317. All proceeds support the Allentown Art Museum’s educational programs, including the SOTA Education Endowment and the SOTA Print Fund.<\/p>\n

“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,”<\/em> 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.”<\/em><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

This year\u2019s 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 \u2014 a son of the influential Shimer family whose roots trace back to early German settlers in the Lehigh Valley \u2014 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. \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 (382)<\/p>\n

SOTA Show House Features and Highlights<\/strong><\/p>\n