This summer, Layla Beyer ’27 is getting a firsthand look at how communities unite through a shared love of the arts. Beyer, who studies history of art and architecture and theatre at Franklin & Marshall College, is interning with the Mount Gretna Outdoor Art Show — a local tradition that has brought the region together for more than 50 years.

“I am a Pennsylvania local and have visited the Mount Gretna Art Show a number of times in the past,” Beyer said. “I thought this internship would be the perfect opportunity to learn more about what goes into organizing an event of this proportion and how it interacts with the local community. It is really inspiring to see this kind of work get done for the love of people and art.”

For Beyer, the hands-on role develops practical career skills while mirroring the welcoming artistic community she found in F&M’s home city of Lancaster.

“I have always known I wanted to pursue a career in the arts, and I found a lovely community of artists and art historians in Lancaster that inspired me to continue down this path,” she said.

Layla Beyer ’27

Major: History of Art and Architecture

Minor: Theatre

Summer Experience: Intern at Mount Gretna Art Show in Mount Gretna Art Show, Pa.

Funding Support: John Neigh, M.D. '55, P'92, G'15 & Charline Neigh P'92, G'15 Endowed Internship Fund

Hometown: York, Pa.

What type of work are you doing with Mount Gretna?

As the Mount Gretna Art Show Intern, I work directly with the director of the art show, Kerry Royer. While we are preparing for the show in August, I am mostly working on marketing. I design and post graphics and pictures to our Instagram in collaboration with artists and vendors to promote the show. As the show dates get closer, I will help Kerry coordinate with the artists and manage the information they need.

In addition to the art show, I work with the Pennsylvania Chautauqua Summer Programs. I aid their lead intern with hosting lectures in the Hall of Philosophy, as well as helping out with the Visitor’s Center in Mount Gretna. 

How did your F&M studies or personal interests impact your decision to do this internship?

I am a history of art and architecture major at F&M, and I have an interest in art management and the community outreach that can be done in relation to art. I am a Pennsylvania local and have visited the Mount Gretna Art Show a number of times in the past. I thought this internship would be the perfect opportunity to learn more about what goes into organizing an event of this proportion and how it interacts with the local community. 

What has been the most fascinating aspect of your experience so far?

The people. I am truly amazed by the community in Mount Gretna. So many of the folks who live and work there are extremely dedicated to education and community building. It is really inspiring to see this kind of work get done for the love of people and art. 

How do you feel your F&M education prepared you for this opportunity?

I am given lots of opportunities at F&M to branch out and do more community-based work with my extracurriculars. I am the president of the Green Room Theatre Club, one of the theatre groups on campus, and I have helped build productions for clubs and the department. While the art show is much bigger in scale, the sort of event preparation and organization I have done at F&M has prepared me for what to expect. 

What inspired you to major in history of art and architecture and minor in theatre?

I have always known I wanted to pursue a career in the arts, and I found a lovely community of artists and art historians in Lancaster that inspired me to continue down this path. I enjoy working with people, and I saw my art history degree and theatre minor as ways to continue to connect with the community through a love of the arts. 

How has this internship helped you along your chosen career path?

I am very grateful for the people I have met through this internship. Spending time in Mount Gretna has put me in contact with folks from all over who have such vast experiences to learn from. I have met F&M alumni who now live and work in Mount Gretna, as well as people who share the same undergraduate degree as me and have offered advice on different paths I can take.

Why did you choose F&M?

I visited F&M years ago when my older sister was touring colleges, and I immediately fell in love with the campus. As I got older and began to think about what I wanted my life to look like, F&M stood out once again. I knew I was following a path toward art, and discovering that not only did F&M have its own on-campus museum and gallery, but also a vast archival collection, was something that really intrigued me. I saw these resources and passion for the arts and preservation of them as a clear sign that I could have a lot to learn here.