Two Biglerville High School teachers who share decades of memories invite the public to experience their art-filled world.
Hannah Meeson and Heather Sefcheck refer to themselves as the Double-h 8-bonds since their first names begin with the letter H and their birthdays fall on the 8th of the month, Meeson’s in April and Sefcheck’s in December. The friends met when they were teenage lifeguards at the Lake Heritage pool. Meeson now teaches English in the same building where Sefcheck teaches art. This summer, their personal projects are on display, and for sale, at Garryowen Irish Pub in Gettysburg.
“Why didn’t we do this earlier?” Meeson asked her friend.
“I know, it just came so naturally,” Sefcheck responded.
Double-h 8-bonds unite
Like many bright ideas throughout history, the show was initiated in a pub over drinks. Both women had exhibited their craft at Garryowen before, and the timing seemed right to take this next step.
Sure, two artists filling a gallery means less work for each person, but Meeson and Sefcheck’s show is about more than just efficiency. Their art complements each other like each unit of their friendship.
As in real life, Double-h 8-bonds’ pieces are fun, vibrant, and unique.
Magical, whimsical Heather
Sefcheck takes viewers into the world of neurographic art, a meditative and inquisitive process that links the unconscious and conscious mind using neurons.
“This method of drawing allows me to escape from my stress and fears, all the while creating something I find magical and whimsical,” she said.
Sefcheck has been battling breast cancer since 2017, and it metastasized in 2021. As her cancer spread, she also had to grapple with being a teacher during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Neurographic art helped her and her students navigate challenging times and gave them the opportunity to explore a medium together.
“It gets better over time because you get more and more connected to it,” she said. “You can get something out of nothing.”
Meeson especially likes her friend’s “whacky and weird bird art.”
“If you look at it, you keep finding more and more birds,” she said.
Pieces of Hannah
Meeson’s pieces pop. She focuses on the world of cut paper, making new creations out of old books. Her art compliments her passion for literature. Meeson teaches English and is a published author.
She carefully cuts each piece, making sure the words on the page are appropriate for display. Her carefulness and creativity give the works new life through watercolors and paint.
Each colorful piece expresses a different emotion, including playful, soulful, disgusted, or crazed.
Her current favorite piece, which is on display at Garryowen, is called OctoPop Art. It features eight large octopus tentacles. Finishing it in time for her show with Sefcheck was perfect timing for Meeson since the eight arms are a nod to the Double H 8 Bombs.
Show
Meeson and Sefcheck’s show is on display at Garryowen Irish Pub, 126 Chambersburg Street, through August. The pair believes the venue is perfect since they often meet there to discuss life and art.
“It feels like home. The Garryowen staff is like one big family and we are their cousins who pop in for visits,” Meeson said.
Alex J. Hayes has spent almost two decades in the Adams County news business. He is passionate about sharing stories focused on the people in our communities and following local governments in an age when few journalists report on their meetings. Alex is also a freelance writer for several other publications in South Central Pennsylvania. Alex encourages readers to contact him at ahayes83@gmail.com.