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MIFFLINTOWN -- Two artists with deep Juniata County roots will anchor the Friends of the Juniata County Library's upcoming online art auction, each bringing a distinct legacy shaped by the landscapes and stories of the Juniata River Valley.
Though their careers unfolded in different mediums and different eras, both Doug Aurand and George Losch created work that reflects the character of this region. Aurand's handcrafted pottery carries the same sense of natural form and texture that guided his decades in landscape architecture, while Losch's print Mildred's Violets captures the rural heritage he spent more than 30 years painting, publishing, and preserving.
The Friends of the Library will open the second online auction to the public beginning Monday, Sept. 21, with bidding available through Sept. 28 at www.32auctions.com/JCL.
The auction highlights the work of Aurand, a 1974 graduate of Juniata High School who grew up in Mifflintown before heading to Penn State to study landscape architecture. After graduating in 1978, he founded Siska Aurand Landscape Architecture in Norfolk, Va., where he built a career designing water features, gardens and outdoor spaces across the country. His expertise eventually led him to write "Fountains and Pools: Construction Guidelines and Specifications," a book widely used by professionals in the field.
Pottery, however, remained a personal passion. Aurand's handcrafted pieces reflect the same attention to detail and natural aesthetics that define his landscape work. His pottery is displayed at Stravitz Sculpture and Fine Arts Gallery in Virginia Beach, where visitors often note the organic shapes and textures that echo the natural world. The piece included in the auction offers local residents a chance to own artwork created by someone whose creative foundation was shaped right here in Juniata County.
The second featured artist, Losch, spent more than three decades building a career that left a lasting imprint on the area's artistic identity. Living in Thompsontown, he owned Heartland Gallery and Publishing Co., producing limited-edition prints, postcards, and paintings that celebrated the region's rural charm. His work often focused on landscapes, historical sites, and wildlife, themes that resonated deeply with residents who recognized the places and stories he captured.
Losch frequently donated his artwork to conservation groups such as Ducks Unlimited and the Pennsylvania Wild Turkey Association, blending his artistic talent with his appreciation for the outdoors. Mildred's Violets, the print included in the auction, is a classic example of his style.
The piece depicts a quiet rural landscape set within Juniata County, showcasing the gentle hills, fields, and homesteads that define the region. While the original oil painting belongs to a private collection, the image was widely distributed by Heartland Gallery as a limited-edition print and collectible postcard, making it familiar to many longtime residents.
In addition to the two art pieces, the auction will feature a rare 1901 book titled Lincoln's Own Yarns and Stories, edited by Cola K. McClure. The book gathers anecdotes and tales about Abraham Lincoln, offering a glimpse into the humor and personality of the nation's 16th president. For history enthusiasts, it is a chance to own a piece of early twentieth-century Americana.
Proceeds from the auction support the Juniata County Library. Library officials say the money raised will help maintain essential services, expand programming and ensure that the library remains a welcoming space for readers, families and students. The Friends hope the auction will not only raise funds but also highlight the artistic legacy of the region and encourage residents to explore the stories behind the pieces.
The three items are currently on display inside the library for anyone who wants to see them in person before bidding. Interested participants can visit www.32auctions.com/JCL starting Sept. 21 to browse the items, place bids and support the library's mission.
For the Friends of the Juniata County Library, the auction is more than a fundraiser. It is a celebration of local creativity, community history, and the enduring role of the library as a cultural anchor in Juniata County.