Artwork and renovated homes were on display during a two-week fundraising event at the 1890s estate at 900 S. George St. Three residences are for sale at the property. (John A. Pavoncello photo)

Her eyes moved slowly over the outline of the willow tree.

She paid particular attention to the way its elongated leaves hung like nature's fringe from sturdy branches.

The tree laid roots next to a narrow creek and thin fenceline that were part of a larger, serene landscape in artist Mark Workman's October Fog, an acrylic on paper valued at $7,000.

"Isn't this exquisite?" said Renee Lilley, a York City resident and art enthusiast. "I could look at this all day."

Lilley also liked the way it was displayed on the wall of a South George Street mansion.

"If I had the money, I'd buy the house and the art," she said.

And if she had the money, she could have. Both were for sale on Sunday, during the final day of a two-week event.

From Friday through Sunday during the last two weekends, guests have attended an open house that displayed the work of 34 local artists and an 1890s estate at 900 S. George St. that was revamped into three separate homes.

The project: In March, the York Preservation Partners finished a four-year renovation of the three-story Victorian home and detached, two-story garden villa. The work cost in excess of $1 million, said Mike Johnson, one of the property owners and treasurer of Historic York.

The latter was one of two nonprofits that benefited from the weekend event, which was hosted as a fundraiser by The Preservation Partners and Jack Gaughen Realtor ERA.

The Pennsylvania Arts Experience, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting art through southeastern Pennsylvania, and Historic York, which aims to preserve architecture in York County, will share $9,000 that was raised during the two-weekend event.

"It was a great way to show off the properties and benefit two organizations," Johnson said.

Rob Evans, executive director of the Pennsylvania Arts Experience, agreed.

"The houses themselves are almost works of art. We couldn't ask for a better showcase," he said.

Art was displayed throughout all three homes.

The homes: The largest property was a three-story, 4,856-square-foot Victorian with five bedrooms, three full bathrooms, one half-bathroom and a mix of old and new features. Included are an updated, gourmet kitchen and original oak and pine floors. It is listed for $585,000.

A neighboring three-story, 2,518-square-foot Victorian with three bedrooms, three full bathrooms and one half-bathroom is listed for $495,000. It includes a gourmet kitchen, a hand-carved mantel and multiple fireplaces, modern bathrooms and more.

Detached from the main home is a two-story, 2,587-square-foot carriage house listed at $382,500. It includes three bedrooms, two full bathrooms, one half-bathroom, an open layout, exposed beams, pine floors and a private patio.

To learn more about the art displayed in those homes, enthusiasts can visit Pennsylvania Arts Experience's York office at Marketview Arts, 37 W. Philadelphia St.

Beginning Nov. 1, the office will have regular hours and host a new exhibit during each of the city's First Friday events.

"The local arts community is growing fast. ... A younger generation is coming along, and there's a lot of momentum here," Evans said.

- Candy Woodall can also be reached at cwoodall@yorkdispatch.com.