About The Pyrotechnic Artists

Established in July of 1992 and incorporated as a Pennsylvania non-profit corporation in October 1994, the Pyro Artists is a non-profit organization that provides its members a means to use and enjoy fireworks legally and safely, to share their experience and further their pyrotechnic knowledge. We currently have members living in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Maryland and DC. We welcome anyone who is interested in promoting and practicing the responsible use and enjoyment of the various forms of the pyrotechnic arts.

Club Goals: Promote and advance the safe use, display, and enjoyment of pyrotechnics and Encourage and provide continuing education in the artistic, practical, technical, and other aspects of pyrotechnics. While most members reside in Pennsylvania, club members include fireworks professionals and enthusiasts who reside in Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut.

  • Open shoots

    Appropriate permissions and insurances are secured for a date and location at which club members are then able to ignite and observe a variety of pyrotechnic devices mainly of 1.4g (consumer fireworks) and 1.3g (display fireworks) class. The pace of fireworks firing at an open shoot is usually much more leisurely than is customarily seen at a typical public fireworks display. Open shoots were initially held on a regular basis near the home of a charter club member in Bowmansville, PA, then later on his farm property in Berks County. Open shoots have also been held on a Lancaster county farm (south of Lancaster, PA), a community park in Forest City (northeast of Scranton, PA), and a community park in Otisville, NY.

  • Seminars and presentations

    Occasionally seminars are scheduled for presenters of a variety of expertise. Past presenters have included award winning craftsmen of fireworks devices, field agents from the BATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms), and a representative from the Department of Transportation. The Pyrotechnic Artists host the day-long Pyrotechnics Guild International (PGI) Fireworks Display Operator’s Course once, sometimes twice annually.

  • Public and private fireworks displays

    Several club members participate in fireworks displays as crew members or lead pyrotechnicians for several display companies. The club also has a list of approved members who do (generally smaller, and often private) displays as lead shooters for the club. For several years, Pyrotechnic Artists members have participated on crews responsible for the Lititz, PA Independence Day fireworks display and also the pyrotechnic special effects at the Gettysburg Battle Reenactments.

  • Eligibility for membership

    Application for voting membership shall be open to any person over the age of 18. Membership is granted after completion and receipt of a membership application and annual dues. All memberships shall be granted upon a majority vote of the membership at any meeting. Membership is non transferable or assignable.

  • Annual dues

    The amount required for annual dues shall be set by the Board of Directors. Continued membership is contingent upon being up-to-date on membership dues.

  • Rights of members

    Each voting member has the right to cast one vote in elections and at meetings. Any attempts to cast more than the one vote can and may be cause for termination of membership. No member shall sell his vote for money or anything of value. Upon request of a member, the books or records of membership shall be produced at any regular or special meeting of The Pyro Artists. If at any meeting the right of a person to vote is challenged, the residing officer shall require such books or records to be produced as evidence of the right of the person challenged to vote and all persons who appear by such books or records to be entitled to vote may vote. The right of a member to vote, and his right, title and interest in or to The Pyro Artists or its property, shall cease on the termination of his membership.