Each year for two days, artists are invited to set up shop out in the Pennsylvania wilderness, to the delight of art and nature lovers.
The 12th annual Art in the Wilds will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 23-24 in Kane.
“Art in the Wilds is an outdoor art show set in beautifully wooded Evergreen Park in the center of Kane, Pennsylvania,” said Courtney Mealy, a spokeswoman for Art in the Wilds. “Kane sits on the edge of the Allegheny National Forest, and is part of the Pennsylvania Wilds. Evergreen Park is located on Route 66 (which is also South Fraley Street) between Chestnut Street and Birch Street.”
Admission is free.
The event provides a unique opportunity for area residents to see a large collection of high-quality artwork in one place.
“This is a family friendly art festival that attracts artists from not only across the region but even across Pennsylvania and surrounding states,” she said.
And this year, with 40 creators invited to participate in the juried show, there will be more visual artwork than any past year to enjoy.
“This is our largest group of artists we’ve ever had,” said Mealy.
The list of artists and examples of their work can be found at www.artinthewilds.org.
It’s not just a show of still pieces — visitors will have a chance to watch some artists at work, as demonstrations are also part of the event. The demos give the public an inside peek at how the artists create their artwork, Mealy explained.
In addition to the adult artists selected by the show jurors, the event will showcase the work of budding artists from the area.
“There will be a student art show with several local schools,” she said, noting that prizes in the student show will be awarded the morning of June 23.
Several food vendors will be set up at the park, too.
New this year, Art in the Wilds organizers are getting artists prepared — and excited — for the event by sharing tips every week. Mealy created the “Festival Friday” tips on Instagram under @artinthewilds.
Art in the Wilds works in cooperation with the Wilds Cooperative of Pennsylvania, PA Route 6, The Allegheny National Forest Vacation Bureau, the Kane Chamber of Commerce.
