KANE — Art in the Wilds was honored as the Event of the Year in the Pennsylvania Wilds region during an awards banquet held in Bellefonte Thursday evening.

The annual art show has been held for 19 years in Evergreen Park and brings thousands of people to Kane. It is the only juried fine arts and crafts show in the Pennsylvania Wilds Region.

President Julie Cleland said she was accepting the award on behalf of the sponsors and hundreds of volunteers who have supported Art in the Wilds over the years.

In her remarks Cleland noted that, “Through this award, and the other awards recognizing the creators in the PaWilds region, we all can see the cultural and economic power of the creative process to revive and restore our communities.

“But, perhaps even more important, we acknowledge the power of art to bridge what divides us and bring us together in the simple act of appreciating beauty in all its many forms.”

In presenting the award, Meredith Hill of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development recognized Cleland, Marilyn Blackmore and Merry Ryding for their vision in organizing the first show nearly two decades ago. She noted it is an example of the great spirit of hospitality and community for which Kane is known.

The 20th annual art show will be held June 26 and 27 in Evergreen Park.