With the current state of things, it has been impossible for me to NOT be introspective to a monumental degree. Over these past months, the world has played out an often grim pantomime of normal life. Perhaps a play that could be described as dystopian, at least from an art lover's perspective. Priorities shifted, sometimes wildly (thank you TP shortages), and not once did I ever see or hear anyone scrabbling for creativity.

As a writer, I did find it increasingly difficult to even bother thinking about crafting anything when there were greater needs to take care of. Yet, I spent a fair amount of time wondering whether or not Art, itself, was a need; a necessity, if you will.

One thought naturally leads to another until I was down the proverbial rabbit hole. I could happily debate over the arguments regarding the need for art. However, as it's just me breathing into the ether I'll boil my thoughts down to this point: whether or not the need for art waxes or wanes, it is a part of the world at large.

Since there is creativity already rooted in everything there is, this past year of moderation has not passed without influence from the art world. We, as a people, can not get through a single day without seeing art in one form or other. From general advertising pieces to architecture, to monuments going up and coming down, to nature itself thriving in this rare reprieve we take it all in.

Art: The pinch of salt that enhances the flavor of life. Do I need art to survive? Technically not. Do I need it anyway? Absolutely.

So, as I now look forward, climbing from the rabbit hole once more, I can not help but anticipate what will bloom in the creative world this year. Me and my fellow bunnies will meet up again one day soon with stories to tell and creations to share.

Finally, o twist a quote for anyone else with a slippery grip on their artistic talents, "Make use of this rough road because it will still get you somewhere."

For a glance back, gander at this article from the New York Times on last year's moments in art.

Here we are! March of 2021 with a turbulent year behind us and prospects looking increasingly better. We are crawling into spring with the frost still clinging on.

This year, as will soon be widespread news, Art in the Wilds is going to be live once again. Nothing can replace the experience of touring Evergreen Park in the summer and visiting the tents filled with wonderous art of all kinds.

All of us are looking forward to show time in June despite, or perhaps because of, the troubles we are still going through with the pandemic. That in mind, we will be working doubly hard to prepare the 2021 show for adaption. CDC guidelines will be followed to ensure the safety of everyone involved, including our visitors!

There are projects in the works to make this year's show as great as it ever was. Stay tuned for more right here on the website and this blog.

     It's July! Independence Day has come and gone with the trials and tribulations of 2020. By now, Art in the Wilds would have set up and packed up our art show. Press Releases with words of 'Thanks!' would have been circulated to celebrate a job well done.
     This year, July marks the halfway point. We're virtual, as you may have heard through the grapevine. If there is only one positive to take out of this year is that we have been reminded, as human beings, that our greatest asset is our ability to adapt.
     By the power of a Cold War holdover that's turned into the Deliverer of Memes, the internet has opened up a whole new public park for Art in the Wilds to pitch their tent booths and show off high quality art. And we aren't the only ones! Read and listen to an interview with our own Merry Ryding with WPSU's Kristine Allen here: https://radio.wpsu.org/post/central-northern-pa-3-big-arts-festivals-go-virtual .
     Remember to take advantage of this year's disadvantages and browse ours, and others', virtual shows. The art is still around, one just needs to change the way they acquire it. Visit our virtual show through the link in the header or find it directly here: http://www.artinthewilds.org/2020-virtual-show.html
     Participating artists from Anthony Arkus to Evian Zukas-Ogus have their virtual booths right on the Virtual Show launch page. Support the arts in any way you can! We all look forward to hearing from all our visitors we've missed in person this year. Fingers and toes crossed that we can reunite and meet new faces next year.
​     Look forward to some artist showcases here on the blog over the next couple months until September 7th. Stay safe out there!