Only four days until showtime! I can hardly believe June's breezed by so quickly. Speaking of breezes, allow me to be your Weather Guide™ for this weekend up here in beautiful Kane Pennsylvania.

It's been hot and muggy so far this week dancing between rain and sun then back to rain with an occasional rumble or two. From the look of things, the storm clouds should be clearing up. Saturday and Sunday both promise sunshine and breeze with temperatures aiming towards the upper seventies.

Keep on the lookout for possible evening storms both days. Best plan? Keep those raincoats and umbrellas handy just in case but dress light. Nothing dampens the mood like having heavy clothes stuck to you all day. There's plenty of shade to find here in the Allegheny National Forest. Relax a bit in it while you're in Evergreen Park and know that wherever you happen to roam in the areas surrounding Kane there will be shade there, too!

It's the Strawberry Moon! My hat goes off to those that braved the early hours to get a glimpse of this year's June full moon. This is an event tracked by Algonquin tribes in Eastern North America who used a lunar calendar. June's full moon often coincided with the ideal time to pick wild strawberries in the area.

Remembering to pluck treats from the vine (or runners for you botanist) makes this occasion the perfect reminder that some of the best 'treats' are the imaginative creations from talented artists.

On Sunday June 23rd, a few of this year's artists will be demonstrating their version of harvesting; plucking seeds from the mind's eye then cultivating those ideas to fruition in their capable hands!

At 1 PM, Mike and Karen Baum will be showing off their pottery skills. At 2 PM, keep an eye out for Dawn Johnson painting with inks. At 3 PM, Jack Paluh will be set up for some Plein Air Painting.

For other events, check out our online version of Art in the Wilds Show Program!

Happy Father's Day to the men out there passing on their love and knowledge to sons and daughters of all ages!

Between Mother's Day and Father's Day, Sundays that come and go, it's often forgotten even though the thought remains. If, by chance, you're one of the many that forgot those holidays, weren't prepared for them then, there's never a bad time to honor our parents. There's most definitely never a bad time to give a gift to anyone in your life.

For those with culinarily inclined, consider collecting one of Robert Vrboncic's cutting boards, each unique and beautiful. Or, perhaps, art lovers have a bit of spare space to give works from Al Dornisch and Lawrence Downey a forever home. Don't forget those that adore wearable beauty such as the works of Connie Blair. I'm tempted to buy one of those beautiful hats. They're quite unique!

There's never a bad time to spend time with your loved ones. Don't forget, Art in the Wilds is two full days of art, food, and nature. Start out your days with a buffet breakfast featuring sausage, eggs, home fries, donuts, juice and coffee served at the Elks Club in Kane June 22nd and 23rd from 8 AM – 11 AM. Sit down at the club or take it to go for a morning picnic with the family!

We're on the road to the 13th Annual Art in the Wilds show! One week from now, on June 22nd at 10 AM, the proverbial gates at Evergreen Park will open up to a wondrous world of art. This year we are hosting 39 artists. Keep track of them on the website here and on our Facebook page.

Among this year's artists:

Anthony Arkus; a blacksmith artist making hand forged architectural elements, furniture and sculptures.

Pamela Bartl; specializing in loom-woven comfortable, practical clothing for women, men, and children that excites and delights.

Mike & Karen Baum; combining aesthetics and utility to make attractive functioning pots.

Chandler Beatty; a professional wildlife artist who takes on a fine detail perspective using mostly acrylic paint.

Keep an eye out for our food vendors, as well, offering tasty bits from grilled veggie gyros, steak sandwiches, funnel cakes, ice cream and lemonade! Hear more about them in the coming days as we count down to showtime.

See you in 7 days!

Nature is beautiful! It makes admirers of it want to frame it, hang it on their walls and dream of breathing in fresh air no matter how deep in city luxuries they are. Here in Kane, PA - home of Art in the Wilds - we live the life of the backwoods, adapted to it, thrive in it.

For the rest of you, especially everyone eager to come delve into our woodland haven away from it all, perhaps driving so far out into the boonies is a little intimidating. Not to worry! Be confident tugging on your rugged shoes. In the wise words of the Boy Scout motto: Be prepared.
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• Driving - Don't be afraid of cruising around the Allegheny Woodlands. Have an adventure! All roads lead to somewhere and the 'somewheres' out here can be magical. Have your maps app loaded up, bring a GPS, or even load up with some old fashioned printed out directions for the 'just in case' moment.
• Dressing Down - Leave the heels at home, don't bother polishing those loafers. Dress comfy! Forget about showing off and instead flaunt your warmest personality. You never know what friendships you'll forge out here.
• Battling the Elements - Nature happens, it's beautiful, it will still make a mess of your day if you aren't ready for it. Even if it's sunny, load a poncho in your car. Even if it's cloudy, bring a hat, sunscreen and your favorite shades to protect yourself should the skies clear. Always, always, bring bug spray to hinder the circle of life from taking a bite. Most important of all: water. Keep hydrated in the summer heat. Your body will thank you by keeping you ready and raring to go while you browse our tents!

Come out into the wilds, visit Art in the Wilds, enjoy the woodlands and live a little! We're looking forward to seeing you on June 22nd!