As the weather is going to be wonderful this weekend, I hope you all stay at least as an overnight to enjoy some stargazing. You don't have to go far out of town to have total darkness to spy as many constellasions, shooting stars, and all the celestial bodies you could want. Bring along a telescope or just bring a couple blankets to lay outside or in the bed of your truck. Some drinks and a carry-out meal would make it extra special!

To the artists!

Jack Northrop is a talented woodturner that got hooked on his craft from the very first experience. Over the years, he developed his skills creating unique gifts he gave away until his daughter suggested selling the pieces. Now, retired and living in Kane, he has been selling his creations non-stop. He's known for his bowls, platters, and vessels crafted from local wood such as the famous Black Cherry, Walnut, Maple, Butternut, Locust, Sumac, and others. They make fantastic center pieces and collectors items.

Out of Waterford, PA, Jack Paluh is an incredibly talented Plein Air painter; the technique of painting in 'open air'. He carries his canvases, oil paints, and easel out into nature to capture it in the moment like a photographer aligning a shot. In past shows, he has done demonstrations showing off his skills and entertaining visitors in the process. His paintings are fantastically detailed with subjects ranging from landscapes, to portraits, animals, and people. His website has a metric ton of information on him and his work so be sure to check it our before and after the show so you can find Jack Paluh at Art in the Wilds and beyond!

Ellen Paquette is one of those unique souls that has turned her fascination into wonderful art. She paints detailed portraits of animals inspired by 15th and 16th century portraiture. She seeks to highlight the dignity and intelligence of the creatures found out in the wild and has grown her focus on endangered and threatened species. Her interest in art, history, folklore, costumes, and the natural world blend into some great conversation starters you'll want chilling in your home.

​Visitors to the park will find food vendors on site with an assortment of lunch and snack fair to keep the 'hungies' at bay. Be sure to venture further into town, too. It's Alumni Weekend so many establishments are offering sales and deals you'll want to take advantage of. Again, and I'll never get tired of saying it, stop into our Hospitality Tent while you're walking around to get more information from our volunteers.

To the artists!

Gregg Kristophel is another show favorite that's thrilled visitors with some on-site demonstrations. While manning the tent often keeps him busy, he'll usually have his work bench right beside there ready to craft a new work of art out of wood. He has years of experience demonstrating treenware and has been a full-time 'Spooner' for the past eleven years. I have one of his unique spoons in my kitchen that is a great bit of functional art my guests get a kick out of whenever I break it out. It's carved into a zig-zaggy pattern with a face on it! I can't wait to see what he has new this year and I'm sure you'll find something to love, as well.

Laurie Leonard is another daring artist bridging two mediums into one fantastic finishing piece. She started her art career off as a painter. Later, she began experimenting with jewelry using her paintings as focal points. They are award-winning, one-of-a-kind, colorful jewelry you'll instantly fall in love with. This jewelry you'll want to create a new favorite outfit to go along with!

Donna Little out of Greenville, PA, brings her own style of jewelry to the party. Inspired by nature, the intricacies and order within the natural world encourages her to mimic them in her pieces. She utilizes the tactile medium of metal to create unique designs interpreted from the world around her. Graceful twisting lines, repetitive ordered patterns, textures, and contrasts found on land and sea tell a story of God's creation, in her words!

​So far the weather seems to be shaping up to be good this weekend. Nevertheless, it's always good to come prepared for anything. As a general rule, when traveling I like to keep a bag stocked in my car for those instances of 'just in case'. Ponchos, extra socks, and plastic bags, for example. Those plastic bags the stores are gradually phasing out are great for reuse. In this case, having a few on hand to stow muddy shoes or having one for trash while on the road makes for quick easy clean up later. I keep a first aid kit in the car at all times, which I highly recommend even if nothing has happened to make you think you might need one. Water is the second most important essential, in case of emergencies. Keep a few bottles stashed in the glove box or under the back seats out of direct sunlight.

At the park there will be water available in the ever handy Hospitality Tent along with a first aid kit should something happen. We hope everyone will have a safe and happy time and we're prepared to keep it that way to the best of our ability!

To the artists!

Dawn Johnson, from Monroeville, PA, has created some truly inspirational paintings with watercolor and acrylics. Last year I got a look at a series based upon her imagining what life was like beneath the waters at Red Bridge; a recreational, camping, historical site up north on Rt. 321. I, naturally, had to have one of those pieces. While abstract, it was easy to slip into the idea she had within her mind with her layers of colors creating 'water movement'. As a writer, I absolutely appreciate anything that can send my mind into a fantasy setting. This vibrant artwork can be your new favorite eye candy!

Hailing from Ridgway, PA, Stacie Johnson-Leske is an amazing pottery artist that has awed visitors to the show in past years with her  on-site demonstrations. It's always a joy to turn a corner and find her spinning clay on the wheel with children watching on. She creates some wonderfully colorful, textural, and attention grabbing pieces that are great for decorating your home and others that you'll want to use daily. You can find more information on her at her website: Your Fired Pottery. And be sure to drop in at her tent to buy a mug or three for the kitchen.

Christina Krautz has been influenced by art her whole life. By chance, she took up metalsmithing in school and continued to hone her skills over the years. Now, she creates 'modern old pawn' styled jewelry with a brilliant vintage flare. You'll find turquoise used frequently, as it is one of her favorite materials (mine, too!). By making new 'old' things, she provides an opportunity to collect a ready-made heirloom you'll want to keep in the family for generations.