2022 Show Countdown

The time has come for this year's 12 Day Countdown! It's day 1, and a grand welcome to everyone preparing to visit all our fantastic artists here in Kane, Pennsylvania. It's the 16th annual Art in the Wilds Fine Art Show held in Evergreen Park.

Whether you've been with us in the past, or happen to be a brand new visitor to the area, we look forward to seeing you! There are several new artists along with old favorites with some exciting pieces I can't wait to see in person. The park will be packed with wonderful new art ready to go to a forever home so let us take a sneak peek at what can be expected under the tents this year.

First and foremost, due to the constraints in the schools - a continued response to the Coronavirus - our student show is canceled indefinitely. The logistics alone have made it took complicated for the teachers and our coordinators to feasibly carry on. However, we still wanted to supply a place for local young artists to display their work. When you visit, make sure to stop by at the Hospitality Tent where the new student showcase will be. Say 'hi' to our volunteers, find information on restaurants, places of interest, trails, and more there as well.

On to the artists! Let's start off with last year's award winners who are returning this year with more incredibly treasures to sell.

Peggy Houser was our 2021 3D Best of Show. This joyful woman is a local artist from Kane that has the ability to bring that joy out in her colorful intricate beadwork. Not only are her jewelry pieces a feast for the eyes, they offer an extra sensory treat for the fingertips. You might find that a beautiful beaded necklace or bracelet you can run your fingers over now and then can be as soothing as a warm blanket. I have one of her pieces on my shopping list this year!

Our 2021 2D Best of Show was Kim Keller. A mixed media artist that creates amazing  paintings out of materials such as plaster, fabric, paper, or whatever isn't nailed down and happens to fit the piece! I was lucky enough to collect a gorgeous Heron painting that has a prize position on my wall. It stands out with vibrant colors that go hand in hand with the impressive textures shaping the whole image. Absolutely love it! You'll find something you love, too.

Of our two Excellence Awards, the 2D went to Larry Downey and his wonderful photography. His art stands out in particular because he transfers the images he captures onto interesting mediums such as slate or metal. They fit in just about anywhere and cover an array of subjects, seasons, and colors to go along with your favorite space at home. He is a great artist to start collecting from!

Finally, our 3D Excellence Award from 2021 went to Kalpana Lehman. Her silver and glass jewelry is mesmerizing in design and in the chosen materials in each piece. There are many different items from earrings to necklaces and more that are elegant yet practical enough to wear every day for any occasion. What impressed me the most when I looked over her collection was how natural the materials appeared within the pieces; minimally altered to showcase the beauty of nature.

This year is shaping up to be one of the best!

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