The Arboretum at Penn State is calling for proposals from Pennsylvania-based artists for a new outdoor art exhibition titled "Penn’s Woods Outdoor Art Exhibition." The exhibition will feature 10 works displayed in the H.O. Smith Botanic Gardens from June through August, with wood as a central material or inspiration. Selected artists will receive a $1,000 honorarium, and proposals must be submitted by February 28.
This exhibition matters because it highlights the intersection of art, ecology, and community in a public garden setting, offering local artists a platform to engage with themes of nature and place. It also underscores the role of public horticulture in Pennsylvania’s tourism, education, and economic growth, while providing a modest but meaningful opportunity for artists of all ages and skill levels to exhibit their work.