The art show “Art in the Wilds” in Kane, Pennsylvania is making a comeback, after being virtual in 2020 due to the pandemic. Organizers say they believe the event this year is welcome news for artists and the region.
Art in the Wilds will be held this weekend, June 26th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and June 27th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Evergreen Park in Kane. Thirty-six artists including painters, woodworkers, jewelers, sculptors and photographers will join the juried art show, which is free to the public.
Director of the art show, Merry Ryding, said last year was tough on artists financially, and many are looking forward to having the outdoor event again. She said tents are set up to be spaced and visitors should follow CDC safety guidelines. That means those who are vaccinated don’t need masks or to social distance, but the unvaccinated should.
President of the Board of Directors, Julie Cleland, said residents are ready to enjoy in-person events again.
“When we went to surrounding towns, so many people said, ‘Oh, I'm so happy that you're having the show. We’ll be there this year. We missed it last year.’ So I think that speaks volumes,” Cleland said.
Organizers say having the art show also means a lot to local small businesses, who rely on visitor spending. In the most recent data from 2018, tourism accounted for about 11% of the regional economy among the 13 north-central counties known as the Pennsylvania Wilds.
