PA Environment Digest

The River Fine Arts Association in Armstrong County is posing the question: What is Conservation? and asking folks to answer the question in art and photography.

The Association is looking for submissions to "The Art of Conservation" show at the Crooked Creek Environmental Learning Center in Bethel set for January 8-16.

The event is open to artists who work in two-dimensional expression and sculpture.

A separate nature photography contest is part of the exhibit. Entries are open in youth (under 18), amateur and professional categories.

"We thought that this show would be a different way for people to examine their relationship with what conservation means," says Kittanning native Mike Basista of River Fine Arts. "We're intentionally keeping the idea of conservation broad to include whatever the artists think of when they think about the subject."

Dennis Hawley, program coordinator of the Learning Center, would like to see it become an annual event.

"This type of program suits us well. We are trying to let the public know about the center, and this may bring in some new faces and hopefully increase our usage. The ELC is a great place to visit," he says. "We have a nice collection of animal mounts and an interpretive trail, poetry trail, herb garden and composting exhibit."

There are programs for the public and private groups and visitors have access to the adjacent Crooked Creek Park.

"I think this can be a great way to encourage both arts and getting outdoors in the region," adds Basista, who is a photographer. "We would like to have people thinking about conservation in different ways and also get to come out during the winter to see the environment when a lot of people hide in their houses."

Hawley suggested adding the photo contest. "I particularly liked the idea, because, with digital cameras, a lot more people are taking pictures and this can give everyone the opportunity to participate," Basista says. "We also hope to showcase and encourage young people to get out and take advantages of the opportunities they have in the outdoors."

He hopes the show reminds people that "conservation isn't just about changing light bulbs. It's also getting out and enjoying and preserving that environment, and sometimes preserving it through artwork." (Reprinted from the Valley News Dispatch)

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