The Game Commission's Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area visitor center will feature hundreds of original paintings and fine-art prints from some of the best-known wildlife artists in the state during its annual Wildlife Art Show from August 1-3.

The show is free, and the hours are: Friday, 1-6 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

In addition to the artists' sales, the show will offer tickets for $2 each or three for $5 to win a selection of artwork in a drawing that will be held at 4 p.m. on August 3. Proceeds from the drawing will benefit The Wildlands Preservation Fund land acquisition program.

"Buying chances in the drawing provides you with a chance to win something really special for your home or business, and you don't have to be present to win," said Carl G. Roe, Game Commission executive director. "Just as important is that contribution you'll be making to help buy important wildlife habitat through the Wildlands Preservation Fund. It's a great opportunity for any wildlife enthusiast who appreciates art."

The Game Commission's Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area Visitor Center is along Hopeland Road, two miles south of Kleinfeltersville, Lebanon County.

The Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area is a special tract owned and set aside by the Game Commission for the protection, propagation, management, preservation and controlled harvest of wildlife. This area of more than 5,000 acres provides habitat for waterfowl, forest wildlife and farmland wildlife and includes a 400-acre shallow water lake and a 70-acre impoundment.

Visitors to the wildlife area can see a variety of wildlife, including bald eagles, and from late February to late March can be fortunate to witness and photograph the flocks of beautiful snow geese and tundra swans that stop in Pennsylvania during migration.

Contact the Middle Creek Visitor's Center at 717-733-1512 for more information.

7/11/2008