Arboretum at Penn State Invites Pa. Artists to Submit Proposals for New Outdoor Exhibition

The Arboretum at Penn State is inviting Pennsylvania-based artists to submit proposals to be included in a new outdoor art exhibition that will celebrate the history, ecology and artistry of Pennsylvania’s forests. 

The Penn’s Woods Outdoor Art Exhibition will feature 10 works of art that will be on display throughout the H.O. Smith Botanic Gardens from June through August.

Artists are invited to create works for the exhibition that explore the relationship between people, place and the natural world, using wood as a central material or inspiration. Each selected artist will receive an honorarium of $1,000 upon conclusion of the exhibition and restoration of the site.

Proposals can be submitted through Feb. 28 on the Arboretum website.

Artists can submit proposals on the Arboretum website through Feb. 28. 

“Botanical gardens and public landscapes are gathering places where artistry, ecology and community converge, and this exhibition invites artists to help deepen those connections for visitors,” said Rachel Duke, public program manager for The Arboretum at Penn State. “The exhibition will be displayed in the gardens, underscoring the vital role public horticulture plays in Pennsylvania’s tourism, education and economic growth.”

The Penn’s Woods Outdoor Art Exhibition is open to artists of all ages and ability levels living or working in Pennsylvania. Works can be sculptural, architectural or multi-component but must be designed for outdoor display in a public garden setting. Artists must demonstrate prior experience with outdoor work or provide evidence of feasibility and safety, according to the Arboretum website, and are responsible for installation and removal within the designated schedule.