MARIENVILLE, Pa. (EYT) – Art students from North Clarion Area High School (NCHS) are getting a chance to show their artwork to the public, and visitors to the PA Wilds Conservation Shop in Marienville can meet these young artists and support them.

The grand opening of the Where the PA Wilds Things Are art display will be held on Saturday, April 12 from noon to 4 p.m. During this grand opening event, visitors will be able to meet the artists, show their support for them and purchase locally made artisan products.

The art show features statement pieces made by NCHS students in grades 10 through 12 that highlight wildlife and culture within the 13-county rural Pennsylvania Wilds region, along with real issues that the artists want to draw attention to.

Photography, paintings, drawings are among the works, in addition to other hangable pieces that will be displayed on the walls inside the PA Wilds Conservation Shop in Marienville, which is located inside the historic former train depot building at 105 S. Forest St., Marienville. There will also be a table for 3D works, such as sculptures, to be displayed.

The program is a team effort that was organized by Gemma Bonetti (NCHS Art Teacher), Jack Maxwell (NCHS Student and Community Connector at the Marienville PA Wilds Conservation Shop) and Jocelyn Sekera (Marienville PA Wilds Conservation Shop Manager).

“This experience will allow many North Clarion high school art students to have a taste of what it is like to display their work in a more professional manner outside of our school building,” said Bonetti, who has spent the last 6 years teaching at North Clarion. “Without this public show, some community members might not have an opportunity to see and appreciate the rich and unique art created by our talented and hardworking
advanced art students and seniors. All community members will not only have the opportunity to see and learn about the student art on display, they will also be able to learn all about what the PA Wilds have to offer our community, and will gain fresh perspectives and ways to consider nature in Clarion County and surrounding PA Wilds counties.”

Food trucks will be on site for visitors to buy a tasty meal or snack. Members of the Wilds Cooperative of Pennsylvania (WCO), a network of more than 650 creative entrepreneurs and organizations based in the PA Wilds, have also been invited to attend. This will give the art students a chance to mingle with and learn from professional artisans in the region who have made a viable business doing what they love.

“I’m beyond excited for the Where the PA Wilds Things Are NCHS art show event,” said Sekera. “This is a fantastic opportunity for all involved, but especially for the students. This event will allow students to proudly display their art, meet artisans within the PA Wilds, and interact with the community while displaying their pieces. I’m thrilled to have this opportunity and work alongside Jack and Miss Bonetti to make this event a reality and help support the students and the local and surrounding communities.”

After the grand opening, the exhibit will be on display for two weeks, until April 25, allowing community members and fellow students time to see the artwork.

“This experience and opportunity have been beneficial not only to my home district but also to the work we do with the community,” said Maxwell, who has been working at the PA Wilds Conservation Shop in Marienville part-time since summer 2024 and is one of the high school artists displaying his works. “I am so excited for everyone to see the creative punch that lies within North Clarion!”

Plan to attend the Where the PA Wilds Things Are grand opening event at the Marienville PA Wilds Conservation Shop on April 12, or stop by the shop anytime between April 12 and 25 to show your support for these talented students from North Clarion High School and local PA Wilds artisans.