Get connected with the outdoors during the Bottle Works Ethnic Arts Center’s 3rd Annual NatureWorks on March 2, a free one-day nature and conservation interactive educational experience for all ages in Johnstown, Cambria County.

More than two dozen conservation-themed groups will be on-hand with vendor booths and activities.

Some of the hands-on activities include learning about water safety and local kayaking with the Benscreek Canoe Club; turkey calling with the National Wild Turkey Federation – Allegheny Plateau Chapter; viewing live reptiles with the Cambria County Conservation District; playing recycling games with the Cambria County Solid Waste Authority; investigating animal clues with Prince Gallitzin State Park; tying a fly with Mountain Laurel Trout Unlimited; learning the life cycle of monarch butterflies and the importance of native plants with Brandywine Conservancy’s Penguin Court; matching invertebrates living in state waterways with the Somerset County Conservation District; and making iron oxide chalk from products from local water with the Stonycreek-Conemaugh River Improvement Project (SCRIP). 

Immediately following NatureWorks, attendees may participate in a hike at 2:00 on the Incline Plane Trail with those responsible for its rehabilitation and extension.

“NatureWorks, now in its third year, is a wonderful opportunity for families to learn about conservation and recreational opportunities in our region,” Bottle Works’ Executive Director Laura Argenbright said. “This year, conservation takes on an even greater role as we open the Green Roof above the Art Works building in June. NatureWorks is a great way to introduce youth and adults to the importance of environmental responsibility at the grass roots level. Designed for stormwater management, the Green Roof will be a dynamic instructional outdoor classroom as well as an exciting events venue.”

In conjunction with the March 2 NatureWorks event, The Bottle Works will feature three exhibitions from local artists Richard Hower and Terry Smith. Richard Hower’s Aesthetic Challenges features both acrylic paintings and stone-carved sculptures.

Hower’s favorite subjects are the rolling hills and mountains of Pennsylvania and its waterways, trees, and meadows. His personal inspirations come mostly from the play of light and atmosphere and their effects on objects and landscapes.

Terry Smith’s exhibition, the Art of Nature, uses the medium of watercolor to bring to life the delicate beauty of the natural world through the application of color in slow layers. Using this process, she shows the finest detail of her subject matter.

In the Tulip Building, the Black Box Theater will house an exhibit showcasing the 2018 winners of the Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau Photo Contest. These award-winning images also focus on the beauty of our region.

The Main Gallery Exhibits are sponsored by SCRIP, the 2019 NatureWork’s Art Sponsor.  Brandywine Conservancy’s Penguin Court has assisted Bottle Works with this event’s planning.

Admission is free. Food and drinks will be available to purchase.

NatureWorks will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00  p.m. March 2 at the Artworks’ Events Center, 413 Third Avenue in the Cambria City section of Johnstown.

For more information, visit the Bottle Works Ethnic Arts Center website or call 814-535-2020.

[Posted: Feb. 21, 2019]

2/25/2019