From oil pastels to intricate paper cuttings to found wood sculpture, the artwork in the Art & Chocolate 2024 gallery exhibition open now through Feb. 2 at 3 Dots Downtown, 137 E. Beaver Ave., covers a wide range of mediums from more than 20 local artists.
While each piece is one-of-a-kind, they all share one remarkable similarity – they have been donated by artists in support of ClearWater Conservancy’s mission to protect and connect vital landscapes, wildlife habitat and waterways throughout the region. Each item on display is also included in ClearWater’s Art & Chocolate online auction, with all proceeds supporting the organization’s local conservation efforts.
In addition to the exhibit, artists had the opportunity to enter a featured art contest to choose a piece of art that would represent this year’s Art & Chocolate event, the 26th annual since its inception in 1999.
Patricia House of the Bellefonte Art Museum for Centre County, Erica Quinn of 3 Dots Downtown,and Melanie Rosenberger of the Art Alliance of Central PA met in November to review the submitted works and choose this year’s featured art.
They chose two pieces by artist Stephanie Koller, “Caterpillars at Black Moshannon” and “Baltimore Checkerspot Butterfly.”
In addition to her art, Koller is an advocate for mindfulness and sustainability through her work as a yoga teacher and as a Pennsylvania Forest Steward and a Pennsylvania Master Naturalist. “What truly matters can be found in nature,” Koller said.
The judges were to Koller’s two pieces not only for the subject matter but also for the style.
“There’s a certain whimsy about this,” said House. “It has strong expressionistic colors and brushstrokes that attract the eye and signal what the event is all about.”
“As ClearWater is emerging in 2024 with a new director and a new community space, these two pieces resonate with the vision of the organization for the year ahead,” Quinn said.
In October, ClearWater announced both the search for a new executive director following the resignation of long-time director Deb Nardone and the launch of the Campaign to Connect, which aims to raise funds to support the organization’s strategic vision which includes the establishment of a new Community Conservation Center along Spring Creek in Houserville.
“It’s a very exciting time to be a part of ClearWater Conservancy,” Donnan Stoicovy, interim executive director of the nonprofit, said. “Whether you’re a long-time supporter of our conservation work or you enjoy the local arts and food scenes as much as we do, we hope you can join us for this year’s festivities.”
Visitors can view the exhibition during 3 Dots’ open hours (currently noon to 5 p.m. on Saturdays ), or any time the community space is open for events. Beginning in mid-January, the public can bid on the artwork plus local gifts and experiences via an online auction.
The art will remain in the gallery through Friday, Feb. 2, 2024, when ClearWater will host its Art & Chocolate celebration. The event is free and open to the public, with optional “Super Sweet” tickets available for those wishing to take home a box of delicious treats donated by area bakeries and restaurants. All proceeds from the event benefit ClearWater Conservancy.
