Centred Outdoors: Reflect on the Public Art That Sets Downtown State College Apart

With inspiration of all shapes and colors around every corner, a walk through downtown State College’s “outdoor museum” of murals and sculptures is guaranteed to inspire first-time visitors to town as well as long-time residents.

The public is invited to join Centred Outdoors and community partners on Sunday, July 10, at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. and Wednesday, July 13, at 6 p.m. for free, guided group “Art Walks” to stroll through town to mindfully observe some of the nearly 40 works of art on display and learn about the artists who created them.

The leisurely walks will be led by local artists and experts, with plenty of opportunity to ask questions.

An online and printable guide detailing the locations and titles of artwork can also be accessed via the Downtown State College Improvement District’s website at www.downtownstatecollege.com/art-walk.

One of the often-overlooked advantages to the many distinct displays of public art in State College is that there is no need to drive far, pay an admission cost or step indoors to view and reflect on their beauty and meaning.

Additionally, observing art and spending time outdoors both offer mood-boosting benefits, and these walks allow participants to do both simultaneously..

Even those who are downtown regularly are likely to notice new details of their favorite murals and sculptures during the Art Walk. New works regularly add to the vibrancy and expressive character of town.

The very first public art piece, the Centennial Fountain, was installed in 1907 by The Women’s Club as a gift to State College to celebrate its establishment as a borough. The fountain still stands and flows today.

Recent artistic additions include “The Martin Luther King, Jr. Plaza” (2017), “We Are All One” (William Snyder III, 2019), “Color Block” (Ann Tarantino, 2021) and many others.

All Centred Outdoors guided events are free and open to the public.

For complete details about this adventure as well as the full 2022 schedule, visit www.centredoutdoors.org.

To join the guided Art Walks, meet at:

• 3 Dots Downtown, 137 E. Beaver Ave., State College

What to bring:

• A refillable water bottle;

• Sun protection including a hat and sunscreen;

• Comfortable walking shoes;

• Child carrier/backpack is recommended for very young children