ClearWater Conservancy will open its Art & Chocolate 2026 exhibition with a reception from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5 at 3 Dots Downtown as part of the First Friday celebration in Downtown State College.
The exhibition features artwork donated by local artists in support of ClearWater’s mission to protect and restore natural landscapes in Centre County. Organizers said the pieces represent a range of local seasons and ecosystems.
This year’s theme, “Echoes in the Wild,” focuses on nature’s presence through sound, movement and memory across various artistic forms, including sculpture and poetry.
The event marks the 28th annual Art & Chocolate since its inception in 1999.
Ahead of the exhibition, artists had the opportunity to enter a contest to have their work represent this year’s event, according to a press release
Judges Lori Fisher, Erica Quinn and Katie Molinengo selected “Wish I Could Surf” by Spring Mills artist Jill Cardell as the featured artwork for the event. Cardell, a local former botanical illustrator and art director, recently shifted to abstract acrylic work grounded in nature.
ClearWater Conservancy, a nationally accredited land trust and a locally established conservation organization based in central Pennsylvania, works to protect and enhance the region’s natural resources.
“This event is such a celebration of our community,” ClearWater Executive Director Elizabeth Crisfield said in a release. “Seeing all the donated pieces together in one gallery really showcases our region’s breadth and depth of talent. Plus, in February, we see even more local artistry in the sweet donations from our area’s bakeries and restaurants.”
The Art & Chocolate Celebration event on Friday, Feb. 6 at 3 Dots Downtown is free to attend, with an option to pre-purchase a “Super Sweet” ticket that includes a box of items from local chefs. Super Sweet tickets go on sale in January, and the online auction opens Jan. 16.
All proceeds from the online auction and ticket sales will support ClearWater Conservancy .
More information is available on ClearWater’s website.
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