Art In The Wild

Wildwood Park’s Outdoor Environmental Art Exhibit

Art In The Wild was conceived with the goals of presenting quality outdoor art using natural materials, providing educational opportunities and involving the community. The works of art are composed of mostly natural materials to blend with Wildwood’s natural setting. The project is open to all.

Exhibition Duration: March 29 – September 30, 2026
Theme: Balance

  • Pre-Application Meeting: January 18, 2026 from 1-2PM. For any artist interested in feedback on their proposal or simply to talk things through with another artist.
  • Application Deadline: January 23, 2026
  • Notification of Acceptance: early February 2026
  • Mandatory Pre-Installation Meeting: February 28, 2026
  • Installation Begins: February 28, 2026
  • Artists Reception: March 27, 2026
  • Meet the Artists: March 29, 2026 from 1-3 PM

Learn More:

Wildwood Park is located on the outskirts of downtown Harrisburg. Owned and operated by Dauphin County, the park attracts over 115,000 people annually. Its 229 acres include a nature center, 90-acre freshwater wetland and a popular three-mile loop trail that encircles the park. The Art In The Wild installations are located on sites along this trail.

The exhibit is open to any interested person or group wishing to submit an application, including professionals, non-professionals, schools, students, naturalists, artists, designers, etc.  Employees of Dauphin County Parks and Recreation and members of the exhibit organizing and evaluation committees are not eligible to participate

2026 Art In The Wild Awards, designated by Guest Evaluator Tara Chickey

Best in Show: Vu Quoc Nguyen “Equilibrium” Site#6

Most Playful: Lorayn McPoyle “Life is a balancing act—sometimes you leap, sometimes you dance” Site#13

Most Joyful: Sabrina Lay “Lean on Me” Site#14

Best Use of Natural Materials: Timothy Hoover “Bittersweet Vinery” Site#2

Most Impressive Scale: Beau MacGinnes, Jana MacGinnes, Aubrey McNaughton & Debbie Reihart “Delicate Harmony” Site#15

Best Translation of Theme: Jill Lippert & Mark Cummins “A Fine Balance” Site#8

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