News

March 26, 2026

The Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art is pleased to present a compelling exhibition of works by renowned Pennsylvania artist and educator Chet Davis in the Olewine Gallery, on view from April 10 through July 25, 2026. The exhibition will open with a free public reception on Friday, April 10, from 5–8 PM, featuring light refreshments and an opportunity to meet the artist and engage with his work.

For more than five decades, Chet Davis has shaped the cultural landscape of Central Pennsylvania as an artist, educator, and advocate for the arts. Trained at Penn State and the Hartford Art School, Davis has built a distinguished career that includes over thirty solo exhibitions and participation in numerous curated invitationals and national juried shows.

Davis’s work centers on expressive figurative painting and drawing, capturing powerful, often fleeting emotional moments. His compositions invite viewers into shared human experiences, instances where private feeling becomes universally understood. Influenced by the Bay Area Figurative Movement of the 1950s and 1960s, his modernist approach emphasizes gesture, symbolism, and the emotional weight of a single moment.

Reflecting on his artistic philosophy, Davis draws inspiration from psychologist James Hillman, noting that “art is the visual manifestation of the soul’s desperate concerns.” His work seeks to “augment feelings and define observations of common human experiences that tie us together,” portraying figures in decisive emotional moments that resonate beyond the canvas.

“We are truly honored to host this exhibition of Chet Davis’s work,” said exhibition curator Alexis Feagley. “He has been such an important leader in the Central Pennsylvania arts community for decades, and this exhibition is a meaningful opportunity to celebrate both his artistic achievements and his lasting impact.”

In addition to his studio practice, Davis has taught art at all levels from elementary through university in both public and private institutions, influencing generations of artists and students.

February 13, 2026

A longtime Millersburg-area resident, Meckley brings more than four decades of professional experience in information technology and a deep record of community service to the Center’s leadership.

“Scott’s lifelong connection to this community, combined with his leadership experience and passion for the outdoors, makes him an excellent addition to our Board,” said Ned Smith Center Executive Director Lara Maupin. “He understands both the importance of the Center and the opportunities ahead, and we’re excited to work with him.”

Meckley spent more than 45 years working in information technology, including the last 18 years with Deloitte Consulting, where he served in management roles supporting large-scale public-sector systems in Pennsylvania and beyond. His career included leading teams, developing project proposals, and supporting the Pennsylvania Child Support Enforcement System, recognized nationally for its performance.

Beyond his professional career, Meckley has been actively involved in the Millersburg community for decades. He has held leadership roles with St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, the Millersburg Rotary Club, the Twin Valley Soccer Club, and the Millersburg Ferryboat Association. He has also coached and officiated youth and high school soccer and softball for many years.

An avid outdoor enthusiast, Meckley is a frequent user of the Ned Smith Center’s trails. He has supported the Ned Smith Center for more than a decade and is expanding his involvement through Board service following his recent retirement. 

“I believe the Ned Smith Center to be a highly valuable organization within the Millersburg area that provides unique educational, artistic, environmental, and physical well-being opportunities,” said Meckley. “I look forward to supporting the Center’s continued success and helping expand its reach in the community.”

February 6, 2026

Actively involved with the Ned Smith Center for more than a decade, Chris Dietz first joined the Arts & Entertainment Committee in 2015 and has served as committee chair since 2021. His contributions to the Center include helping secure grant funding to regrade the Ned Smith section of the Lykens Valley Rail Trail and initiating the popular Star Parties series, which ran from 2013 through 2019.

“Chris has been a champion for the Ned Smith Center for many years,” said Ned Smith Center Executive Director Lara Maupin. “He brings an incredible mix of strategic thinking, technical expertise, and deep community knowledge. His long-standing commitment to both the Center and Millersburg makes him a natural fit for our Board.”

A graduate of West Perry High School and Penn State University, where he earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Dietz is a Project Management Professional and currently serves as the Learning and Project Management Office Manager at Thermo Fisher Scientific. His career includes engineering roles with Dauphin Graphic Machines and Alfa Laval, where he worked extensively in machine design, project management, and process improvement.

Dietz has also played a significant role in civic leadership throughout Dauphin County. He is a current member of the Dauphin County Planning Commission and has served on Millersburg Borough Council for 20 years, including 16 years as Council President. Past leadership includes service with regional and statewide municipal organizations, as well as co-founding the Tour de Millersburg bicycle race for the Millersburg Bicentennial in 2007 and launching the Tasting Tour of Millersburg fundraiser for the Millersburg Rotary.

In his free time, Dietz enjoys photography, travel, and working to strengthen his community. He and his husband Alex recently moved to Harrisburg. Alex also serves the Ned Smith Center as co-chair of its Development Committee.

“The Ned Smith Center has always represented the best of what our community can be—bringing people together through nature, art, and shared experiences,” said Dietz. “I’m honored to continue serving the Center in this new role and to help ensure it remains a vibrant and welcoming place for years to come.”

January 29, 2026

A lifelong supporter of the arts, the outdoors, and community organizations, Kristen Snyder brings both professional leadership experience and a deep personal connection to the Center’s mission.

“Kristen understands what makes the Ned Smith Center special—not just as an organization, but as a place where families connect with nature, art, and each other,” said Ned Smith Center Executive Director Lara Maupin. “Her background in business leadership and her commitment to Millersburg will be a tremendous asset to the Board.”

Snyder lives in Millersburg with her husband and their two children. A graduate of Tri-Valley High School, she earned her degree in Business Administration with a minor in Economics from Bucknell University. After beginning her career with JPMorgan in New York City, she returned to the area to work with her family business, Koppy’s Propane, Inc.

Over the past 15 years, Snyder has played a key role in Koppy’s Propane’s growth, including multiple acquisitions and the expansion of the company from 45 to more than 100 employees. She currently serves as Vice President, overseeing operations and human resources, and has led the implementation of new systems to improve efficiency and customer service.

In addition to her professional work, Snyder has served on the Gratz Bank Board of Directors since 2018, continuing her service following the bank’s merger with LINK Bank. She also serves on the Northern Dauphin County YMCA Board and is a member of Grace United Methodist Church in Millersburg.

An active outdoor family, the Snyders regularly use the Ned Smith Center’s trails, outdoor play areas, and programming, including camps, concerts, and festivals.

“The Ned Smith Center is a hidden gem in our community, and I’m excited to share all it has to offer and help make sure it’s around for generations to come,” said Snyder.

January 20, 2026

The Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art is sharing details about changes to its 2026 event calendar, including the decision to pause and reevaluate several long-standing events for one year as part of an intentional planning effort known internally as the “2026 Reset.”

The most notable change for the community will be the pause of the annual Nature and Arts Festival in 2026.

“For decades, our summer Festival held at MYO Park helped connect people with nature and the arts, and we know it holds a special place in many hearts,” said Executive Director Lara Maupin. “But in recent years we’ve seen fewer people engage with the nature and arts programming at the Festival, even as the event itself grew more complex and resource-intensive. It was time for us to step back and thoughtfully consider how this event and all our community events best serve our mission and our community today.”

Why the Change?

The Ned Smith Center’s mission is to preserve the legacy of artist and naturalist Ned Smith and to connect people with nature and the arts. Staff and board members have spent the past year carefully reviewing attendance trends, community feedback, staffing capacity, and long-term sustainability.

“Pausing the Festival gives us the opportunity to listen more closely, use our resources more effectively, and explore new ways to bring nature and art experiences to the community,” Maupin said. “This is not about walking away from what people love. It’s about finding better ways to deliver it.”

In addition to the Nature and Arts Festival, the following events will be on hiatus in 2026: Youth Art Contest, Sporting Clays Shoot, and the October Scavenger Hunt. These pauses are part of a broader effort to make room for new ideas, partnerships, and programming.

What the Community Can Expect in 2026

While some familiar events are on pause, the Ned Smith Center is expanding and refining its offerings in several meaningful ways.

The annual Gala will once again serve as the Center’s primary annual fundraising event, supporting programs and operations year-round, while the annual Rugged Trail 5K Run will become the Center’s primary outreach event, welcoming new audiences to experience the grounds and trails. A Great Outdoors Bingo will provide an enjoyable new way for the local community to support the Center.

Importantly, elements of the Nature and Arts Festival will continue in new forms. The Center plans to bring art, nature education, and hands-on activities to other existing community events and to create smaller, more focused gatherings throughout the year.

“We’re very excited, for example, that our calendar changes will enable us to be part of the Millersburg Cherry Blossom Festival in May,” Maupin said. “I’m grateful to Millersburg Area Working Together (MAWT) for their support and partnership in this effort, and I invite people to stop by and visit our area at that community event.”

Additional plans for 2026 include more small events and workshops that bring people to the Center throughout the year, continued connections with and support of local and Pennsylvania youth artists, and new and expanded programming to accompany the Center’s gallery exhibitions.

In addition, the Center is placing increased emphasis on members and member-focused events, volunteers and volunteer engagement, revitalizing the grounds and trails to create more welcoming, engaging spaces, and building stronger partnerships with local nonprofits, businesses, and community organizations.

Looking Ahead Together

The Ned Smith Center understands that change, especially to long-standing traditions, can be difficult.

“We see 2026 as a year of experimentation, reflection, and renewal,” said Maupin. “We invite our community to walk alongside us: try something new, share your feedback, and help shape what comes next. Whether you’ve attended every Festival or are just discovering the Center, there is and always will be a place for you here.”

More information about 2026 programs and events can be found in the Ned Smith Center’s annual event guide and on its website, nedsmithcenter.org.