Autumn Exploration
- a fall scavenger hunt -
Welcome fall at our Autumn Exploration this year at the Ned Smith Center.
To participate in the Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art's Autumn Exploration, simply take a passport card and get hiking!
Follow the map to each of 10 locations located around the Ned Smith Center. At each station you will find a hole punch; use this to mark the matching circle on your passport. There will also be a challenge, opportunity for learning, or activity at each station. Complete all 10 stations and return to the Center to collect your reward!
The scavenger hunt covers about 3/4 of a mile and should take around 1 hour to complete. All stations do not need to be visited in one day. Rewards may be collected Monday-Saturday: 10:00 am-4:00 pm at the Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art Office (downstairs) or Gift Shop (upstairs) until our extended date of November 8th.
Limit one per child, while supplies last.
Please note there will be no Fall Family Fun Day in 2020 due to the on-going pandemic.
Nature & Arts Festival
Join us for this annual FREE celebration of nature and the arts; the perfect way to celebrate summer! Since 1994, the Center has held its annual festival, which began as the “Ned Smith Tribute Festival.” Now, more than 25 years later, this event is still going strong, bringing free family-friendly, educational entertainment to thousands of people all over central Pennsylvania. Although elements of the festival have changed over the years, certain favorite activities have become permanent fixtures, like the make-it-yourself bluebird boxes, live-animal demonstrations, delicious local food and artisans and our fish-print t-shirts!
Ted Lick Memorial Shoot
Ready, pull!
You don’t want to miss this high-profile sporting clay shoot, held at Blue Ridge Sportsmen’s Club in Linglestown, PA.
Enjoy a round of 100 clay birds, a cocktail hour and awards dinner, and a silent and live auction. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to meet and shoot with dozens of central Pennsylvania business leaders. And all the while, you’ll be supporting the Center and our unique and dynamic education programming.
Trail Run
Our Tröegs sponsored RUGGED Trail Run engaged over 300 participants PLUS spectators, staff, volunteers and vendors in both 2018 and 2019. We are geared up for making our 2020 run another successful fundraiser in support of Our Mission of merging the arts and the natural world.
The Center boasts a beautiful woodland setting, 12 miles of trails on 500+ acres, a scenic bridge over the Wiconisco Creek, a natural play area, three ever changing art galleries featuring Ned Smith’s art and various national and local artists, a gift shop AND innovative educational programs.
This race is open to all ages, and prizes will be given to the top male and female runners in each age group.
On your mark, get set, go!
Desoto Amphitheater Series
The DeSoto Amphitheater for the Performing Arts is an expression of the Ned Smith Center’s mission to merge the worlds of nature and the arts. At the DeSoto Amphitheater, the arts have a home surrounded by the tranquil beauty of the Ned Smith Center lands.
Doors open at 6 p.m., performances begin at 7 p.m., unless otherwise noted. Tickets for most shows are $15 per person unless otherwise noted.
Please bring your favorite outdoor seating. We also allow picnics and BYOB. Our friends at Max’s Grille and Sports Bar will be selling food and drinks and Armstrong Valley Winery will be selling wine at most shows.
Gallery Series
At night, within the walls of our beautiful Ned Smith Gallery, intimate concerts are held during the spring months. Join us as we bring together top name local and national talent to perform at the Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art.
All Gallery Series shows have been cancelled due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Stuart Malina has been cancelled as well, if you have questions, please call the Ned Smith Center at 717-692-3699.
Online Wildlife Art Auction
For over 25 years, the Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art has held the premier spot for wildlife art auctions! This event is not to be missed, you’ll find every big name in wildlife art including prints and originals from Ned Smith, himself.
For the first time ever in 2020, the Ned Smith Center Wildlife Art Auction is being held completely online! All of the auction pieces will be available to view on September 4th in the Olewine Gallery. You will also be able to view the items online prior to the auction through our Wildlife Auction brochure. Over 160 items will be available for the 2020 Auction, so don't miss it!
Our 2020 Wildlife Art Auction will start online on September 14th and then begin to end September 26th.
Consignment Basics:
- NSCNA will assess a 30% consignment fee following the auction.
- All artwork must be framed prior to the auction. Unless prior framing arrangements have been made, NSCNA will arrange for framing at a discount by its framer, ArtWorks Gallery and Custom Framing.
- The remaining 70% less framing expenses (if applicable) will be paid to the consignor following the auction.
- The Center reserves the right to refuse artwork at its discretion.
- The Center only uses one of any given piece in the auction each year. If a consignor wishes to consign a piece that has already been secured for the next auction, that piece may be held until the following year.
Please contact us about donations and consignments for the auction. Interested parties should call the Center at 717-692-3699 and speak with John Booth, executive director.
2020 Auction Catalog and Auction Link Available Below: