Students from Westminster College and Wilmington Area School District are showcasing their artistic talents in the annual exhibition Environmental Art in the Community, running now until Dec. 5, with a Community Art Walk set for Saturday, Nov. 23.

The exhibition, hosted across 19 community locations in New Wilmington, invites the public to explore the intersection of art and environmental awareness through student works that highlight sustainability, nature and personal and community reflections. A variety of art such as photo essays, creative writing, mixed media, watercolors, sculptures and 3-D printing works are on display.

Find the Geckos: A Fun Community Challenge
As part of this year’s exhibition, a unique and interactive scavenger hunt—Find the Geckos—adds an element of fun for visitors.

A total of 70 colorful geckos, handmade by local fourth graders, are on display throughout the community, and one or more can be found at each exhibition stop marked with the gecko symbol. Among the geckos is a special surprise—a Where’s Waldo gecko, hiding somewhere in the exhibit.

To participate in this challenge, visitors are encouraged to find the Where’s Waldo gecko, take a selfie with it and email the photo to env@westminster.edu for a chance to win a gift card to a local business.

Exhibition stops are as follows. Those marked with an asterisk indicate those locations feature one or geckos on display.

1. Westminster College’s Cultural Center in the McKelvey Campus Center
2. Pizza Joe’s
3. *RKR Market Apartments (For Lease Storefront)
4. *Flowers on Vine
5. *Theo’s Creperie
6. *Rosecliff Boutique
7. *Bakluva Bakery & Eatery
8. *New Wilmington Nutrition
9. *Small Circle Used Bookstore
10. Anderal Tax & Financial
11. *The Pointe Boutique
12. *Gilliland’s Market
13. *Mercantile 1931 (at Tavern on the Square)
14. *Bebe’s and Dandelion Road
15. *Pulse Coffee Company
16. *101 West Vine Gift Shop
17. State Farm Insurance
18. *Inn on Market Bed & Breakfast
19. *Shenango on the Green

Self-Guided Tours
The Environmental Art in the Community exhibition is open for self-guided tours during business hours at each of the 19 participating locations. Visitors can explore the artwork at their own pace and interact with pieces that speak to them, while also keeping an eye out for the hidden geckos.

An interactive Google map of the exhibition route is available in the online program to help guide visitors through the locations, and they can also provide feedback on any artwork that captures their interest.

Art Walk and Reception
On Saturday, Nov. 23, the community is invited to join an Art Walk, starting at 11 a.m. at Stop #1, the Cultural Center at McKelvey Campus Center. The walk will guide participants through the exhibition, stopping at each of the 19 locations.

The walk will conclude at Stop #19: Shenango on the Green, where a reception with refreshments will be held around noon. This reception will be an opportunity to meet some student artists and celebrate the exhibition.

Interactive Map & Feedback
An interactive Google map of the exhibition route and a link to provide feedback on the artwork are available on the Environmental Art in the Community online program at tinyurl.com/nwartincommunity. Visitors are encouraged to use the map to plan their visit and locate the geckos, as well as to share their thoughts on the artwork that resonates with them.

For more details about the exhibition, locations and to access the interactive map, please visit tinyurl.com/nwartincommunity. Additional questions can be addressed to Dr. Helen Boylan, professor of environmental science and faculty fellow for community engagement, at boylanhm@westminster.edu.

The Environmental Art in the Community exhibition is a collaboration between Westminster College and Wilmington Area School District to create artwork that raises awareness about environmental issues, sustainability and the beauty of nature. The exhibition serves as a showcase of the students’ creativity and their commitment to fostering a deeper connection among art, the environment and the community.

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