Tuesday, November 23, 2010

This year, we're thankful for... YOU!

It's easy to become contemplative around this time of year, and at the Ned Smith Center, we're focused on all that we're thankful for. And YOU, faithful friends of the Center, are at the top of our list.

With your help, 2010 was a tremendous year of growth for the Center. Our Saw-Whet Owl Research program is among the leaders in the nation; our Arts and Entertainment programming continues to grow in quality and popularity.

We’ve made major improvements to our facilities by enhancing the safety of our entrance; created a beautiful rain garden and ADA walkway, ensuring that all of our patrons will have convenient access to the Center. We have begun construction on the Bradenbaugh-Hottenstein Arts and Education Collections Wing, which will safely house our art collections, increase educational space, and permanently exhibit the work of our namesake, Ned Smith. These are all phases of a project that will ultimately culminate in the building of a state-of-the-art amphitheater, which we hope to begin constructing next year.

2010 has also seen tremendous growth in our Olewine Gallery exhibitions: we’ve hosted National Geographic photographer Joel Sartore, and land artist Andy Goldsworthy in 2010, and we’re excited to bring Ned Smith back to the gallery for Gone for the Day: Ned Smith and the Pennsylvania Game Commission, which will open on January 16 and run until August 2011. Plus, our unique and dynamic education programming reached close to 4,000 students in 2010.

We thank you wholeheartedly for your support of the Center. We know 2011 will be a fantastic year, with tremendous growth and progress toward our mission of connecting people with nature and the arts.

If you want to play an integral part in our growth, become a member of the Center! Memberships start at just $25 per year and every single membership level recieves the following benefits:
  • Special members-only sneak previews of new Olewine Gallery exhibits
  • Generous discounts on NSCNA merchandise, including brand new glassware featuring the art of Ned Smith
  • $30 savings on annual print - next year's print, Flushing Pheasant, is from a newly-discovered Ned Smith watercolor that has never been reproduced!
  • Free admission to the Olewine Gallery and monthly speaker series

Call the Center at 717-692-3699, or join online using our secure online store!