Penn’s Woods Outdoor Art Exhibition

Penn's Woods 2026 Outdoor Art Exhibition logo

Open Call for Artists—Celebrate the Unique Story of Penn’s Woods

The Penn’s Woods outdoor art exhibition will be a juried exhibition featuring ten works of art installed throughout the H.O. Smith Botanic Gardens. The artwork, on display from June through August, will explore the deep history, ecology, and artistry of Pennsylvania’s forests—lands once called Penn’s Woods. 

The year 2026 also marks the 250th anniversary of the United States, a moment of reflection not only on the founding of our nation but also on the many voices, stories, and challenges that continue to shape our shared identity. As the Keystone State, Pennsylvania has long held a pivotal role in American history, from its forests and waterways fueling industry and migration to its arts and sciences advancing cultural diversity and innovation.

Your Invitation to Tell Pennsylvania’s Story

The Arboretum seeks proposals from Pennsylvania-based artists that highlight the beauty and complexity of Pennsylvania’s landscapes and communities. Works may consider the ecological importance of forests, the cultural traditions rooted in wood and craft, or the social and environmental challenges that threaten these spaces today. We welcome perspectives that reflect the richness of Pennsylvania’s people and histories—past, present, and future.

The artwork will be displayed in the gardens, underscoring the vital role public horticulture plays in Pennsylvania’s tourism, education, and economic growth. Botanic gardens and public landscapes are gathering places where artistry, ecology, and community converge, and this exhibition invites artists to help deepen those connections for visitors.

Works may be sculptural, architectural, or multi-component, but must be designed for outdoor display in a public garden setting using wood as a central material or inspiration. Selected works will be on view for approximately three months (June–August 2026). Each selected artist must agree to a participation and license agreement and will receive a $1,000 honorarium upon the successful conclusion of the exhibition.

Submit a Proposal to Display Your Artwork