By: Carrie Heath, December 29, 2023
The Gmeiner Art & Cultural Center is pleased to announce an opening reception for a new Atrium Gallery exhibit for January 2024. “Canvas and Clay: Crafting
Natures Carbon Story Through Fungi” will be an exhibit of acrylic paintings and clay sculptures by children participating in This Is My Quest, Inc’s outdoor programs.

This unique showcase blends the intricate beauty of fungi, a critical component in Earth’s carbon cycle, with the creative expressions of canvas and clay. Join us in appreciating nature’s unseen heroes through the eyes of our future conservationists and artists. This exhibit will be on display in the Atrium Gallery from January 13 through February 4. The opening reception will be held on Saturday, January 13 th from 2-4PM. Light refreshments will be served at the reception, which is free and open to the public.

“Canvas and Clay” is more than an art exhibit; it’s a conversation starter about the importance of all elements of nature in the balance of our planet. This exhibit not only celebrates the artistic talents of our youth but also serves as an educational journey into the microscopic world of fungi and their impact on our environment.

Through their art, TIMQ’s young artists explore the pivotal role of fungi in our ecosystems, highlighting their fascinating fruits, textures, and colors. Each piece tells a part of a carbon story, illustrating how these often-overlooked organisms contribute to carbon sequestration and soil health. Many of the items in this exhibit will be for sale. The proceeds of the sales will go back to TIMQ’s junior board to fund future projects for the children.

This Is My Quest, Inc. is a forward-thinking non-profit organization founded with a passion for nature conservation, outdoor education, and community engagement.

Established with the vision of connecting people, especially youth, with the natural world, This Is My Quest has become a beacon of environmental stewardship and
outdoor learning. At its core, the organization seeks to inspire and educate individuals about conserving natural resources, understanding wildlife, and embracing sustainable living practices. Through diverse programs, including wilderness survival courses, environmental workshops, wildlife conservation projects, and community initiatives, This Is My Quest provides hands-on experiences that foster a deep respect and love for nature.

Key to its mission is the empowerment of young people. This Is My Quest offers youth-centric programs that encourage exploration, adventure, and learning in the great outdoors. These initiatives are designed to educate and build leadership skills, self-confidence, and a sense of responsibility towards the environment. Moreover, This Is My Quest is active in community outreach, collaborating with local schools, environmental experts, and other organizations to broaden its impact.

Through these partnerships, the organization has successfully brought ecological awareness to the forefront of community consciousness. This collaboration with the Gmeiner Art & Cultural Center is just another step in spreading awareness. In summary, This Is My Quest, Inc. is a testament to the power of education, adventure, and community in shaping a more environmentally conscious and engaged society. It continues to grow and evolve, driven by its unwavering commitment to making the world a better place through the lens of environmental stewardship.

The Gmeiner is open from 12-6PM Tuesdays through Sundays and is located at 134 Main Street in Wellsboro behind the Green Free Library. Admission to the gallery is free. For further information contact Carrie at 570-724-1917 or [email protected].