ClearWater’s Art & Chocolate Opening Reception on First Friday, December 5 at 3 Dots Downtown
- katie43217
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
3 DOTS DOWNTOWN, STATE COLLEGE, PA, Dec. 5, 2025— From rippling waters to quiet memories of nature, the artwork on display in 3 Dots Downtown’s gallery space for ClearWater Conservancy’s Art & Chocolate 2026 represents nearly every season — and ecosystem — in Centre County. The art has all been generously donated by local artists in support of ClearWater’s mission to connect, protect, restore, and steward the natural landscapes that surround us.
The exhibition is opening with a casual reception on Friday, Dec. 5 at 3 Dots Downtown as part of Downtown State College’s First Friday celebration. All are welcome to stop in to view the art, chat with artists, connect with one another, and enjoy light refreshments in a welcoming, community-focused atmosphere.
In addition to the exhibit, artists had the opportunity to enter a featured art contest to select a piece of art that would represent this year’s Art & Chocolate event, the 28th annual since its inception in 1999. The theme of the exhibition this year is Echoes in the Wild, a theme that brought in many beautiful pieces.
Echoes of the Wild invites the viewer into a multidisciplinary exploration of nature’s lingering presence in our lives. From sound to movement, sculpture to poetry, this year’s Art & Chocolate exhibition showcases work that captures the subtle whispers of the natural world through memory, material, motion, or mood. Pieces may be figurative or abstract, conceptual or representational, revealing how nature appears, returns, and resonates in quiet or unexpected ways.
Three judges — Lori Fisher, Erica Quinn, and Katie Molinengo— reviewed the submissions and chose “Wish I Could Surf” by Jill Cardell
“Last winter, I had the opportunity to visit a beach in Florida. I sat on the shore watching the waves and wondered what they looked like from a surfer’s perspective. I remember imagining the beautiful water in all colors green and blue, hovering above me as I sank down from my surfboard,” said Cardell about her winning piece.
Jill Cardell is a local artist who resides on her farm in Spring Mills. Her love of nature is the inspiration behind her artwork. Her initial career as an artist, began with college studies in studio art, and later specialized program in botanical illustration through the London Society of botanical artist. This education and training provided the groundwork for a career as a wall, covering designer, art director, and freelance botanical illustrator. Two years ago, she made a change in her artistic expression by embarking on acrylic work, still inspired by nature, but in a more abstract style, the botanical illustration. Her current work represents the integration of nature and a more expensive vision.
Each of the pieces in the exhibit and auction has similar connections to the natural world, whether it’s a landscape scene or a more abstract artistic ecosystem. A perfect blend of conservation and art. “This event is such a celebration of our community,” said Elizabeth Crisfield, ClearWater’s Executive Director. “Seeing all the donated pieces together in one gallery really showcases our region’s breadth and depth of talent. Plus, in February, we see even more local artistry in the sweet donations from our area’s bakeries and restaurants!”
The Art & Chocolate event on Friday, Feb. 6, 2026, at 3 Dots Downtown is free to attend, but supporters can pre-purchase a “Super Sweet” ticket to receive a box of goodies from local chefs. Super Sweet tickets will go on sale in January, and the online auction will open Jan. 16, 2026.
All proceeds from the online auction and ticket sales, with additional support from generous sponsors, will support ClearWater’s local conservation work.
More info about Art & Chocolate and ClearWater Conservancy is available online at clearwaterconservancy.org/artandchocolate.
