Pennsylvania's only national forest, the Allegheny National Forest (ANF), inspires the name of this landscape and our makers here in the PA Wilds. The ANF spans more than 500,000 acres in the northwest portion of the Wilds, and residents often create art and wares that reflect the landscape’s most treasured places and experiences. These goods are sure to keep the landscape top of mind, whether by design or when remembering who made them.
Let's meet the PA Wilds Marketplace makers who are creating, designing, crafting and innovating in the PA Wilds Allegheny National Forest and Surrounds landscape!
Lisa Conklin Conn - Conklin Studio Pottery
Lisa Conklin Conn is a clay artist who sculpts stoneware and porcelain by hand. Although she had taken ceramics classes in high school, Lisa did not actually pursue clayworking until several years later. She now calls the northwest PA region of the Allegheny National Forest her home and studio. She says the beauty of the forest is a wonderful backdrop for creating, and her love of animals and nature inspires her sculptures.
Ellen Paquette - Ellen Paquette Art
Ellen Paquette is a northwestern Pennsylvania-based artist and musician working out of her studio on the edge of the sublime Allegheny National Forest. Her acrylic paintings feature animals in Renaissance-style portraits, as well as mythic and folkloric subject matter. Over the last few years, Ellen's work has come to focus primarily on vulnerable and endangered species.
Julie Mader - Artwork by Julie Mader
Julie Mader challenges her customers to think about how even their clothing choices can reflect the love that they have for the PA Wilds. Her silk scarves are inspired by the beauty of the natural world around her. For example, Julie’s “colorways” scarf designs come in patterns such as dark skies, chicory, milkweed and local honey. One of her scarves was even dyed using rust from an old fence in Kane! She draw inspiration from the landscape of the Allegheny National Forest and the entire PA Wilds.
PA Wilds Conservation Shop at Kinzua Bridge State Park
The inaugural PA Wilds Conservation Shop opened at Kinzua Bridge State Park in August 2016. After exploring the height and hikes surrounding the Kinzua Skywalk, meander through the visitor center to visit the Conservation Shop and enjoy educational displays about the location’s history. This is a must-see destination in the Allegheny National Forest + Surrounds landscape of the PA Wilds. The PA Wilds Conservation Shop at Kinzua Bridge offers many products that are specific to the area, such as t-shirts, postcards, magnets, pins and artwork that reflect the history and beauty of the bridge, along with many other products from around the PA Wilds region. Add a gift-giving destination statement, not just for tourists. The visitor center is open year-round with seasonal hours.
