Must see galleries, theaters and museums in the PA Wilds
- by LaKeshia Knarr
- November 29, 2019
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(Editor’s Note: This article is updated regularly to add new breweries in the Wilds. Last updated December 13, 2023.)
Galleries, theaters and museums tell the story of the history and culture of a community or region. They provide lenses to the past and opportunities to see how creative makers are foreseeing the future.
Across the Pennsylvania Wilds there are many galleries and museums that offer opportunities to learn, programs that inspire, and chances to take home unique finds from rural Pennsylvania.
While traveling to some of the renowned outdoor recreation destinations in the region — be it the Commonwealth’s only National Forest, the old growth forest cathedrals, our internationally-certified dark skies, the largest wild elk herd in the northeast, the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, or sites easily accessible off of Interstate 80 — be sure to take a pit stop at one of these cultural centers!
(Pictured above, top row: Exhibit on display at the PA Lumber Museum and a children’s play at Millbrook Playhouse. Bottom row: The Station Gallery.)
Allegheny National Forest & Surrounds
Crary Art Gallery
511 Market Street, Warren PA
Boasting a year-round schedule of changing art exhibitions, the Crary Art Gallery is dedicated to promoting the fine arts by bringing noteworthy art to the region and highlighting the works produced and collected by artists and gallery namesakes, Gene and Clare Crary.
ArtWorks on the Summit
54 Fraley Street, Suite 2, Kane PA
ArtWorks on the Summit is an artist-run cooperative, with a gallery/store featuring various products made by regional artists.
Kane Family Drive-In Theater
6627 Route 6 East, Kane PA
The Kane Family Drive-In Theater is a historic icon along Scenic Route 6. In operation since 1952, the drive-in features family entertainment every weekend April through August, as well as special events.
Cook Forest & the Ancients
Cook Forest Sawmill Center for the Arts
170 Theatre Lane, Cooksburg PA
This art gallery tucked away near the old growth forests of the Cook Forest & the Ancients landscape of the Pennsylvania Wilds features a variety of artwork crafted by local artisans, as well as special events.
Dark Skies
PA Lumber Museum
5660 US Route 6, Ulysses PA
The Pennsylvania Lumber Museum store (known as the Foreman’s Room) is stocked with numerous souvenir items, hand-made wooden objects and natural products unique to the area. The shop is open during normal museum business hours; year-round, Wednesday through Sunday, 9 AM to 5 PM.
Potter County Artisan Center
227 North Main Street, Coudersport PA
The Potter County Artisan Center features locally made products and works of art made by passionate artists and craftsmen in Potter County, PA.
Elk Country
Cameron County Artisan Center
34 E Fourth Street, Emporium PA
The Cameron County Chamber of Commerce & Artisan Center is located in Emporium which is the county seat. The refurbished drug store houses the chamber of commerce offices and showcases artwork from more than 60 artists across the region.
The Liddle Gallery
109 East Market Street, Clearfield PA
www.facebook.com/LiddleGallery/
This privately-owned cooperative gallery and studio showcases the works of 35 plus fine artists and artisans. In addition, The Liddle Gallery schedules classes and parties.
Elk County Council on the Arts
237 Main Street, Ridgway PA
The Elk County Council on the Arts (ECCOTA) offers a very active sales gallery, classroom space, and community resource. The gallery features works by many regional artisans, from paintings to fiber art, sculptures, jewelry and more.
Susquehanna River Art Center of Clearfield
109 East Market Street, Clearfield PA
Susquehanna River Art Center of Clearfield is a non-profit 501c3 center established for the arts. The group exhibits original works of art and offers educational programs.
I-80 Frontier
Winkler Gallery of Fine Art
36 N Brady Street, DuBois PA
From Stained Glass to original paintings in watercolor, acrylics and pastels, sculpture, photography, digital art, mosaics and blown glass, the Winkler Gallery of Fine Art features a variety of artwork and gift options.
The Station Gallery
2 E. Bald Eagle St., Lock Haven PA
The Station Gallery, home of the Clinton County Arts Council, features fine art exhibits alongside local artisans’ paintings, sculpture, jewelry, photography, pottery, prints and more. They also offer art classes, workshops and community events.
Heisey House Museum
362 East Water Street, Lock Haven PA
In addition to offering special displays, community events, history camps, and programs for children, the Clinton County Historical Society operates a small gift shop inside the Heisey House Museum. Many of the gift options celebrate local and regional heritage.
Bellefonte Art Museum for Centre County
133 N. Allegheny Street, Bellefonte PA
The Bellefonte Art Museum for Centre County showcases and sells works by local artists and also provides enrichment by showing art from around the world. The art museum also hosts various activities and events.
Millbrook Playhouse
258 Country Club Lane, Mill Hall PA
Millbrook Playhouse, Inc., a nonprofit professional theatre company, provides quality, professional live theatre throughout the summer and fall and encourages the development and appreciation of the theatre arts. The Playhouse features a small gift shop.
Arthaus Projects
140 W. 4th St., Williamsport PA
Arthaus Projects is a community arts center focused on visual artforms. It offers several gallery exhibitions each year, special events, art workshops, and performances.
Factory Works Gallery at the Pajama Factory
1307 Park Avenue, Williamsport PA
The Pajama Factory — located in a rejuvenated, historic factory complex in Williamsport, Pennsylvania — is home to a network of creative artisans. Each artisan has their own studio space and gift shop.
Patinaz
38 W Fourth St., Williamsport PA
Patinaz is the home of Jules Artwear and Simply Sterling Designs. Featuring many handcrafted works by a talented batch of artists, the shop offers pottery, photography, fiber, glass, soaps and lotions, and more.
Pine Creek Valley & the PA Grand Canyon
Emerge Healing Arts and Spa Boutique and Gallery
28 Central Avenue, Wellsboro PA
Emerge Healing Arts and Spa Boutique Gallery features a diverse offering of over 20 local artists’ handcrafted works including: photography, paintings, sculpture, jewelry, fibers, and ceramics, as well as signature wildcrafted skin care and organic salon products. Don’t forget to check out the spa’s offerings as well!
Deane Center for the Performing Arts
104 Main St., Wellsboro PA
The Deane Center for the Performing Arts offers programs, classes and live music entertainment to meet the diverse interests of area residents.
Gmeiner Art and Cultural Center
134 Main Street, Wellsboro PA
The Gmeiner Art & Cultural Center hosts a revolving door of regional art exhibits in the art galleries. All events and exhibits are free and open to anyone residing or simply visiting the PA Wilds. Art and crafted wares are often available for sale!
The Victoria Theatre
222 Main Street, Blossburg PA
The Victoria Theatre has been entertaining the residents of Tioga County since the early 1900’s. A recent restoration has brought this one-screen movie theater back to life.
The museums, galleries and theaters outlined in this article are all members of the Wilds Cooperative of Pennsylvania, a network of creative businesses and organizations located in the Pennsylvania Wilds. Managed by the PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship, Inc, a nonprofit organization serving the 12.5-county Pennsylvania Wilds region, the WCO is the main program through which small businesses and nonprofits engage with the Pennsylvania Wilds brand, networks and platforms.
Visit WildsCoPa.org to learn more.
