Spring is here, the Everhart Museum’s cherry blossoms are in bloom, and we have a full slate of captivating exhibitions, exciting events, and engaging educational programs to celebrate the season of renewal!

The Everhart’s galleries are hosting a selection of exhibitions dedicated to the artistic excellence of the area and its cultural legacy, two of which showcasing the promising young talent of the region. On view now through April 28, the Scholastic Art Awards: Gold Key Award Exhibition features the work of all Gold Key Award recipients for the entire Northeastern PA Region of the Scholastic Art Awards. The Awards are an annual juried multimedia art contest for students Grades 7–12 that have been facilitated by the Everhart since 2018.

And running April 26–28, Rep. Cartwright’s 2024 Congressional Art Competition highlights submissions made by the area’s high school artists. The nationwide competition recognizes and encourages artistic talent in the nation and in each congressional district. Winners are recognized both in their district and at an annual awards ceremony in Washington, DC, with winning works displayed for one year at the U.S. Capitol.

Northeastern Pennsylvania Coalfields: Preservation, Praise, Promise, on view May 16 through November 17, celebrates the reopening of Nay Aug Park’s Brooks Mine in 2023 by showcasing the rich coal heritage of the region through art; coal mining tools and wares; and geological objects. Come see the exhibition and check out the Brooks Mine right across from the Museum all in one trip!

Highlighting a nationally-renowned photographer and artist from nearby Peckville, PA, Flowers, Forms, and Fluctuations: Abstract Photography by Bruce Checefsky runs May 23 through August 29. Checefsky’s special artmaking technique involves utilizing a scanner to create distorted photographs. A unique take on natural beauty, this exhibition invites visitors to view flowers and plants in a new way.

Rounding out the season’s shows is Jewish Art: Tradition and Transformation, on view June 30 through October 20 to coincide with Nay Aug Park’s ever-popular Jewish Food Festival. This special exhibition of work by Jewish artists and work inspired by Judaism, organized in conjunction with prominent Jewish figures in the area, delves into traditional and modern aspects of Jewish cultures, as well as showcases secular works by Jewish artists.

The Everhart has a number of ways to have fun enjoying museum culture. On Friday, April 19, Scranton Fringe and the Everhart are teaming up to present a special silent disco! During this 21+ event, music will be transmitted across multiple channels to headphones that the audience controls. Drinks will be distributed by Susquehanna Brewing Company, and the first is complimentary with admission.

Everhart Express to the Met on Sunday, April 28 takes guests on a hassle-free excursion to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, courtesy of Martz Bus. The cost includes the bus trip, admission to the Met, and tip for the driver. Enjoy a full day at the Met, or do a quick sweep through the museum, and spend the rest of the afternoon in Central Park or at one of the countless wonderful restaurants within walking distance.

For fitness enthusiasts and beginners alike, the Everhart hosts two monthly health and wellness events: Yoga @ the Everhart and Barre Fusion @ the Everhart. Led by instructors Mindy Hill of Yoga with Mindy and Gretchen Welby, respectively, these sessions invite you to work out among the beautiful art in the Main Gallery of the Everhart. Stay tuned for dates in the coming months.

On Sunday, April 21, the Everhart welcomes nature enthusiasts throughout NEPA for a free information session and workshop on the City Nature Challenge (CNC), a four-day global event from April 26 to April 29 in which citizen scientists document the biodiversity of their communities! During the workshop, participants will learn about the free smartphone app/website iNaturalist used to document nature observations and make their own observations throughout Nay Aug Park.

For children, Everhart Expressions: Peace and Interdependence on Saturday, May 11 invites participants to explore and express their interpretations of peace and interdependence by creating their own hexagon artworks, contributing to The Hexagon Project’s submissions for the year. Let your imagination soar as we come together to celebrate unity and understanding!

And looking forward to summer, we’re excited for Everhart Explorers Summer Camp the week of July 8–July 12, registration to open soon! This program for children 7–10 years old dives into the fascinating world of nature at the Everhart and in Nay Aug Park. Featuring guided tours, hands-on activities, and expert guest educators, Everhart Explorers is a great way to keep children engaged during their time off from school.

For more information on all that is happening at the Everhart, and to register for events, please visit everhart-museum.org!

Featured image (top) courtesy of the Everhart Museum.