Natural Lands’ NextGen Council Announces Call for Artists for “Art and Connect”

Landscape painting of Stroud Preserve by Gregory Blue

Juried Exhibition at Da Vinci Art Alliance

MEDIA, Pa., June 25, 2025 – Natural Lands, the region’s oldest and largest land conservation nonprofit, is thrilled to announce a call for submissions for Art & Connect. This juried exhibition is organized by Natural Lands’ NextGen Council and hosted in partnership with the Da Vinci Art Alliance in Philadelphia. The exhibition will take place this November and is open to artists aged 18 and older, working in all mediums and from all backgrounds.

Art & Connect invites artists to explore and express their personal connections to the natural world—particularly the landscapes and wildlife of eastern Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey. Special consideration will be given to works inspired by Natural Lands’ conserved open spaces, which include 40+ nature preserves, one public garden, and nearly 500 privately owned properties under conservation restrictions.
From painting to poetry to sculpture, Art & Connect welcomes all original forms of creative expression. Emerging artists and seasoned creators alike are invited to this opportunity to share how nature moves them.

• Submission deadline: Friday, August 1, 2025
• Notification of acceptance: Friday, August 15, 2025
• Exhibit dates: November 13–16, 2025
• Opening reception: Thursday, November 13, 6:30–8:30 PM
• Location: Da Vinci Art Alliance, 704 Catherine St, Philadelphia, PA
• Artwork drop-off: November 6–9, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM

This exhibition is hosted by Natural Lands’ NextGen Council, a group of passionate advocates in their 20s, 30s, and 40s working to help Natural Lands reach a younger, more diverse audience.

“Art has the power to deepen our connection to nature. We are excited to invite people to reflect the beauty of our incredible local landscapes through their art and immerse themselves in nature this summer,” said Jarrodd Davis, chair of the NextGen Council’s event committee. “This exhibition is a celebration of creativity, conservation, and community, which we look forward to bringing to new audiences in the city, to inspire more to enjoy the nature that’s all around us.”

For more information and to submit your work, visit www.natlands.org/art.

Natural Lands is dedicated to preserving and nurturing nature’s wonders while creating opportunities for joy and discovery in the outdoors for everyone. As the Greater Philadelphia region’s oldest and largest land conservation organization, Natural Lands—which is member supported—has preserved more than 136,600 acres, including 40+ nature preserves and one public garden totaling more than 23,600 acres. About five million people live within five miles of land under the organization’s protection. Land for life, nature for all.

Please note: “Natural Lands” is the organization’s official operating name and should be used instead of its legal designation (Natural Lands Trust, Inc.).

Media Inquiries:
Kit Werner, Senior Director of Communications
610-353-5587 ext. 267

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