Get to know downtown State College’s murals during ‘art walks’ with Centred Outdoors

Centred Outdoors will host four free, guided “art walks” and other wellness activities in downtown State College during the week of Aug. 6, showcasing the area’s collection of vibrant sculptures, murals and memorials.

“Each (piece of art) tells an important story thanks to the talented artists who have shared their expressions of admiration for the people and places who have shaped our region,” according to the Centred Outdoors program website.

The informative walks will be held on Sunday, Aug. 6 at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; and Thursday, Aug. 10 at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.

Downtown State College Improvement District’s Events and Operations Specialist Joseph Quinn will lead participants on the 1.25-mile-long art walk, telling the stories of all the pieces and their artists.

“This walk is special because it is the only hike that we offer in an urban setting during the season,” ClearWater Conservancy’s Assistant Adventure Coordinator Olivia Stas said. “This allows our participants to experience awe in a different way than they do at our hikes that are based in a more natural setting.”

The walks will begin at 3 Dots Downtown, located at 137 E. Beaver Ave. The trail has an “easy” difficulty rating, according to the Centred Outdoors Passport, and prior registration is not required.

In addition to the guided walks, Centred Outdoors will host its Wellness Wednesday: Drum Circle event at the Sidney Friedman Parklet on Aug. 9 at 6 p.m., allowing participants to connect with their community while learning about — and experiencing — the various health benefits of music.

The event, scheduled to last until 7:30 p.m., will be presented by the Jana Marie Foundation. The Foundation will provide a limited number of drums for participants to use, but participants are encouraged to bring their own percussion instruments if they have one. “Even a bucket from the garage can be a drum,” Stas said.

The event will also be co-hosted by Centred Outdoors’ Outdoor Leadership Cohort, whose members will begin the Wellness Wednesday event by leading participants in a short discussion about the “importance of diversity in the outdoors.”

“This new program invited diverse individuals from our community to join us in learning about the Outdoor Education and Interpretation fields through internal trainings, various certification courses and self-guided projects,” Stas said.

Those interested in self-guided “art walks” of the area can access the Public Art Walk brochure from the Downtown State College Improvement District’s website, which provides locations and additional information for 37 pieces of art downtown.

More information about upcoming guided summer outings can be found online through Centred Outdoors’ Events Page.