By Brian McCarver, CFP®, CIMA®
The nationally recognized artist, naturalist, and writer Ned Smith specialized in wildlife paintings and illustrations. He illustrated magazine covers depicting foxes frolicking amidst a snowy backdrop; he drew deer that peer off the page and into your soul. His art connected people with nature, something we value deeply at Stonebridge. We believe in supporting conservation because we love the outdoors and spending time there with our families.
A great place to do that is at the Ned Smith Center for Nature & Art, which celebrates the life and works of its namesake.
Since 1993, the Center has merged the arts and the natural world to foster an appreciation of both. The Center educates visitors about nature, art, and conservation through a series of lectures, field trips, seminars, and other special events. The Center also posts short “NEDTALKS” videos on YouTube focusing on informative and educational content related to the Ned Smith Center.
Visitors can enjoy a tranquil outdoor experience at the Center, located on more than 500 contiguous acres of rustic beauty just outside Ned Smith’s hometown of Millersburg, PA. The land provides habitat for the wildlife Ned loved to draw, such as bears, wild turkeys, grouse, deer, foxes, and many other species of smaller animals. The land also features amenities such as offices, classrooms, an amphitheater, Nature’s Discovery Play area, and a gift shop. Three gallery spaces feature selections from the collection of original paintings, drawings, field sketches, journal notes, and manuscripts donated by Smith’s widow, Marie, and valued at $2.3 million.
Stonebridge has proudly supported the mission of the Ned Smith Center for Nature & Art for years, including participating in its annual clay shoot event. Giving back to the community and volunteering our time is a part of who we are and something we mindfully incorporate into our culture here at Stonebridge.
Interested in supporting the Ned Smith Center for Nature & Art’s mission? Join Nashville recording artist Ben Gallaher and his band as they take the DeSoto Amphitheater stage at Ned Smith Center next month. Click here to get your tickets today they won’t last long!
EVENT INFORMATION:
Date: Saturday, October 3, 2020
Time: Doors open at 6 p.m., and the show begins at 7 p.m.
Location: Ned Smith Center for Nature & Art
As one of the Directors of Stonebridge Financial Group, Brian’s primary focus is high-net-worth client wealth management and retirement plan consulting. He serves his clients honestly and objectively and works diligently to help them reach their financial goals.