When you first see the letterpress posters in the PA Wilds Collaborative Series, you might be drawn to the sweeping landscapes, the quiet details of native wildlife, or the contrast of inkwork and the debossed textures pressed into paper. But tucked within each design is a secret waiting to be discovered — a quiet riddle of repetition, a pattern with purpose.

Each of the six posters contains a hidden element repeated six times. Sometimes they’re nestled in plain sight. Other times, they require a second look. These “six little somethings” are my subtle nod to the idea that every landscape in the Pennsylvania Wilds is one of six — a unique part of a greater whole.

A Hidden Layer of Meaning

Whenever I create commissioned artwork, I look for ways to make it deeply personal — the family cat peering out of the window, a favorite flower, a date woven into branches. It’s my way of honoring the people or places the artwork represents. So when I set out to illustrate the six PA Wilds landscapes, I knew I wanted to do the same.

Each poster was designed to feel like a moment of real observation — not just a scenic view, but an encounter. A stepping-into. One scene places you at the edge of a forest, stepping out into a clearing just as an elk lifts its head to meet your gaze. Another invites you to duck beneath a low-hanging hemlock bough, where moonlight dances on a stream beneath the star-filled skies of Cherry Springs. You might find yourself standing at a vista point above the PA Grand Canyon, or pausing near wetlands to watch waterfowl glide effortlessly.

These shifting viewpoints are intentional. I wanted each illustration to feel like a breath held — that fleeting moment when you notice something stirring and feel yourself part of the landscape, not separate from it.

Within these scenes, I’ve tucked what I call the “six little somethings” — a repeated element woven quietly into each design. Six owls. Six bees. Six birds. A quiet riddle, a visual thread tying all six landscapes together.

 

A Peek into the Forest

In the Cook Forest and the Ancients poster, six owls perch and glide among the towering hemlocks. One is mid-flight, another peers from a hollow, another balances high on a branch. They aren't obvious at first glance — which mirrors how owls move in real life: silently, tucked into the hush. I wanted the scene to feel immersive, as if you’re standing in the forest, looking up into the canopy, catching a flicker of movement and realizing you’re not alone.

Each landscape holds its own hidden six — some easy to spot, others more subtle. It’s a small invitation to slow down, to look again, and to notice.

Your Turn

I invite you to take a look. Can you spot the six dragonflies? The six honeybees? The six birds?

Whether you’re seeing these posters in a Conservation Shop or hanging one in your home, take a moment to explore. And if you find all six sets of six, you’ve earned bragging rights as an official trained observer of the PA Wilds.

Tag your favorite find using #SixLittleSomethings — but try not to give all the secrets away. Some discoveries are best made in quiet moments, surrounded by trees, stars, and the spirit of wonder.

 

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About the PA Wilds Collaborative Series

The PA Wilds Collaborative Series is a tribute to the creativity and craftsmanship of Pennsylvania’s rural communities. Each product in the collection began with the vision of a local artist, whose designs were then brought to life by skilled regional manufacturers, ensuring that every piece is both inspired by and made in the PA Wilds. Find more information about the program at www.PAWilds.com/collaborative.

Products will be available starting July 24, 2025! Be the first to know when the products are live by signing up for emails here.