BRADFORD, Pa. — Pitt-Bradford Arts and Leadership McKean have announced updates to the upcoming “Why I Love McKean County” exhibition, part of local programming recognizing America’s 250th anniversary.

The exhibition will no longer be juried, allowing all submitted artwork that meets the guidelines to be included. The change is intended to expand access and ensure more young artists across McKean County can take part.

The registration deadline has also been extended to May 15, giving students, families and educators more time to submit work.

In addition, organizers announced new prize awards of up to $500, supported by local sponsors Allegheny Bradford Corp. and the Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau.

The awards will recognize creativity and artistic achievement across age groups.

The exhibition continues to encourage fresh, innovative work and is open to a wide range of artistic styles and subjects. While the exhibition highlights McKean County, organizers said they are keeping the theme flexible and welcome artwork that reflects students’ individual perspectives and creative interests.

The exhibition is open to McKean County residents aged 5–18, including public, private and homeschool students. Participants may submit up to three pieces in any visual art medium.

The exhibition will be on view at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford from June through mid-July, with an opening celebration planned for early June.

For more information or to apply, visit www.upb.pitt.edu/theArts or contact UPBARTS@pitt.edu.