The exhibition has showcased creative expression in the Commonwealth for over five decades.

“This year’s Art of the State exhibition continues our 57-year tradition of showcasing the incredible diversity of Pennsylvania’s artistic community,” said State Museum Director Angelica Docog.

“I feel more at home in the woods and always want to celebrate that on the canvases and hopefully communicate it through my paintings,” said Paquette.

According to Paquette, GH Old Growth Forest is the first to debut in a collection of old-growth pieces he has been working on.

Thomas Paquette was recognized for painting GH Old Growth Forest at the Art of the State exhibition.

“I had it in mind that I wanted to submit an old-growth forest painting if I could get it done in time. I could submit it to the show and get it back in time to include in one of my solo shows next year,” Paquette said of his award-winning painting.

Paquette has two solo exhibitions debuting in 2025: Gross McCleaf Gallery in Philadelphia, and Groveland Gallery in Minneapolis.

“It gets into the idea of elders and civilization itself, things that continue, and what happens when things grow and expand. There’s a lot of wisdom in the woods.”

The paintings for the exhibitions are based in old-growth forests, which are most simply defined as forests that have developed over a long period.

“I have wanted to convey some of that through my paintings. Since that is where I’m getting most of my energy, that’s where I’ll probably have the best impact with my work for collectors and galleries,” he said.

While Paquette has yet to view the exhibition in Harrisburg, he looks forward to seeing it.

The State Museum of Pennsylvania exhibition is open to the public through Jan. 5, and can be viewed virtually at statemuseumpa.org.