The Wild Center's 20th Anniversary Celebration

SATURDAY, JULY 11

Celebrate 20 years of curiosity, connection, and care for the natural world at 
The Wild Center’s 20th Anniversary Party 
on Saturday, July 11, 2026, in Tupper Lake.

Join the party!
The party is open to the public, with complimentary tickets available online.
Be sure to reserve yours in advance.
Tickets

The Wild Center is experiencing some of the highest visitation in our history. We can't wait to welcome you—here's how to make the most of your day.

Expect lines: You may wait at admissions and encounter crowds along the trails and at the troll installations. Please build a little extra time into your plans.

Parking: After our main parking lot and meadow parking lots are filled, we're using overflow parking at LP Quinn Elementary School (294 Hosley Ave) to accommodate the extra cars. Watch for signs as you approach campus and follow staff and posted directions.

Thank you for your patience and flexibility.

Headline Performer 
Martin Sexton

Acclaimed singer-songwriter Martin Sexton will headline the celebration, returning to The Wild Center, where he also performed at its 2006 opening. Known for his soulful voice, genre-blending sound, and powerful storytelling. Sexton’s performance anchors a full day of anniversary festivities.

ABOUT MARTIN:
Martin Sexton released his tenth studio album this year and is touring with what Rolling Stone calls his “soul-marinated voice,” acoustic guitar, and a suitcase full of heartfelt songs.

The latest release (2020 Vision) is produced by three-time Grammy-nominee John Alagia with John Mayer guesting on guitar.

Sexton’s stated mission continues to be unity through music with a commitment to sharing peace and harmony through song.

Activities

• A live outdoor concert with Martin Sexton
• Highlights from two decades of impact and innovation
• Drop-in activities and special programs for all ages
• Flag parade
• Experiences across The Wild Center’s campus
TROLLS: Save the Humans by Thomas Dambo on view

Plain Jane Flash Tattoos

Friday, July 10 & Saturday, July 11

Carry your connection to the natural world beyond the museum walls with a nature-themed, hand-poked tattoo by Jane Romm.

Machine-free, also known as hand-poke or stick and poke tattoos, are done completely by hand without the use of a machine. The process is sometimes called “stargazing,” as it is created through a constellation of dots that ultimately converge into lines. Flash tattoos are a pre-drawn sheet of designs that clients are able to choose from. For this event, tattoos will be in a set size in black ink, and available for placement on arms and legs only. If clients would like to make alterations or create a custom tattoo, they can come visit Jane at her private studio in Mechanicville, NY.

About the artist: 
My name is Jane and I have been working as a hand-poke tattoo artist since 2019. I am self taught and was able to witness the rebirth of hand-poke first hand as a feminist art form that harnesses ownership of the body. When I moved back home to the Capital Region, I started my stick n' poke career in street shops before opening my own private studio space in Mechanicville in October of 2022. I studied art education and painting at Syracuse University, going on to get my MFA at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston/Tufts. I've been a licensed art educator since 2012 and have been teaching in Niskayuna, NY since 2019.

I pride myself on fostering a safe, inclusive, and respectful tattoo experience for my clients, and try to give back to my community as much as possible through charitable fundraisers. In my space, all bodies are good bodies and everyone is welcome. Plain and simple.

All appointment slots are filled

But don’t fret-if you didn’t claim one, you can come check out the hand-poke station in the Naturalist Cabinet at The Wild Center on 7/10 and 7/11 and snag a coupon to come visit Jane at her home shop just north of Albany in Mechanicville, NY! There will also be an emergency waitlist in case of no shows- if you put your name and phone number down you may still have a chance to get a tat during this special event.

For those who don’t want to wait- Jane's July books are currently open. Visit her website and book online. Wild Center flash can be done at larger sizes and in placements other than arms and legs at her private studio.

BLASTS FROM THE PAST

The Wild Center officially opened its doors on July 4, 2006, welcoming 5,000 visitors to celebrate a vision that began with local community conversations in 1998. Joined by state and local leaders, the opening marked the launch of a 31-acre campus featuring an eco-friendly exhibit hall—soon to become the first LEED-certified building in the Adirondacks—and the leadership of founding Executive Director Stephanie Ratcliffe. It was the beginning of The Wild Center story, with so much still to come.
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