DALLAS, Pa. — Pennsylvania-based astrophotographer Tom Wildoner will give a live presentation titled "From Novice to Nebula: An Introduction to Astrophotography” and share a collection of his photographs Aug. 18 during Arts at Hayfield’s 38th Annual Summer Arts Festival at Penn State Wilkes-Barre. The presentation, which is free and open to the public, will be held from 1-2 p.m. in the campus’ Barry Auditorium inside Nesbitt Academic Commons.

Wildoner, a retired environmental specialist for the U.S. Army, operates a personal backyard observatory in the mountains of northeastern Pennsylvania that focuses on astrophotography. His images have been shared on EarthSky.org, Sky and Telescope, Universe Today and other outlets.

“We are excited to welcome Tom to campus during this year’s Summer Arts Festival,” said Jonathan Pineno, lecturer of music and art at Penn State Wilkes-Barre and president of the Arts at Hayfield organization. “His presentation is another way that we can share the wonders of space with our community, as Penn State Wilkes-Barre is also the proud home of the Friedman Observatory, where the public regularly attends open houses to view the skies together.”

The requested entry fee for the Summer Arts Festival is $2. Admission is free for students under 18 and college students with identification. Donations support an annual achievement award for arts-oriented Penn State Wilkes-Barre students, public musical performances, and community arts programs offered by other groups in the area. Donations also contribute to ongoing restoration projects at the Hayfield House and support other art enrichment programs on the campus of Penn State Wilkes-Barre.