Although Robert Stadnycki's art might have changed over the last 20 years, he said he's still the same free spirit he was when he started.

It was more than 20 years ago when Stadnycki began showcasing his work at the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts. Then, he was a potter and a young graduate from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

Not long after graduation, Stadnycki began introducing fiber into the clay and designing contemporary wall structures for corporate and residential housing. From there, he moved on to furniture, sculptural boxes and painting. He presented his work at gift shows across the Northeast.

Now, Stadnycki is back in Central Pennsylvania with a new look, and he says he couldn't be more excited.

"The Arts Festival is my favorite festival in the world," said Stadnycki, executive director of the greater Harrisburg arts council, "and our festival, the Patriot News Arts Festival, has been running for 40 years."

This week, he will be presenting his new acrylic floor cloths, painted canvas tabletops, artwork and painted handbags in a line he said he named after his style of work: "It's OK to have too much fun."

"When you laugh, you have the best time," he said. "When I'm having the best time when I work, people notice in the art."

Stadnycki said his floor cloths are both unique and contemporary. To create them, he hand paints and silkscreens a heavy cloth canvas, which can then be used to create floor patterns.

These canvases can be cut up and made into clothing, handbags or tabletops, he said. Depending on the size of the purchase, prices range from $75 to $800.

Now, Stadnycki is doing installation work with both his new and old products. He is currently working at the Gettysburg Theater and working on a restaurant lobby wall.

Anyone interested in more work by Stadnycki will be able to find him every day of the festival in the middle of the block on Pollock Road.