Appalachian flora, fauna, and fungi celebrated

ALL THE SMALL THINGS — Rosalie Haizlett is pictured at her home studio in Elkins. A West Liberty University graduate, illustrations of Haizlett’s work featuring small animals, plants and more found in the Appalachian Mountains will be the focus of a new exhibit on the university’s campus beginning today. -- Contributed
WEST LIBERTY — A new art exhibit at West Liberty University will explore some of the smallest, yet most magnificent, plants, animals, amphibians, and insects of the Appalachian Mountains.
Illustrations from West Virginia native and West Liberty graduate Rosalie Haizlett will be featured in a traveling exhibit at the university’s Nutting Gallery beginning today. An opening reception will be held from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., with an artist talk, question and answer session, and book singing to follow in Room 209 of the Hall of Fine Arts.
The exhibit, featuring 40 of Haizlett’s original watercolor paintings and illustrated maps, will remain on campus through Feb. 12. The work is included in her new book “Tiny Worlds of the Appalachian Mountains.”
The work is inspired by Haizlett’s observations during a six-month journey through the mountain range, from Newfoundland to Alabama.
“I’m really grateful for this opportunity to return to my alma mater and share my newest work with the community,” Haizlett said. “Right before I graduated eight years ago, this same gallery housed my senior project, an illustrated book of my study abroad experiences. Now, I’m back to share the story and process behind another illustrated book–but this time, it’s actually been published and can be found in libraries and bookstores. It feels like a full-circle moment.”
Now living near Elkins, Haizlett’s art clients include publications and organizations such as “Smithsonian Folklife,” “The Washington Post,” “Patagonia,” The Nature Conservancy, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. She also has been an artist-in-residence at Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Audubon Society, and the Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History.
She also offers online classes through the online learning community Skillshare.
“My hope is that this exhibit appeals to audiences of many interests and all ages, given the combination of colorful art, storytelling, and the emphasis on the natural world. I embarked on this project to foster a shared sense of place and a spirit of curiosity and gratitude for the many fascinating plants and animals who also make their homes in these hills and mountains,” she adds.
To learn more about Rosalie Haizlett, purchase artwork, or sign up for classes, visit her website, rosaliehaizlett.com, or follow her on Instagram: @rosaliehaizlett.