Explore some of the smallest, yet most magnificent, plants, animals, amphibians, and insects of the Appalachian Mountains through a new exhibit of illustrations by West Virginia native and West Liberty University (WLU) alumna Rosalie Haizlett, January 15 – February 12 at WLU’s Nutting Gallery.
A free opening reception takes place Wednesday, January 15 from 5-6 p.m. An artist talk, Q&A, and book signing will follow the reception at 6 p.m. in Hall of Fine Arts room 209.
This traveling exhibit features 40 of Haizlett’s original watercolor paintings and illustrated maps that contributed to her newly published book, Tiny Worlds of the Appalachian Mountains. The book is a celebration of the often-overlooked flora, fauna, and fungi that Rosalie personally observed during a six-month journey throughout the Appalachian Mountain chain, from Alabama to Newfoundland.
Based on the edge of the Monongahela National Forest in Elkins, W. Va., Haizlett shares her appreciation for the natural world by creating vibrant watercolor art prints, illustrated nature books, and online classes to help others connect to their surroundings using their own creativity.
As an artist, Haizlett’s clients include Smithsonian Folklife, The Washington Post, Patagonia, The Nature Conservancy, and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. She has also been an artist-in-residence at Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the National Audubon Society, and at the Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History.
Along with Tiny Worlds of the Appalachian Mountains, Haizlett also authored and illustrated Watercolor in Nature, a step-by-step instructionbook published in 2021.
An inspiring teacher, she has guided more than 60,000 students to paint through the online learning community, Skillshare. Here, she invites students to learn alongside her while developing a deeper appreciation of the natural world through art.
Haizlett reflects on returning to her alma mater to exhibit and what she hopes audiences takeaway from viewing her work.
“I’m really grateful for this opportunity to return to my alma mater and share my newest work with the community. Right before I graduated 8 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,” Haizlett says.
“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.
WLU Professor of Art and Nutting Gallery Director Brian Fencl explains how Haizlett’s success can inspire current students and praises her ability to articulate her creative process.
“For our current students to see someone who studied in the same studios they work in, and to hear about her unique path to success, should be inspiring,” Fencl remarks.
“Beyond being a gifted visual artist, Rosalie is also a great communicator when talking about her artistic process and her creative journey. This is a show and artist talk you don’t want to miss,” he 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.
Located in WLU’s Hall of Fine Arts, the Nutting Gallery is open 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday. Gallery events are open to the public and free to attend.
The Nutting Gallery is dedicated to educating, enriching, and engaging students and the public through art exhibitions of the highest quality through a variety of exhibitions during the academic year while supporting the educational and cultural mission of West Liberty University. These offerings are supported by the WLU Department of Media and Visual Art.
