End-of-year studio update ❄️
Plus, details about an upcoming exhibition!
Happy New Year’s Eve, everyone! I'm currently thawing out after jumping in the river with some friends—my first ever polar plunge. It was certainly a shock to the system, but actually quite enjoyable! Today I’m sharing a few quick updates on what’s going on here in my studio.
Upcoming exhibit at West Liberty University (my alma mater)
My traveling Tiny Worlds exhibit is off to its second location! After a great few months at the Juliet Art Museum in Charleston, it will re-open at West Liberty University on January 15th. The opening reception will be held at 5pm in the Nutting Gallery, followed by an artist talk and book signing at 6pm in lecture hall F209, a short walk from the gallery. This is my only book-related event in the Northern Panhandle, so I hope you can make it if you’re in the area! West Liberty University is a one-hour drive from Pittsburgh.
This exhibit features 40 of my original watercolor paintings and illustrated maps that contributed to my newly published book, Tiny Worlds of the Appalachian Mountains. I’m excited to see my art on these gallery walls again, 8 years after my senior show. :)
December Book-of-the-Month: Landings: A Crooked Creek Farm Year
This month for the Nature Art Book Club, I spoke with the Kentucky-based writer, artist, and produce farmer, Arwen Donahue. Her new book Landings recounts both the joyous and mundane aspects of farm life through 130 ink & watercolor sketchbook illustrations and short essays.
I enjoyed reading this book with my attention turned toward the ways in which growing food for a living ties one to the environment. The connection between a farmer and the natural world is much more intense and constant than the way most of us approach nature for recreation or solace; their every day involves reading seasonal cues, preparing for approaching weather, and understanding the most specific needs of the plants they grow. I hope you enjoy my interview with Arwen!
A tiny favor: would you be willing to review my book?
Tiny Worlds readers… I need your help! I’ve received countless positive comments and emails about Tiny Worlds since its publication, and I’m so so glad y’all like the book. But I don’t have many reviews on Goodreads or Amazon yet, and this makes it more difficult for me to approach potential bookshops where I’d love to have my book for sale. Some stores actually ask authors to list the number of 5-star Goodreads reviews when submitting your book for consideration! If Tiny Worlds has meant something to you, I’d be forever grateful if you’d take a couple minutes to leave a review on Goodreads or Amazon. You can leave an Amazon review even if you didn’t purchase the book there. Thank you for your help! ❤️
And lastly… THANK YOU!
This year was a big one for me, with the publication of my second book and my first ever book tour. My workshops and talks turned out to be such a sweet time to connect with many of you—what a wonderful bunch of nature and art-lovers you are! And thanks to everyone who purchased my art and books for loved ones this holiday season (my shop is back open after a restful couple of weeks off). You make it possible for me to keep doing what I’m doing. Warm wishes for a beautiful 2025!
It's a gorgeous book! Just left a review on both places - and was happy to do so (I know all too well how important these reviews are). I hope the book gets in to every bookstore and library everywhere :) Happy New Year!
I just received your book, “Tiny Worlds” yesterday. I’m absolutely blown away! It is so much more than I expected it would be. I just want to curl up with a blanket and some coffee and read all day!
I live in Wheeling, so I plan on coming to your show at West Liberty. Fantastic job with the book! I’ll be sure to give it a 5star rating on Amazon. See you in a couple of weeks!