In October 2024, Kentucky Natural Lands Trust (KNLT) hosted our annual artists’ retreat. The retreats offer an immersive experiential weekend of learning in the wildlands of Central Appalachia. Since 2015, more than 170 artists have attended a retreat and engaged in our work. This group, known as the Pine Mountain Collective, includes members from Appalachia, throughout Kentucky and around the United States.
“This retreat awakened all my senses. Deep in those woods, stepping among the roots of old hemlocks, smelling moss, feeling lichen on stone, we noticed so many small beauties. It was a profound experience to be in a space of shared curiosity about the forest with other artists.”
~ Ansel Elkins, poet, Assistant Professor of Creative Writing at Berea College & 2024 attendee
Art and conservation are impactful partners. We welcome this new group of artists into the Pine Mountain Collective. We were honored to have the following individuals participate:
- Mark Charles, musician website
- Gavin Colton, writer
- Ansel Elkins, poet & Berea College Assistant Professor of Creative Writing website
- Crystal Gregory, sculpture & UK Professor School of Art & Visual Studies website
- Kelly Hieronymus, photographer & designed website
- Ashley Horrall, painter/mixed media
- Emma Kiser, oral historian & PhD Candidate, UK Dept of History
- Kim Kobersmith, writer website
- Honey May, writer & activist
- Roger May, photographer & writer website
- Deborah Slone, watercolor artist website
- Drew Tucker, ethnographer & design strategist
- Jason Zavala, musician & designer website
KNLT Board & Staff:
- Eric Reece, KNLT Board Advisor, writer & UK Professor Dept of English
- Mike Allison, KNLT Board Member
- Greg Abernathy – KNLT Director & illustrator
- Megan Falce – KNLT Outreach Coordinator
- Jess Slade – KNLT Conservation Manager & visual artist
About Kentucky Natural Lands Trust
KNLT is a nationally accredited nonprofit working to protect biodiverse and climate resilient landscapes in ways that benefit communities. Through partnerships with individuals, nonprofits, government agencies and businesses, KNLT has protected more than 60,000 acres of wildlands throughout Kentucky and Central Appalachia. Projects like these would not be possible without the support of our donors! Join our movement and give today: DONATE NOW
For more information on how you can help KNLT protect wildlands, sign up now to receive our monthly newsletter. SUBSCRIBE