In October 2025, Kentucky Natural Lands Trust (KNLT) hosted another one of our artists’ retreat on Pine Mountain. The weekend gathering 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 includes members from Appalachia, throughout Kentucky and around the United States.
“The KNLT Artist retreat was such a beautiful experience of connection–to old and new friends, to our remarkable landscape, and to a collective sense of wonder that we get to live amongst such sacred bounty. I was so inspired walking along the woody paths and rocky ledges of the ridge, it was hard not to see the world with new eyes, feeling the fragility and strength of our natural world at once. I left feeling grateful for the wild and unique place that is Kentucky, and for the folks at KNLT who so tirelessly and gracefully work to preserve its treasure.”
~Liz Swanson, artist (drawing, painting, collage & mix media),
Associate Professor of Architecture & 2025 attendee
Art and conservation are impactful partners. We were honored to have had the following individuals participate:
- Tyler Barrett, graphic artists & photographer
- Thomas Brown, multimedia artist
- Warren Byrom, musician & songwriter | website
- Philomena Frasca, print-maker, book-binder & fiber artist
- Cary Gough, photographer | website
- Valerie Cravens, writer, works with clay & curator of native landscapes on a farm
- Lacey Guthrie, songwriter & musician | website
- Laura Gregory, musician, potter & writer | website
- Melissa Helton, writer & Literary Arts Director of Hindman Settlement School
- Georgia Henkel, painter & assemblage artists | website
- Jo Macby, photographer & musician | website
- Deborah Payne, musician & music educator
- Nadia Ramlagan, musician & singer
- Daryn Ryan, writer
- Sean Starowitz, interdisciplinary artist | website
- Liz Swanson, artist (drawing, painting, collage & mix media) & Associate Professor of Architecture
- Lina Tharsing, painter | website
- Mats Troedsson, veterinarian , equine researcher & educator
- CK Vijayakumar, video producer
- Tom Wilmes, writer | website
- Elizabeth Windisch, pattern design, sculpture & multimedia artist & archivist
KNLT Board & Staff:
- Zoé Strecker, KNLT Board Member, visual artists & Transylvania University professor | website
- 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 safeguard biodiversity, safeguard the climate and support communites. Through partnerships with individuals, nonprofits, government agencies and businesses, KNLT has protected more than 65,000 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