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Rosalie Haizlett Hosts Artist Talk and Watercolor Class in Asheville

Watercolor painting depicting the vibrant biodiversity of the Appalachian Mountains

News Summary

Acclaimed artist Rosalie Haizlett will host an artist talk and a watercolor class at The North Carolina Arboretum on May 24. Featuring 40 original paintings from her exhibit ‘Tiny Worlds of the Appalachian Mountains,’ this event highlights the charm of the Appalachian biodiversity. Participants can enjoy a beginner-friendly watercolor workshop followed by a Q&A session.

Asheville, North Carolina – Rosalie Haizlett, an acclaimed artist and author, will host an artist talk and watercolor class at The North Carolina Arboretum on Saturday, May 24. The artist talk is scheduled for 6 p.m. and is part of a gallery opening for her traveling art exhibit based on the book titled “Tiny Worlds of the Appalachian Mountains: An Artist’s Journey.”

This exhibit features 40 original paintings, including illustrated maps, specimen paintings, nature journal pages, and landscapes, showcasing the charming biodiversity of the Appalachian region. The paintings are organized to create a journey experience for visitors, allowing them to “hike” through the exhibit from south to north, tracing Haizlett’s creative journey from Alabama to Newfoundland.

Before her talk, Haizlett will conduct a Botanical Watercolor for Beginners class at 10 a.m. This two-hour workshop includes a 15-minute nature walk to inspire participants. All necessary materials for the watercolor class will be provided, and participation costs $48.30, with a 10 percent discount available for Arboretum members.

Following the artist talk, attendees can participate in a Q&A session with Haizlett and will have the opportunity to get their books signed. “Tiny Worlds” includes over 150 watercolor paintings and was enriched with personal reflections that accompany the artwork. Initially focused on just the visuals due to her concerns about her writing abilities, Haizlett later embraced the narrative aspect, successfully combining her illustrated journey with insightful entries from her trip journal that cover themes such as childhood, relationships, aging, chronic pain, and the significance of nature.

Throughout her career, Haizlett has been recognized for her artistic endeavors. She has served as artist-in-residence at prestigious locations such as the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and has received the Eckelberry Fellowship, awarded to distinguished wildlife illustrators, in 2022. With her first publication, a watercolor workbook, at the age of 26, she has synchronized her passion for art and nature, which she hopes to share during the upcoming events.

Haizlett’s book tour for “Tiny Worlds” has included stops in West Virginia, western Pennsylvania, the Southwest and Shenandoah regions of Virginia, and Nashville, Tennessee, allowing her to connect with audiences of all ages. During her discussions, particularly with children, she has emphasized the significance of nature and art, generating excitement around her work.

The North Carolina Arboretum will feature Haizlett’s exhibit after its travels from the Clay Center in Charleston and West Liberty University. Following its time in Asheville, the exhibit is slated to be showcased at the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden, allowing a wider audience to appreciate Haizlett’s work, which focuses on often-overlooked biodiversity in the Appalachian Mountains. Her book is currently available at local bookstores throughout Appalachia as well as Amazon.

Looking onto the horizon, Haizlett plans to open a studio and showroom in downtown Elkins by 2025, illustrate signage for the Huntington Museum of Art, and publish an illustrated column for Highland Outdoors magazine. As she embarks on new projects, she continues to convey a love for traditional art amid an era dominated by digital creation, inspiring those who appreciate natural beauty and creativity.

For more information regarding the watercolor class and artist talk, individuals can refer to the official websites of The North Carolina Arboretum and Rosalie Haizlett. Attendees are encouraged to take part in this artistic experience that underscores the relationship between art and nature in the Appalachian region.