Local artist Savannah Freeman will create a piece of art as the centerpiece for a new project spotlighting Athens Conservancy’s natural lands and the unique spirit of Appalachian Ohio.
The project – dubbed Spectacular Appalachia – is supported by a seed grant from Ohio’s Winding Road, and is designed to enlist the talents of a regional, emerging artist. The nature-inspired artwork will be used to create distinctive products that celebrate the Conservancy’s lands and trails, and showcase the area’s natural beauty, culture, and creativity.
Freeman is a self-taught block-print maker in Athens whose work is heavily influenced by the plants and animals of Southeast Ohio; she also operates Moonville Print Shop. She is one of 13 talented artists from Ohio’s Appalachian region who applied for consideration.
A panel of Athens Conservancy board members and an Ohio branding and marketing professional selected Freeman’s work for the project. In addition to her creative prints and her focus on native plants and animals, the group was impressed with Freeman’s concept for the endeavor.
“My goal as an artist is to showcase the beauty and biodiversity of our area in a way that encourages others to foster a stewardship for the natural world,” Freeman said, adding that she envisions a design centered on the wildflowers and wildlife that are nurtured in one of the Conservancy’s forested preserves.
She added, “I love the Athens Conservancy and am so excited to see what comes of this. Thank you for supporting local artists!”
Board member Barbara Flowers, explained, “We are delighted to work with Savannah to create a unique product that celebrates the natural world around us, and encourages folks to enjoy time in our 12 nature preserves that are open to the public. She really wowed the committee with her creativity. And her stunning block prints are perfect for translating to a product such as a tote bag or t-shirt.”
(Read the Athens Messenger story here.)
Ohio’s Winding Road is a locally driven economic development initiative in Appalachian Ohio, specifically in the Hocking and Muskingum River Valleys.