WEST LIBERTY, WV – West Liberty University’s Nutting Gallery opened its 2025–26 season with “Meandering Pause (The Farm),” an exhibition featuring the work of photographer Kelsey Nolin. The show opened the doors to visitors to experience the rhythms, textures, and labor of rural life through Nolin’s unique approach to photography.
Nolin, who grew up on a modest farm in Pennsylvania’s Appalachian foothills, explained that her background continues to shape her work. “Manual labor was always part of life: there was always a job to do.”
Nolin says during the Q&A session, “Not just the bodily activity, but finding joy in that movement inspired the processes I use. Through the positive connection I had with the land, I wanted to bring that imagery to other spaces.”
Rather than working only with a camera, Nolin integrates organic materials such as hay, branches, and garden plants into her prints. Her process involves physically handling both the materials and the chemicals, making each piece deeply tactile.
“I started out working digitally, but there wasn’t as much body engagement,” she explains, “I wanted to push myself to use processes where I was hands-on from start to finish.”
Her commitment extends to the chemistry behind her art, though experiments with plant-based, low-toxicity alternatives to commercial photographic chemicals.
“I had tension with how much toxicity was involved in traditional processes,” Nolin says, “So, I started looking for alternatives. Sometimes that means using old food waste, like a broccoli core in the freezer, that I can eventually turn into the chemicals I used to have to buy commercially. It furthers the connection between the place itself and the final object.”
The physicality of her process mirrors the effort of farm labor. Describing the creation of her large-scale works, Nolin notes, “By the end of the day, my knees hurt, my back hurt; I was just ready to rest. But that physical engagement connects me to my upbringing and makes the work more meaningful.”
West Liberty University President Tim Borchers praised the importance of such exhibitions for the campus community.
“The Nutting Gallery on campus provides a wide range of interesting and beautiful art from students, faculty, and visiting artists,” Borchers said. “I have enjoyed the openings for each show and encourage the campus community to stop by and see each of the exhibits this year.”
Situated within the Fine Arts Building of West Liberty University, the Nutting Gallery operates regularly from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Thursday. Gallery events are open to the public and complimentary to attend. For further inquiries, contact Brian Fencl at [email protected].
West Liberty University blends a small-town environment with a comprehensive college experience, fostering students’ aspirations through hands-on learning, personalized support, and unique academic programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Learn more at westliberty.edu.
