The Appalachian mountains are home to one of the most biologically diverse ecosystems in the United States. Appalachian artists draw inspiration from this abundance and celebrate it. Create Appalachia, a local nonprofit operating at the intersection of art, technology, and business, created the Leaf & Root & Berry botanical art exhibit and competition to highlight local talent and our region’s natural abundance and beauty.

This year, a panel of three jurors reviewed art submitted by local artists all over the region. Our panelists included Judith Hammond (Founder & Director of What’s the Buzz Johnson City, a non-profit devoted to the protection of pollinators and native plants), Brian Serway (Appalachian illustrator specializing in celestial creatures, cosmic dreamscapes, and nature’s nocturnal mischief), and Suzanne Stryk (Appalachian fine artist and author, fascinated and focused on the natural world). Jurors were instructed to select works of visual art that show the artist’s original vision, demonstrate technical skill, and highlight our natural bounty. 

Leaf & Root & Berry features artwork in a wide variety of mediums, including photography, digital media, sculpture, drawing, fiber art, metalwork, printmaking, painting, and more.  Our exhibiting artists are Nancy Bouffard, Annamarie Buchanan, Karlota Contreras-Koterbay, Kristen Olinger Dalpiaz, Morgan Gilbert, Richard Graves, Jay Huron, Bonnie Kelley, Mary O’Neill, Kristy Ottinger, Rebecca Pippin, Jacy Richardson, Dan Rouse, Mary Ruden, Alice Salyer, and Sophia Shultz.

Leaf & Root & Berry: 2022 Botanical Art Exhibit and Competition

ON VIEW April 8, 2022 – June 3, 2022
225 West Center Street, Old City Hall in downtown Kingsport, TN

Join us for the Closing Reception on June 3, 2022, 6pm, where cash awards for Best in Show, Awards of Excellence, and Honorable Mention will be given to artists.