WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., July 15, 2016 — West Liberty University graphic design senior Rosalie Haizlett was named an Emerging Artist Fellow by the Tamarack Foundation recently. Haizlett will graduate in December 2016 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Graphic Design and is the daughter of Professor Jim Haizlett of West Liberty.
According to Tamarack Foundation, Emerging Artist Fellows are thriving early-career creatives. They demonstrate not only a superior level of mastery in their craft, but also the aptitude to become successful professionals leading well-managed creative enterprises. Haizlett was selected along with Hannah Lenhart of Fairmont State University. The two students will be part of a program that will include mentoring and training to help transition their academic success into fully-fledged creative careers.
“These fellows represent potential for our state. They are set to become valuable contributors to growing local economies, and leaders of businesses that make communities more desirable places for everyone to live. This program will help to ensure that this is a viable outcome of their work,” said Foundation Executive Director Alissa Novoselick.
The competitive selection process included solicitation of nominees from West Virginian colleges and universities with qualifying arts programs. The fellows were selected by the Foundation’s independent Fellowships Committee from a pool of 17 candidates representing seven schools, including Marshall University; West Virginia University; Fairmont State University; West Virginia Wesleyan College; Shepherd University; West Liberty University; and Glenville State College.
“It was a tough decision. We saw a great deal of talent coming from artists that are sure to have promising careers, certainly some of the best of this next generation. The candidates that we evaluated are producing work that is competitive on a national scale,” said Fellowships Committee member and artist/blacksmith Jeff Fetty.
The Fellowships Committee is comprised of established artists and arts administrators from across the state, including Chris Dutch (Chris Dutch Stained Glass and DUTCHHAMMER); Jeff Fetty (Jeff Fetty Designs); Molly Baker Halstead (Tamarack: The Best of West Virginia); Keith Lahti (Lahti Art Clay Studio); Matthew Thomas (Thomas|Work); and Megan Schultz (formerly Marshall University).
Haizlett specializes in combining sophisticated design with lively, hand-drawn illustrations to create work that is unique and customized to client need. Haizlett is inspired by connecting with people from other cultures and backgrounds and spending time in the stillness of nature. Haizlett also studied abroad in France, Cyprus, and South Korea. Find more about the artist at rosaliehaizlett.com.
For more information on the fellowship program’s benefits and process, please click here.
JULY 15, 2016 BY MAUREEN ZAMBITO