West Liberty, W.Va. September 4, 2025 — West Liberty University is pleased to announce the inaugural exhibition of the season at the Nutting Gallery, featuring the captivating work of photographer Kelsey Nolin.
The exhibition, titled “Meandering Pause (The Farm),” will be held on Wednesday, September 10th, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A question-and-answer session with the artist will be held at 6:00 p.m. The exhibition will remain open until October 9th.
Professor Brian Fencl, faculty member and director of the Nutting Gallery, expressed admiration for Nolin’s work, stating, “I am drawn to Kelsey’s work because it is beautiful and meticulously crafted. The work is thoughtful and captures the tranquility of rural farm life.”
Fencl further emphasized the visual complexity of Nolin’s work, highlighting her diverse range of media, orientations, and borders. For those who approach the exhibition with patience and an open mind, the images present a profound and satisfying experience.
Kelsey Nolin holds an MFA in Photography from Miami University and a BA in Studio Art from The College of Wooster. She has taught photography courses at Miami University, the Pittsburgh Center for Arts and Media, and the Sweetwater Center for the Arts. Currently, she serves as an adjunct professor at Earlham College. Additional work can be viewed at https://www.kelseynolinphotography.com.
Nolin’s artist statement explains, “My upbringing on a modest farm nestled within the Appalachian foothills of Pennsylvania instilled in me a profound connection with the natural world and its rhythms, coupled with a deep appreciation for the fulfillment derived from manual labor. These formative influences continue to resonate profoundly in my artistic endeavors today.”
To craft these works, Nolin commences by meticulously foraging organic materials from her family farm, bringing them into the confines of her darkroom. Hay harvested for baling into cattle fodder, plants nurtured by her mother’s garden, and branches from a fallen tree are all meticulously gathered during their final moments and seamlessly integrated into the image. These pieces undergo an intuitive and meditative process across the paper’s surface, where photographic chemicals are meticulously applied through pouring, dripping, rubbing, and brushing.
The Nutting Gallery is committed to fostering education, enrichment, and engagement among students and the public through the presentation of exceptional art exhibitions. In pursuit of this mission, the gallery’s schedule encompasses exhibitions by visiting artists, two Senior Exhibitions, and the Annual Art Faculty Exhibition. 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, please contact Brian Fencl at bfencl@westliberty.edu.
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.
Media Contact
Theresa Gretchen
West Liberty University
