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The Landscape of Wonderful West Virginia: Welcome to the Landscape of Wonderful West Virginia

Stories and history of the lands of West Virginia

Introduction

West Virginia is often described as "wild and wonderful."  The lush forests, deep valleys, and mountain streams are inspiration for artists and storytellers. The following tabs house an exhibit of landscape photography by John Dent and wildlife photography by Cynthia Staley.

After retirement, Cindi began photographing wildlife extensively. John Dent graduated Magna Cum Laude from Fairmont State University and began shooting theater photography. However, when he is not in the theater, he is out pursuing his love of landscape photography. This display represents some of the top selections of their portfolios. Information about the content of the photos and the folklore associated with the content accompanies the photography. Stories are ways to explain origins or why things are the way that they are. Our American folklore serves the same purposes as Ancient Greek and Roman mythology did thousands of years ago. 

This exhibit is hosted by the Frank and Jane Gabor West Virginia Folklife Center in cooperation with the Ruth Ann Musick Library. The Center's mission is to preserve and perpetuate West Virginia's cultural heritage. For information about the Folklife Center, call 304-367-4403 or email wvfolklife@fairmontstate.edu.

We extend a special thanks to Charley Hively for his technical assistance and his patience. 

 

About the Curator

 

In 2016, Danielle Doss began her journey as an artist. After 15 years 'in the corporate world, she became disabled to the extent that she was unable to continue that career path. However, she was able to find the silver lining. It was an opportunity to go back to school and get her degree in studio art and minor in museum studies. She enrolled at Fairmont State, and she was able work within her abilities and graduate 
in November 2020. Danielle designed and curated this photography exhibit as part of her capstone project for her minor in museum studies.