Every year, a group of journalists swarm a different small town in Kentucky for the Mountain Workshops. Participants learn from some of the best journalists in the field while documenting small town Kentucky stories.
This year was special, not just because it was the workshop’s 50th anniversary, but because MAYSVILLE/MASON COUNTY was the host for the workshop.
Mountain Workshops – since 1976
I was invited to participate as a SUBJECT, and my gut response was to say NO, but I agreed to do it, and I’m glad that I did! Nick Thelen-a photographer and filmmaker from Lexington – visit his website here randomly picked my name out of a hat. They probably have a magic hat at the workshop, because he was the perfect match for my unique work and personality.
Nick is also an artist. He is interested in art and also very friendly. I immediately felt comfortable with him in my studio. Nick’s story idea was about my criticism of technology—which, i believe, is THE major issue of our time. It would have been an awesome story.
Maysville’s support of the arts is responsible for a lot of my personal growth and success. During the week, I was surprised to learn that I was one of just a few artists being documented, so then I felt (self induced) pressure to ‘represent’ my community and highlight how Maysville has nurtured me as an artist.
I asked Nick to pivot his story toward community and he graciously agreed. Fortunately, he was able use some of his original footage and interview to tell a story about how I found home in Maysville. Click the link below to see/read it.
HOME IS WHERE THE ART IS – BY NICK THELEN
Thank you Nick!
Like many visual artists, I rely on SHOWING – instead of TELLING. Being a workshop participant helped me realize that being able to do BOTH is a better way to get my ideas and art out in the world.
Thanks again to Nick Thelen and the Mountain workshops for coming to Maysville. This was a very positive experience for me. Since the workshop, I’ve been motivated to work on putting words to my ideas and not avoiding public speaking (as much). I’m already seeing results from the practice; professionally AND in my personal life.
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