SOUTHERN WEST VIRGINIA (WVDN) – In the heart of southern West Virginia’s picturesque hills, an artist is crafting timeless prints that capture the essence of the land and its people, using her grandmother’s printing press. Caroline Hertko has turned her studio, Hazy’s Harvest Press, into a vibrant creative hub that not only showcases her distinct artistic vision but also offers a space for education and community engagement in the world of traditional printmaking.
The name “Hazy’s Harvest Press” reflects the surrounding misty mountains and the idea of cultivating something rich and meaningful, both through the artwork created and the community that’s built around the press.
Hertko is bringing Appalachian heritage to the public in a unique way through regional vending machines filled with mini prints celebrating the region’s culture and traditions. Following the overwhelming success of the project’s first series, a new collection of artworks is set to be released, continuing to highlight the rich history and natural beauty of Appalachia.
The new collection includes illustrations of a water wheel mill, salt-rising bread, a cider press, a fiddle, a quilt, an American chestnut, a wooly bugger fly, a steam engine, trillium, butter beans and a rattlesnake, according to the artist. Each design captures a different aspect of the region’s history and traditions.
Hertko’s artistry is rooted in a deep connection to the natural beauty of the Appalachian region, and it’s this connection that shapes every print she creates. Known for her intricate linocut and woodcut prints, she brings life to landscapes, wildlife, and elements of local folklore, paying homage to the land that she calls home.
Hertko’s passion for preserving and celebrating the natural world is also evident in the themes of her prints. Much of her work focuses on the conservation of the Appalachian landscape, with bold depictions of native species and the rugged terrain of the region. The owner, Caroline Hertko, has a new initiative she started last year and continues to promote. Prints of her original art are available online and in vending machines around the region, including Lewisburg and Marlinton.
Hertko has a new initiative she started last year and continues to promote. Prints of her original art are available in vending machines around the region, including Marlinton and Lewisburg.
Funded by a grant from the West Virginia Department of Sports, Culture and History, the project showcases a series of mini prints featuring iconic Appalachian imagery. The artist behind the initiative originally launched the project with 18 unique designs, producing almost 2,000 sold-out prints.
“This whole project started with a professional development grant,” said Hertko. “The response has been incredible. People really connect with these images, and it’s exciting to see Appalachian culture shared in such a unique way.”
With vending machines strategically placed throughout the region, the project not only promotes local heritage but also makes original artwork accessible to a wider audience. Looking ahead, Hertko hopes to expand the project even further, possibly incorporating more designs, adding new vending locations, and collaborating with local artists.
“This is just the beginning,” the artist said. “The goal is to keep bringing Appalachian culture into everyday life in a way that’s affordable, meaningful and fun.”
For more information on Caroline Hertko and Hazy’s Harvest Press, including exhibition dates, workshops and how to purchase artwork, visit hazysharvest.com or find her on social media.
