Season's Greetings from The Goldenrod
Season’s Greetings from The Goldenrod!
No hibernation here: We’ll be around with new stories all throughout the next couple of weeks—including an extra-festive, light-filled photo essay and a rural-focused legislative preview—so if you’re still searching for the perfect ready-to-go holiday gift, why not send a Goldenrod subscription to your favorite lover of all-things-Eastern-Kentucky?
Our digital holiday card was drawn and designed by Greenup County resident Olivia Qualls who, in addition to being an amazing artist, is an organizer with Eastern Kentucky Mutual Aid. We asked her a few questions about being a rural creative, favorite holiday memories in the hills and how the region inspires her work. (Psst—can you name all of the Eastern Kentucky native critters in the holiday card?)
Sarah Baird: What’s your first memory of creating something you loved?
Olivia Qualls: I’ve drawn as long as I can remember. The first thing I drew that I really loved was a scene from Jack and the Beanstalk for my third grade art class. I felt so accomplished bringing a story I loved as a kid to life.
SB: If you could undertake one major artistic project next year—with unlimited funding—what would it be?
OQ: I’d love to do some sort or mural on the side of the Greenup County Health Department. I have very fond memories of roaming those halls after hours because my papaw did some construction and carpentry work for them. [Ed. note: People with deep pockets, make this happen!]
SB: What’s your favorite winter tradition?
OQ: My favorite winter tradition is sledding on the family land. My aunt has a huge hill and we tow each other up on the four wheeler and bomb that big ol’ hill.
SB: How does Eastern Kentucky inspire your work?
OQ: Eastern Kentucky has so many inspirational views and stories and creatures to tell through art, like Eastern Kentucky Mutual Aid’s mascot, Sally: She’s a hellbender, an endangered species [of salamander] from Appalachia. All the creatures in the seasonal Goldenrod picture can be found in Eastern Kentucky. Art has always been my way of saying the things I can’t find words for or bringing to life an otherwise ignored population. I [draw] a lot of creatures and people that aren’t thought of as traditionally beautiful, but they are beautiful, and they deserve to be showcased in all their glory. Perfect doesn’t exist and beauty is subjective.
If you’re still in search of affordable, Kentucky-made gifts, consider consulting our three gift guides (!) for local grassroots organizations that could use your support, books for kids that are spilling over with Appalachian pride and all sorts of items under $25 from local makers. Avoid the supply chain drama, keep it in the mountains.
Please also consider utilizing last Sunday’s guide to helping support Western Kentucky tornado victims whether you’re nearby or faraway. It’s going to be a long road to recovery, and our fellow small town Kentuckians are going to need your help long after the national camera crews leave—particularly low-income and marginalized communities.
We’ll be back Tuesday with our first dispatch from Michelle Eigenheer, our freshly minted food-and-drink labor reporter. Trust me, you don’t want to miss it.