"Nettle," a tree sitter protesting the Mountain Valley Pipeline

Will Solis, American

“Nettle,” a tree sitter protesting the Mountain Valley Pipeline, 2018

This image depicts an individual called “Nettle” sitting on a platform mounted to a tree in protest of the Mountain Valley Pipeline near Elliston, Virginia. Tree-sitting protests, taking place in trees meant to be cut down in the path of the pipeline, are just one way the Appalachian community is fighting back against the construction of a large gas line through their region. The construction has not only endangered ecosystems that currently support near extinct species but has also caused health risk to communities by exposure to chemicals through air as well as contamination of the water supply. Protesters like Nettle continue to advocate for their community to stop the continuation of this event. Label by Annabelle Marcais

The Cage Ascending

Derek Slater, British

The Cage Ascending, 2015

The Cage Ascending by Derek Slater serves as a poignant metaphor for the lifelessness inherent in the coal experience. Frequently, coal production reduces workers to mere cogs in the machinery of production. The painting vividly portrays the grim conditions imposed upon workers in the coal industry, presenting them as faceless figures confined within a cage. This cage symbolizes the environmental and economic pressures that bind workers to a profession that gradually erodes their health and devastates their communities. The environmental and health ramifications not only dismantle communities but also exploit lives for the substantial financial gain of large corporations. Label by Jackson Smith

Cigarette Trees

The Local Honeys, American

Cigarette Trees, 2017 (song)

This song was written and performed by the The Local Honeys, a band composed of two Kentucky women performing what they call Kentucky music. They see themselves as creators and storytellers, not just carrying on the tradition of music. This song is a sort of protest song against King Coal and the environmental impacts of coal mining in Appalachia. It talks about mountaintop removal, the dependence of the miners on coal, and how mine owners are destroying the environment for profit without losing any sleep. This piece of music directly represents the struggle of the people of Appalachia and secondarily represents the sound of the mountains. To me personally, this song sounds like Appalachia as it tells the story of the people.
YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGZ4obUmRjQ. Label by Sam Dutilly

Untitled (Black Lungs)

Deanne Cheuk, Australian-American

Untitled (Black Lungs), 2023

Deanne Cheuk creates an image of black lungs that are disintegrating at the edges as if they are made of smog. Visually striking and concerning all the same, the charcoal drawing causes viewers to question the fragility of the human body, specifically the lungs. When faced with vicious toxins from our society's never-ending industrial pollutants, our physical bodies can not keep up. This specific piece brings to light the hazards of Appalachia coal mining: a career path burdened with incurable black lung disease. This disease stems from breathing in mineral dust. Eventually, the toxins build up and can lead to respiratory issues and premature deaths. Label by Grace Cohen