Like a migratory bird, Nellie Lutzwolf, our 2025 Regional Artist in Residence, soared into Bernheim in late April. She brought with her a bright curiosity, an inquisitive spirit, and delightful cheer. Nellie hails from Bowling Green, KY, where she works as a muralist, graphic designer, and art educator.
Upon arrival, she quickly immersed herself in the forest. She hiked every trail at Bernheim, including the 15-mile Millennium Trail! Her daily hikes allowed her to witness the forest’s incredible biodiversity and spring awakening. These experiences now serve as inspiration for her project.
Nellie is creating a beautiful mural on an exterior wall at the Visitor Center that features flora and fauna she researched during her hikes, along with insights from Bernheim’s horticulture and natural areas staff.
She explains, “I’m curating a collection of 20 species at Bernheim, each selected for a different reason but similarly for their ability to start conversations and educate visitors about the happenings at Bernheim Forest. Not all, but many of the species that will be included in the mural are imperiled—meaning you would be VERY lucky to see them. The forest protects many things even if we are unable to see them for ourselves.”
Nellie hopes the more elusive animals and plants in her mural will challenge visitors to get out on the trails beyond the Visitor Center and pay closer attention to the teeming life deep in the woods.
Catch Nellie in action painting her mural now through the end of May. Watch the progress unfold daily at the Visitor Center, and don’t miss her live painting during BloomFest on May 17, where you can meet her and ask questions. We’re thrilled to welcome her creativity and energy to Bernheim this spring.
