Suzanne Stewart
Staff Writer
When Xandria Maurer, of Slaty Fork, attended the inauguration of West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey and swearing in of state officials in Charleston, she had no idea Secretary of State Kris Warner was a fan of her artwork.
Maurer is known for her pastoral depictions of nature, inspired by places she has visited and lived. She has been adding to a collection called “Into the Heart of Appalachia” which continues to grow as she discovers more and more beautiful spots to paint.
While she was at the inauguration, she met with Warner, who said he would like to have some of her work displayed in his office.
“I talked with Secretary Warner,” she said. “He had seen some of my work. He asked me if I would have any paintings that could be part of his office. I said, ‘of course.’ I looked around the space to see which walls were going to be needing artwork. I had some ideas and so I painted some forests to be directly behind where he’s working because I thought it would be a reminder of the beauty that is here in the state.”
On March 7, Maurer delivered four paintings – “On the Lake,” “Majestic Cascade Falls,” “Song of the Forest,” and “Morning Majesty” to the office.
The paintings received such a great reception that Maurer has been contacted by others in the state capitol who would like to display her artwork in their offices, as well.
The state capitol is just one of many locations where Maurer’s artwork is displayed. It is now included among a list of luxury resorts, private collections and worldwide cultural events.
In May, she will have an exhibition in Williamsburg, Virginia, and has been selected to be an artist in residence at the Nemocolin Resort in Farmington, Pennsylvania.
In between shows and exhibits, Maurer is adding to the “Into the Heart of Appalachia” collection, which currently consists of seven paintings.
“There is something that is so special and magical about this place and just the region in general,” she said. “We take drives, and I look at things. I’m just still awe inspired by the area and also the people here. I love it.
“I may not have been born in this area, but maybe I should have been,” she added.
The full collection and all of Maurer’s artwork may be viewed at her website, awakenimagination.com
