PRESTONSBURG, KY.-  Since the downturn in the coal industry our region has sought ways to diversify its economy. Several areas are capitalizing on their natural resources to promote tourism. One of those natural resources is the wealth of artists that are hidden within these mountains. As a result we are not only seeing a variety of artisans move into the area, but we are seeing them have a direct effect on the local economy as many are opening small businesses. One of those artisans held her first solo art exhibit at the Mountain Arts Center in Prestonsburg last week and says being able to come back home and do what she loves is priceless.

“I chose Salyersville because I was born and raised there. I moved out of there straight out of high school because there were no opportunities for an artist or anything there. I always wanted to do something related to art and decided to do something to help the community in the meantime, so that was opened the art bar in Salyersville. Because there was nothing there, I wanted to give that area something to do with art and creativity that kids like I was in high school, middle school and grade school could come and participate in.”

To see more work from Brooklyn simply visit Art by Brooklynn Messer on Facebook.

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