Mike Wurman joins the festival this year to give an "Eat, Drink and be Literary" author's talk on Friday night, June 7, at the Old Stone School in Hillsboro, VA (a ticketed event). His work will be featured at the festival in our "Art of the Trail" invitational show, with a free opening reception on June 7th at 6 p.m. 

Completed in journal fashion, Mike's book A Sketch & A Prayer chronicles the miles and stories of his journey along the Appalachian Trail in search of inspiration. Filled with stories, drawings, pictures, tips and tricks, the book shows, firsthand, the ups and downs of a long-distance hiker. These days, Mike is at work on his fourth book. We asked him to tell us how hiking the Appalachian Trail changed him and his art. 

After I moved to Asheville, North Carolina, to pursue a career as a pencil artist, I began to feel uncertain about my abilities as an artist—and as an individual. I had lost my passion for creating, and I stopped drawing.

In 2014, I went hiking across the summit of a nearby, bald mountain named Max Patch, where I literally crossed paths with the Appalachian Trail. I was immediately inspired to draw again, but I also knew immediately the Trail was calling me to make the 2,200-mile pilgrimage from Georgia to Maine.

Despite having no backpacking experience, two months later I left from Springer Mountain, Georgia, carrying two sketchbooks and an assortment of pencils, and I headed north. It often wasn't easy, but my journey on the Trail strengthened my belief in myself and my love for nature. I realized I wanted to share that with others through my art.

While I still work in pencil, I realized it was time to branch out beyond the black-and-white world of graphite so that I could truly convey the vivid imagery I experienced on the Trail each day. And so, I taught myself to draw with pastels, adding color to my art so I could better capture the wonders of nature.

I've continued to be inspired to explore new adventures and landscapes. After the A.T., I thru-hiked the Colorado Trail and the West Highland Way in Scotland. With a sketchbook in hand, I'm always looking for my next great adventure.

—Mike Wurman

Our 2023 "Wild Beauty" art show was such a success that we're planning another show for this year's festival. We hope to feature hiker/artists who have been inspired first-hand by the beauty of the Appalachian Trail. Invitations are going out now. If you have an artist to suggest, please contact us.

Art of the Trail: An A.T.-Inspired Invitational Show
Old Stone School
​37098 Charles Town Pike, Hillsboro, VA
June 7-8, 2024