09/02/2026
Wendell Berry helped us to listen. Across his contemplative writings, Berry recognized the need for stillness, for breath, and for learning slowly from the lands that shape us. It is thus no wonder that we can see across his art and his activism how the environment of his home state served as an inspiration. The soil, the waterways, the air, and all living beings across Kentucky were sacred to Berry. His everyday reverence not only sharpened his work but reminded many to reconnect with the world around them.
In recognition of Wendell Berry's passing, we share just a few of the ways his presence and words show up in our collections. The two images in this post come from our Fine Print collection, while the broadside of Berry's "The Wild Geese" comes to us a recent gift of the Rev. Elwood Sturtevant.
Citations:
Mendes, G. (Photographer). (2003). Wendell Berry on the Kentucky River, 2003 [silver gelatin]. 2004.005.01, Fine Print collection, Archives & Special Collections, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY.
Berry, W. (2012). The Wild Geese [broadside]. Archives & Special Collections, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY.
Mendes, G. (Photographer). (1970). Wendell Berry, Henry County, 1970 [silver gelatin]. 2003.013.02, Fine Print collection, Archives & Special Collections, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY.
