By Stephen Smoot
Few in the region are as motivated by maple as Future Generations University and their partners among local farmers, entrepreneurs, and agriculture services organizations. Part of their overall institutional mission lies in promoting local – and profitable – agricultural endeavors, like maple syrup production, through education.
According to Lindsay Kazarick with FGU’s Appalachian program, they have “partnered with South Side Studios in Petersburg to put on a Maple Days art show that will extend from Feb 14 through April 18.
As she shared, “We are proud to celebrate the opening of ‘Sweet on You: The Art of Mountain Maple,’ which exemplifies the power of partnerships to drive inclusive and sustainable community change.”
The show shall coincide with Maple Days. On Feb. 15 and March 15, maple producers across the Mountain State shall celebrate and promote the production of syrup, as well as a dizzying array of creative and innovative maple products that go far beyond pancake and waffle condiments.
As the release for the event states, “this exhibition celebrates this living legacy through the eyes of local artists who capture unique aspects of our state’s maple tradition, bringing together paintings, photographs, and mixed media works as well as historical information, all that celebrate Maple Days 2025.”
The West Virginia Maple Syrup Producers Association partners with the West Virginia Department of Agriculture and groups across the state to spotlight maple. Not only producers, but restaurants, local convention and visitor bureaus, tourism-oriented establishments, grocery and country stores, and many others will host visits, sell products, and promote the developing maple culture.
South Side Studios in Petersburg will host the exhibit entitled “Sweet On You: The Art of Mountain Maple.” A reception will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. on Feb. 14, Saint Valentine’s Day, with wine and other refreshments available.
“This collaboration—uniting artists, South Side Studios, Future Generations University, the West Virginia Maple Syrup Producers Association, and Mountain State Maple Days—reflects our mission to promote learning, research, and action that empower local communities while conserving cultural and environmental heritage,” Kazarick added, going on to say that “by coming together, we not only honor the region’s rich traditions but also foster community-driven development that will benefit present and future generations.”
Those interested can see the exhibit on the second floor at 126 Main Street in Petersburg.
The WVMSA website offers information about observance of the days in each county. An interactive map shows which producers and other businesses will welcome visitors as part of the special celebratory days.
Future Generations University is based on North Mountain near Franklin. Their syrup work has also extended into research on safer tapping of walnut and sycamore trees to obtain their sap for syrup, as well as researching cost-effective ways to produce and sell the products.