The Flatwoods Monster (Artists’ Representation)

Title: Under Investigation – Stories of Cryptids form Appalachia & Kentucky

Dates Shown: November 18, 2014 through February 21, 2016

Location: Lobby of the Frost Building, Berea College Campus

Description: A cryptid is an animal whose existence or continued existence is disputed or unsubstantiated. This small exhibit introduces eight interesting cryptids found in Appalachian and Kentucky folklore and literature: The Pope Lick Monster, Moth Man, Sheepsquatch, Giant Catfish, The Flatwoods Monster, Bigfoot, Little Green Men of Kelly, and Black Panther or Painter Cats.

Curatorial and Design Team: Matt Heil, Caroline Hughes, and Christopher Miller

Contributing Artist: R. LeAndre Flores

Curator Christopher Miller recalls: “When planning this exhibition, we decided to experiment with a teaser campaign. Three weeks in advance we covered the glass display cases with paper leaving a few small openings, put red and blue flashing police lights inside, played an audio loop of barely audible police radio communications, and put up very official looking signs that included the phrases: ‘Danger’ and ‘Possible Biological and Radioactive Contamination.’ I think it was only two hours before I got a call from the campus environmental safety people. We rephrased the signs and put clear disclaimers on them.”