Fairmont State announces this year’s artist-in-residence, who’s bringing a unique form of art to campus

Key Takeaways:

• Fairmont State’s artist-in-residence explores crankie artwork for a fresh storytelling experience
• “Seven Bones” was originally recounted in Fairmont, West Virginia, by Anna Krajnak in 1948
• The folktale’s roots trace back to Czechoslovakia, underscoring its cross-cultural legacy
• Multiple artistic disciplines—music, video, and lyricism—converge in this new performance
• The story’s eerie narrative of ghosts, horses, and a determined heroine resonates with modern audiences

Introduction to the Artist-in-Residence

Fairmont State University proudly announces its new artist-in-residence, who brings a one-of-a-kind folk presentation to campus. Central to this venture is crankie artwork, a traditional scroll-based illustration method paired with live performance. Leading the project is a multidisciplinary team that includes vocalist and double bassist Annick Odom, oboist and videographer Federico Forla, and audio mixer Yannick Laret.

Historical Roots of “Seven Bones”

At the heart of the residency is the folktale “Seven Bones,” originally told by Anna Krajnak in 1948 in Fairmont, West Virginia. Krajnak believed the story came from Czechoslovakia (now the Czech Republic). Eventually, it found its place in the folkloric collection “Green Hills of Magic,” compiled by Ruth Ann Musick. This oral tradition carries with it a sense of mystery and cultural heritage that resonates in the region’s storytelling tradition.

Collaboration Behind the Scenes

The artist-in-residence production goes beyond a single genre. It weaves together the talents of a vocalist, a double bass, video design, oboe accompaniment, and audio mixing—all designed to immerse the audience in both the narrative and its haunting musical atmosphere. The performances blend centuries-old legends with a 21st-century stage presence, creating an experience that is innovative yet deeply rooted in folklore.

The Folklore’s Haunting Narrative

“Seven Bones” follows the story of Iva, who sets out to discover the fate of her absent lover. The tale takes a turn into the supernatural when Iva follows a fortune-teller’s counsel, collecting seven bones and boiling them for seven nights. Passages from the lyrical retelling capture gripping imagery:
“Steam spilled from the cottage, into the forest,
It whispered, they whispered, she whispered, ‘Come back, oh come back to me.’”
Such lines reflect the folktale’s moody ambiance and the delicate interplay between love, longing, and the spirit world.

Bridging Past and Present

Bringing “Seven Bones” to campus highlights how tradition can merge with modern artistic disciplines. Through the crankie artwork’s rolling visuals and the synergy of folk music, this residency demonstrates the power of cultural storytelling in uniting an academic community. In doing so, Fairmont State preserves a local narrative while offering a dynamic, contemporary performance that revitalizes a nearly 80-year-old folktale for new audiences.