Cincinnati locals and nature enthusiasts are in for a treat. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), in collaboration with the Ohio Arts Council (OAC), has unveiled an exclusive wildlife photography exhibit, "Kleinfunde," at the Hueston Woods State Park Lodge & Conference Center. The outdoor show is a nod to the little guys of the wild—those creatures that skitter, flutter, and often scurry away unappreciated.
The exhibit consists of 40 photographs by Mitch Wiebell, a Cincinnati farm dweller with a keen eye for the typically overlooked residents of his rural landscape. "Kleinfunde," or 'small finds,' shines the spotlight on small wildlife, and Wiebell's work invites viewers to lean into the beauty of these miniature marvels. The event kicked off with an artist talk on Wednesday, October 22, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., under the stars no less, with each photograph backlit in the enveloping dark—a setting both apropos and atmospherically distinct.
Post talk, the ink jet prints will grace the lodge's main lobby through January 23, 2026, adding a dose of the wild to the domesticated indoors. The work demonstrates not just technical skill but an unspoken understanding between artist and subject. The "Kleinfunde" collection translates an intrinsic wonder of Ohio's natural residents into visual storytelling—a testament to the state park's commitment to celebrating nature via the arts.
The exhibit is a part of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources' Arts in the Parks initiative, which the OAC helps facilitate. Merge the worlds of arts and nature, and you have a symbiotic relationship that not only educates but also enthralls. For exact directions to the back lawn near the fire pit at Hueston Woods, where Wiebell's work will first make its literary debut, or for more information about the 'Arts in the Parks' programs, visit The Ohio Department of Natural Resources' website. It's the perfect opportunity for a serene evening that pays homage to the silent symphony of small creatures that thrive under our often inattentive watch.
