Leslie Haines, professor of visual communication at MTSU; MTSU photo by J. Intintoli

A Middle Tennessee State University professor’s animal artistry is part of a popular—and significant—new exhibit at Oxford University’s Bodleian Library, showcasing more than 150 manuscripts, prints, posters, sculptures and books using the alphabet as inspiration.

Leslie Haines, a longtime visual artist, graphic designer and educator, has taught in the Visual Communication Program in MTSU’s School of Journalism and Strategic Media since 2013. Her “Animal Abecedary: A One-of-a-Kind Alphabet Book” is among only a handful of international artists’ works included in the Oxford exhibit on display through January 2024, known as “Alphabets Alive!”

Her book features 26 witty juxtapositions of animals and letter-appropriate elements, such as a kimono-clad kangaroo with a knife, a popcorn-nibbling penguin wearing pants and a horse wearing a hat eating a hot dog. Additionally, the alphabet poster included in the book is displayed inside the Bodleians’ newly renovated Weston Library building.

“It was an amazing experience!” says Haines, who traveled to England in mid-July for the exhibit’s opening. “I saw the show being advertised all around Oxford, including posts at local pubs.

“It was a bigger deal than I thought it would be: it’s in the main exhibition space! I feel so honored. My work will be seen by thousands.”

The adventure began in late 2022 when Robert Bolick, collector of artists’ books and curator of the website Books on Books (books-on-books.com), contacted Haines to post about “Animal Abecedary” on his site, comparing her art to that of the 20th century German-born surrealist Max Ernst.

Bolick then proposed that “Animal Abecedary” be part of an alphabet book exhibition he was curating for the Bodleian Libraries. Find more information on the “Alphabets Alive!” exhibit at visit.bodleian.ox.ac.uk.

When the exhibit ends, Haines’ work will stay put, becoming a permanent part of the library’s collection—an appropriate decision for an abecedary, or alphabet primer sometimes associated with the important work of adult literacy.

“We hope to encourage a greater appreciation of the alphabet’s historic and cultural significance through the ages, and highlight its use as a creative linguistic canvas, in order to both educate, enlighten and entertain people of all ages,” Richard Ovenden, the Bodleians’ librarian and director of gardens, libraries and museums at the University of Oxford, said of the exhibit.

“Alphabet books are often thought of as being ‘just for kids,’ but visitors to our show at the Bodleian will discover this could not be further from the truth!”

A Is for Art, E Is for Educator
Prior recognition of Haines’ Animal Abecedary series includes exhibitions of the original prints at Nashville’s Frist Museum of Art, at the Nashville International Airport and in Queensland, Australia.

Haines formerly served as the academic director of the graphic and web design and advertising programs at the Art Institute of Tennessee-Nashville and also built the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design program at Watkins College of Art, Design and Film.

Target stores snapped up two of her hat designs for stores nationwide, and she designed the most recent arts license plate for the state of Tennessee. She also operates her own advertising and design company to serve local and national clients, earning multiple awards for work with universities, hospitals, musicians and film production companies.

She currently provides advertising design for The Free Speech Center at MTSU and for recording artists including Kenny Chesney and Shawn Mendes through The Messina Group. Haines also created the eye-grabbing logo for MTSU’s WMOT-FM Roots Radio 89.5.

To learn more about Haines’ “Animal Abecedary,” and to purchase prints and greeting cards containing each letter as well as copies of the book, visit animalabecedary.com. Visit lesliehaines.com to see examples of her design work.