Art & Beautification

Active Southern WV: Mural celebrates community possibilities for Mount Hope

11.13.18

Mural ribbon cutting – image from Active Southern WV’s Facebook page

BY STAFF FOR ACTIVE SOUTHERN WV

In Mount Hope, WV a vibrant mural resides on a main street building. “The Mount Hope Phoenix Wall”, by Ian Bode and Brian Pickens, is a visual representation depicting a town that rose from the ashes after the fire of 1910. The colorful painting features present and future possibilities for the town of Mount Hope. The large-scale art piece depicts scenes from the town’s history, iconic buildings and local recreational activities.

Three years ago, Active Southern West Virginia brought together stakeholders for a discussion focused on revitalizing Mount Hope. From that meeting, several projects were planned including a rail trail, a fitness trail with exercise stations, and a walking tour of town. Andy Davis, Active SWV’s Pedestrian, Bike and Trail Coordinator, has since put the fitness trail and stations in place, installed a bike repair station, and coordinated the purchase of property for the rail trail and the design for the mural project, all with the intention to reimagine Mount Hope as a destination for both historical tourism and business development…

Read the full story on the Active Southern WV site »

WV Metro News: Grafton volunteers restoring local historic theater

10.16.18

Historic Manos Theater sign

BY BRITTANY MURRAY FOR METRO NEWS

A group of volunteers in Taylor County are working to bring back one of the area’s most historic theaters.

The Manos Theater, located in downtown Grafton, has been a part of the town’s footprint since the early 20th Century, first opening as the Hippodrome — later the Strand Theater — in 1912.

“It’s been closed now for several years,” committee chairman Tom Hart said Tuesday during an appearance on WAJR-Clarksburg’s “The Gary Bowden Show.” “Of course, when you leave something sitting, it doesn’t always get maintained and it starts going south, but a group of us talked, and we wanted to try to initiate action to make something happen with this theater to get it back open so it can serve the community both in the performing arts and possibly, once again, with some motion pictures.”

Though the group is still in the organizational stages, those traveling through Grafton have likely noticed changes to the facades already occurring…

Read the full story on the WV Metro News site »

FestivALL Charleston says we collaborate to survive – GLAM Series

10.02.18

Artist and Director of the Department of Public Art for the City of Charleston Jeff Pierson with kids at FestivALL Fall’s Carriage Trail Leaf Walk. FestivALL Fall is this October 17-21. Image courtesy FestivALL Charleston.

BY SALLY DESKINS, EXHIBITS AND PROGRAMS COORDINATOR, WVU LIBRARIES

What’s GLAM? GLAM stands for galleries-libraries-archives-museums, and, for this series, The Hub is partnering up with Sally Deskins of WVU Libraries to put a spotlight on what happens when groups and institutions related to these collaborate. As Sally says, “Sharing resources can bring in more audiences, and lead to a better course for sustainability amongst all, as opposed to seeing each other competitively and bringing each other down.”

Read all of Sally’s GLAM columns here and read more about the series here.

Brittany Javins is Executive Director of FestivALL Charleston, a nonprofit organization that creates, produces and presents vibrant arts experiences and opportunities. She started out as intern, then assistant before she become Executive Director of this organization that relies on the dedication of volunteers, and “collaborates to survive.” Read on for more about this creative and far-reaching organization and Javins’s advice for those wanting to collaborate too…

Sally Deskins: Tell me about your background and why you got into what you do.

BJ: I grew up as an artist (mostly ballet dancer) in Charleston. I worked for several years as a dance instructor for different studios and English teacher for Kanawha County Schools. A desire to incorporate the arts more into my daily work led me to pursue a Master’s degree in Arts Administration. I studied at Florida State University, but for my internship, I reached out to FestivALL. I wanted to remain in touch with my community. I also felt that interning with FestivALL would help me build on my existing knowledge of the Charleston arts scene, while introducing me to lots of new people and experiences. I was right!

Throughout my program, I continued to remain involved with FestivALL, and once I finished my program, I took a position as Assistant to the Executive Director. I have always loved how FestivALL brings everyone together, and that is what attracted me to wanting to work with this organization. As an artist, I loved that FestivALL was a time when the arts community collaborated and worked together. As a community member, I loved how FestivALL brought our city to life with people out enjoying the arts and being with each other. Now, I get to work toward creating this type of environment in a place I love.

SD: Tell me about your organization and your role, what you do.

BJ: FestivALL is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to create, produce and present vibrant arts experiences and opportunities and serve as a catalyst for others in the community to do the same. We serve this mission through a variety of multi-arts events and programs throughout the year. Our longest standing and most well-known event is FestivALL held every June. For 10 days each summer, Charleston comes alive with music, art, theatre, dance, and more. We also have other mini-festivals throughout the year, a monthly speaker series, and a Neighborhood Arts Initiative which partners with artists, arts organizations, and groups serving children and youth year-round. FestivALL partners with over 90 organizations each year and works closely with the City of Charleston. We aim to highlight local and regional artists and organizations while also bringing in national and sometimes international experiences.

I am the Executive Director. We are a small staff with a mighty volunteer team, so we all wear many hats as many organizations in WV do. As ED, my main responsibilities including overseeing and maintaining partnerships and funding, working with board and staff for overall strategies and planning, ensuring our events and programs align with our mission and goals while serving our greater community, and maintaining a structure and team that helps balance the organization and promotion and sustainability of so many events and details throughout the year.

SD: So what are some ways you have or will collaborate with either outside organizations or groups?

BJ: We are all about collaboration at FestivALL. It is the only way we survive. First of all, we work very closely with the City of Charleston, which supports us financially and also works closely with us on planning for city services and other event logistics. We also partner with over 90 arts organizations and community groups each year. While we produce 4 events on our own, the majority of events at FestivALL are done through partnerships in which we co-produce or present other events as part of the full lineup. We often work with non-arts groups to get creative about ways to incorporate the arts into their events, or we work with artists and arts organizations to plan for new ideas and projects.

SD: Why is collaborating important to you and your position, and WV moving forward?

BJ: We are a small city, and we are stronger together. A thriving arts scene is an indicator of a thriving city. The more we can collaborate – both within the arts world and cross-sector – we will be stronger for it.

SD: Any advice or tips for people wanting to collaborate—how do you approach people about it without knowing them? How do you think up such ideas?

BJ: Be open! And communicate that. We have monthly meetings that are open to the public where we accept new ideas from the community. We also have a form on our website for submitting event proposals. We try to let people know as often as possible that we are always open to new ideas. One of our favorite and largest events this year was a temporary art installation – Brickscape – proposed by a local artist. We were able to work together to help make it happen, and it was an incredible and unique addition to this year’s FestivALL. Sometimes we also come up with ideas internally. If it involves someone whom we might not know, we find it helpful to find some common connections – someone who might be able to vouch for us as we present a new concept. We’re in a constant state of exploring and welcoming new ideas. It’s a part of our culture.

FestivALL Fall is this October 17-21, 2018 in Charleston. For more information visit festivallcharleston.com.

Interested in having your group or initiative featured as a part of GLAM? Email Sally at sbdeskins@mail.wvu.edu.

Culturefest combines collaboration and the arts for eye-opening experience

09.04.18

The Company Stores will perform at Culturefest

BY SATHIYAN SIVAKUMARAN, HUBCAP III VISTA, THE HUB

Look no further than the 15th rendition of Culturefest World Music & Arts Festival for an amazing example of collaboration to produce an eye-opening experience! From September 6th through the 9th, people from every direction will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in creative arts at the Appalachian South Folklife Center in Pipestem, WV.

With multiple stages hosting artists from across the East Coast and Appalachia performing different styles of music and dance, Culturefest is truly a celebration of creativity. There are also workshops for yoga, drumming, belly dance, and other activities, including facilitated discussions called Conversations at Culturefest. These discussions explore a variety of topics, diving into Appalachian art and cultural exploration.

Night-time brings a host of other exciting events, including star and planet gazing with Dave Burham, an astronomer with WV Sky Tours, and brightening the night with fire spinners!

In addition to the art and activities, artisans will send their crafted clothing and jewelry, among other items. The children’s village provides a Culturefest catering to children, with special craft activities and yoga classes, a costume parade, and of course – a bounce house! Furniture lounges are available for those of us who may need a space to take a short break from the endless excitement and activity of Culturefest. A variety of delicious food and drink will be available for purchase during the weekend including, but not limited to, homestyle Mexican food, sandwiches, vegetarian options, specialty teas, coffee and ice cream. This celebration of diversity and culture in art, music, food, and activities, takes place in the rolling hills of West Virginia, allowing guests to camp on site or make a short jaunt over to the nearby Pipestem State Park.

Organizers say they take great care in curating the performance lineup, and it shows with this lineup. While there’s a long list of performers and artists entertaining and interacting with the audience, some include: Appalatin, Africa Company, The Company Stores, Mystic Warriors, The Parachute Brigade, and Afterjack. Performers from across the state and region will be providing everyone with genre after genre of unique music, dance, and art blended from a variety of cultures. A popular tradition from previous Culturefests is the community art boards, which will be available throughout the weekend stocked with paint and brushes and are welcome to anyone wanting to leave their mark. These spontaneous, collaborative works of art are a vibrant centerpiece of the festivities. This exemplifies the amazing mosaic of activity that Culturefest offers.

This amazing event is presented by LLyniuM entertainment and The RiffRaff Arts Collective in cooperation with the Appalachian South Folklife Center with assistance from these sponsors: Princeton Health Care Center, Princeton Community Hospital, Seaver Funeral Home, Star-95, Kiss-FM, WVVA, Ramey Princeton, Princeton Rescue Squad, Adventure Radio, Little Buddy Radio, Princeton Health & Fitness Center, and a host of advertisers. The program is presented with financial assistance from the West Virginia Division of Culture & History, and the National Endowment for the Arts, with approval from the West Virginia Commission on the Arts.

To learn more and purchase tickets, go to culturefestwv.com. Tickets can also be purchased at the gate, though advance tickets are recommended. Additional information can also be found by calling 304-320-8833.

Huntington Museum of Art collaborates across community and campus to advocate for the arts—GLAM series

08.28.18

Huntington Museum of Art Executive Director Geoffrey K. Fleming and HMA Senior Curator Chris Hatten are shown with a recent acquisition. The watercolor artwork is titled View from the River Kanawha, West Virginia, Near Hawk’s Nest, which is attributed to Granville Perkins.

BY SALLY DESKINS, EXHIBITS AND PROGRAMS COORDINATOR, WVU LIBRARIES

Read all of Sally’s GLAM columns here and read more about the series here.

Geoffrey K. Fleming is Executive Director of Huntington Museum of Art (HMA). For this interview, the Long Island, New York native shares about his passion for American art and history, the various collaborative exhibitions and programs at HMA, sharing art amongst art museums and more…

Sally Deskins: Tell me about your background and why you got into what you do.

Geoffrey Fleming: Having always been interested in art and architecture, I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Historic Preservation in 1996 at Mary Washington College in Fredericksburg, Va., where I graduated with honors and was awarded the J. Binford Walford Scholarship in Architecture. I earned my Master of Arts in Arts Administration in 1999 from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, where I wrote my thesis titled “Museum Shops: A Study.” Since then I have worked in the museum field, chaired several committees and museum associations, and written over two dozen books on American art and history, with a special focus on my native Long Island, New York.

SD: Tell me about your organization and your role, what you do.

GF: Situated on 52 acres with nature trails, the Huntington Museum of Art is a fine arts museum with a permanent collection of more than 15,000 art objects. HMA is home to the C. Fred Edwards Conservatory of tropical plants and orchids. I am the Executive Director of the Huntington Museum of Art and among my many responsibilities is to ensure the fiscal soundness of HMA and to look for ways to increase our permanent collection and maintain and grow our funding resources, so our organization can continue to offer art, education and nature experiences to the people of Huntington, West Virginia, the Tri-State community and beyond.

SD: So, what are some ways you have or will collaborate with either outside organizations or groups?

GF: As part of our commitment to promoting regional artists, the Huntington Museum of Art works with the Tri-State Arts Association and Allied Artists of West Virginia to present exhibits of work by regional artists. Regional artists are also in the spotlight in “Exhibition 280,” which is our triennial, juried exhibit that is open to artists who are 18 years of age or older and living in West Virginia and the five states that border the Mountain State.

In addition, for years the Huntington Museum of Art has worked with Marshall University in a number of ways. One of our longstanding partnerships is with Marshall University’s College of Arts and Media for the annual presentation of “Portfolio,” which is an exhibit of work by young artists in middle and high schools from West Virginia, Ohio and Kentucky.

In addition, we regularly present solo exhibits by artists who are native to West Virginia (both past and present), which this year will include Brian Michael Reed and Jamie Sloane.

SD: Why is collaborating important to you and your position, and WV as well as society moving forward?

GF: Most nonprofit institutions in our region face financial challenges and it makes sense that if we can work with other nonprofits to everyone’s benefit that we should do so. The Huntington Museum of Art has created a great lending partnership with Ohio University’s Kennedy Museum of Art. We have borrowed art from the Kennedy Museum of Art and loaned some of our permanent collection to them. This has been a tremendously successful partnership as the two museums are close in proximity and our patrons have had the opportunity to see great exhibits because of this exchange program. The most recent exhibit the Huntington Museum of Art has presented due to this partnership is “Hot Can Be Cool: Jazz Portraits by Herman Leonard, which was on view at HMA from June 2 through July 29, 2018. Marshall University was very involved in the presentation of this exhibit and was responsible for bringing Jazz musician Ellis Marsalis to our opening reception for the exhibition.

SD: Any advice or tips for people wanting to collaborate—how do you approach people about it without knowing them? How do you think up such ideas?

GF: When approaching another institution about a possible collaboration, I think it is important to have a plan that will benefit both organizations. When reaching out, let them know that you think both parties will be stronger by working together instead of alone.

In terms of ideas, it is important to visit other institutions to learn about their holdings, so that you can figure out ways that you can help to fill collection gaps at their museum while doing the same at your own. This provides the maximum benefit for both parties.

SD: Anything to add? Hopes for future of WV?

GF: Although I am a New York native, I have made my home in West Virginia for more than three years. I like that there are lots of interesting places and things to do in West Virginia and that we are within short driving distance to other wonderful cities such as Lexington, Louisville, Columbus, Cincinnati, Cleveland and Washington, D.C.

I would like to see more people from outside West Virginia take advantage of all the attractions that the Mountain State has to offer. There are a lot of hardworking people in West Virginia who are doing their best to continue to grow tourism and the arts and I am happy to count myself among them.

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For more information on the Huntington Museum of Art, visit https://www.hmoa.org/.

Interested in having your group or initiative featured as a part of GLAM? Email Sally at sbdeskins@mail.wvu.edu.

Community-driven creative space in Charleston is for makers by makers

08.21.18

BY EMMA PEPPER, DIRECTOR OF STRATEGIC NETWORK COMMUNICATIONS, THE HUB

MAKESHOP, founded by creative agency MESH Design and Development, is a creative placemaking project in the Elk City neighborhood of Charleston, West Virginia, made by makers for makers. The group turned 4,000 square feet of abandoned space into an art and design studio, artist live/work lofts, and free public art space. A growing community of artists, makers, and creative entrepreneurs are taking advantage of the opportunity.

The building renovation was done in collaboration with over thirty artists, designers, and craftspeople and has hosted dozens of community-initiated maker events to date including art shows, workshops, events, gatherings, pop-up weekend shops, band shows, and anything else people have dreamed up to try out.

Each of MAKESHOP’s collaborators are encouraged to develop their skills, to push themselves to create something new, something yet-undreamed-of, and to grow.

The founder of MAKESHOP as well as MESH Design and Development, Megan Bullock, says:

“MAKESHOP is a place for collaboration, celebration, prototyping, incubating ideas, and action. Too many bold ideas never come to life because we spend too much time in the thinking stage. Makeshop is a place to try things out, share them with people, and then grow them. We are design thinkers, starters, and makers. Our space is a place for starting small, thinking big. And we need more people in Appalachia ready to try new things and support each other.

Everyone is welcome at MAKESHOP. I believe everyone has a maker inside of them ready to explore the unknown, and to find new parts of themselves. Everyone is encouraged to ask themselves, what is the next thing for West Virginia’s future, and for my own future? How can I build off of what I have to learn new skills, new ways of thinking, and contribute to West Virginia’s creative economic and cultural future?”

Upcoming events in the space are:

Wed, 8/22 – MAKER-oni & Cheese Cookoff + Fundraiser by Makeshop at MESH Design & Development
Wed, 8/25 – Pop-up Drawing Studio by Domenica Queen
Sat, 8/29 – Pop-up Drawing Studio by Domenica Queen
Sat, 9/1 – Reading & Literary Panel: The Process and a Sense of Place by Boss Babes WV + Travelin’ Appalachians Revue

Want to create a project like MAKESHOP for your community? Check out their website and find the leaders at makeshop@meshfresh.com.

Grafton teens brighten their community with new public art

08.21.18

Will Debaise, Ashley Glover, and Hunter Neel

BY BREANNA COLLINS, ENERGIZING ENTREPRENEURIAL COMMUNITIES VISTA, THE HUB

Three 17-year-olds took on a challenging and life changing project in Grafton. Hunter Neel and Ashley Glover, Grafton High School seniors this year, and Will Debiase, a graduate of the Mountaineer Challenge Academy, got on board to paint a mural at Grafton’s downtown community deck, Toad Hall, on the side of Espresso Yourself Coffee House.

Little did they know the impact the project would have on them as well (as the amount of work this mural would take!).

Hunter, Ashley, and Will arrived at the coffee shop on a Wednesday afternoon in early August ready to create public art. Once the idea of what the image would be was determined, they quickly got started.

We’ll follow their journey…

After a day and a half of getting the idea onto the wall, everyone was ready to paint!

They began painting on Thursday afternoon – they were excited to begin creating the art for the community to enjoy.

Every section of the wall is a different color, so they needed to spend time mixing seven different shades of red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple for each section as they proceeded.

Each day Hunter, Ashley, and Will arrived between 8-9am and went on to work until late in the evenings – nearly 12 hours on some days.

The definition of dedicated and determined, they even painted in the rain on two separate occasions to keep the project moving forward.

Each day, they made more progress than the day before, adding more color and beauty to this downtown gathering space. They even worked on Saturday and Sunday in hopes of getting the artwork completed.

When they finally began working on the purple section they knew they were almost there!

And by early evening in mid-August, they had finally completed their masterpiece. The project took 6 days of work – including the last few days of their summer break – and 116 volunteer hours combined to complete.

These three teenagers all come from different backgrounds and have different stories to tell. We knew Hunter was an artist from his long visits at the coffee shop with friends. So when the idea struck us to have a local, young artist create a mural, he was definitely on the list! We told Hunter we trusted his judgment and suggested he recruit help. Ashley, Hunters friend from school, had recently moved back to Grafton from Florida and was his first choice. Will is Ashley’s boyfriend, who unknowingly got roped into the project! Ashley was a young artist who had lost touch with her passion, but felt that the mural project was intended to bring her back to her art. Will was unaware of his artistic abilities until the project. He could be found at times creating art on pieces of cardboard – and also himself.

When the teens were asked what it meant to them to be able to participate and complete this project this were their responses:

Hunter Neel: “I feel accomplished in the completion of the project, and I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to create a space for community members young and old to enjoy. I feel that this is a good starting point for the direction that Grafton needs to go.”
Ashley Glover: “It was tough to wake up early and work everyday, but I feel that this project has made a positive impact on my life and has helped me to rejoin back into the community after being gone for a while.”
Will Debiase: “There is more to do in Grafton than what there seems to be when you choose to get involved in the growth of the community.”

It was my honor and pleasure to work with these teens and get to know each of them a little better. They are each amazing young people who have taken ownership of their community, and now have a desire to get involved in other projects. They are excited to create more art for the community in the future.

This mural project was made possible by Create Your State, Sherwin Williams, and Donna and Tom Hart of Espresso Yourself Coffee House.

Funding opportunity for artists committed to working with their communities

07.31.18

BY EMMA PEPPER, DIRECTOR OF STRATEGIC NETWORK COMMUNICATIONS, THE HUB

Alternate ROOTS is an Atlanta, GA based organization that supports the creation and presentation of original art that is rooted in community, place, tradition, or spirit that has been around for more than 40 years. The organization connects a distinct segment of the arts and culture field – artists who have a commitment to making work in, with, by, for and about their communities, and those whose cultural work strives for social justice.

They currently have a call out for applications for their Artistic Assistance Program – applications are due by September 11, 2018 – and have made a special request for artists working in West Virginia to apply. First time applicants and those not previously funded are required to hold a Conversation of Intent prior to submitting their applications that needs to be scheduled by September 4.

The Artistic Assistance Program provides direct support to individual artists and cultural workers in the South to enhance their skills, create unique projects, and build community. The program has two funding areas: professional development and project development.

Find out more about this funding opportunity »

Grafton students create new Sidewalk Chalk Festival to raise funds for community event

07.17.18

Students distribute flyers

BY BREANNA COLLINS, ENERGIZING ENTREPRENEURIAL COMMUNITIES VISTA, THE HUB

The local Espresso Yourself Coffee House in Grafton has become a community gathering space for people of all ages, including a group of creative Grafton High School students who participate in the school’s theatre and show choir group, band, and are also art students. These students meet at the local coffee house to hang out, create art together, and simply have a good time.

One quiet afternoon, the students were spending time together at the shop when they began creating art outside using sidewalk chalk. They spent hours with owner, Donna Hart, outside enjoying the nice weather and having fun. Two ladies stopped by for coffee during this time that were traveling from California. They decided to join in.

They explained to the students that sidewalk chalk festivals were something that happened regularly in California. Donna and the students began to wonder why something like that couldn’t be done right here in Grafton, WV.

We worked with the students to help them think through all of the details so that they would learn how to plan a community event. The group decided that this would be a fundraiser for the community’s annual ArtStock to be held this September.

These students, currently juniors and seniors in high school, are working to establish the event, and then bring in new students in each year to continue the trend of this being a student-run event. The event brings youth involvement and leadership into Grafton’s community development efforts.

Emily and Rachel Rock, GHS Juniors, have worked diligently to determine the date and times of the event, create and hang fliers, talk with the City Manager for event approval, go door to door of local business owners, and work out event details.

They decided to create different categories to be judged where fellow students – Emily, Rachel, and Hunter Neel – and the Director of the Taylor County Arts Council, Beth Flanery, would determine a variety of winners.

The event fundraiser is scheduled to be held on Saturday, August 25, 10 am – 3 pm. The entry fee is $5.00 per participant and includes one sidewalk square. Participants are asked to bring sidewalk chalk with them.

The event will be held on Grafton’s W Main Street in the downtown area where Grafton City Hospital will be setup with water and extra chalk.

Event judging will begin at 2 pm and prizes will be awarded to category winners. The group hopes that the fundraiser will provide fun for families and people of all ages and help support the Taylor County Arts Councils initiative to have Grafton named as an Arts Community. For questions, reach out to me or contact Buffalo Flats Artist Association on Facebook.

Summit to drive more public murals across Appalachia happening in KY

07.09.18

GoodSpace mural, Lyndale Community School, Minneapolis

The Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College Appalachian Program are inviting people to take part in The Great Mountain Mural Mega Fest in Cumberland, Kentucky August 2nd-5th, 2018.

The Great Mountain Mural Mega Fest is a gathering of artists, teachers, students, and creative placemakers interested in learning how to:

Create enduring outdoor, large scale murals;
Work with property owners and local governments to make public art happen;
Engage schools, youth, and other community members in the design and creation of public murals; and
Integrate the creation of murals into larger plans for community development and creative placemaking.

The Great Mountain Mural Mega Fest is a place for:

Visual artists who have never made an outdoor mural to learn the technical skills involved from veteran mural artists;
People with all levels of experience in mural making to be with one another to trade ideas and experiences and plan future work; and
Current and future mural makers to engage with experts in other aspects of public art making beyond the art itself—areas like fundraising, working with local government, and community organizations—and connect with national creative placemaking organizations and practitioners.

Participants in The Great Mountain Mural Mega Fest will find themselves in a gathering of people involved and invested in expanding the role of art and artists in community development and local economies.

Find out more information »