Thursday, October 30, 2025
46.1 F
Beckley
More

    Artist says former West Virginians captivated by West Virginia imagery

    BECKLEY, W.Va. — Former West Virginians are increasingly interested in art that recalls the past in the Mountain State, says an artist launching a series of Christmas sketches he created more than a quarter-century ago.

    , who is perhaps best known as the artist who creates monsters in the television series, says he understands the fascination.

    Beckley in winter in 1880.

    "So many West Virginians have left the state," he says, "and so many are reminiscing about it now. I absolutely understand it."

    Earehart himself left West Virginia in the 1990s during an economic downturn in which thousands of professionals left for bigger cities and greener pastures.

    With the advent of the work-from-home revolution, however, many former West Virginians are moving back to the Mountain State or are considering a move back. Earehart says he's considered a return home and may if the state continues to develop its film industry.

    In the meantime, he says he's decided to market a series of holiday sketches of Beckley through the years through the and is considering continuing the series.

    Advertisement
    Main Street in Beckley in 1940 by Seay Earehart

    "Christmas has always brought out the best in people, and I think many former West Virginians have wonderful memories of the holiday season there," he said.

    Earehart's work as a scenic artist can be seen in such films and television series as Lore, Flight, Taken III, Fear Street, and The Hunger Games: Monkingjay.

    However, the artist says his best-known work so far is his creation of the monster on Stranger Things, which designers asked him to create. The resulting tendrilled beast has captured the imagination of a generation of sci-fi enthusiasts.

    The collector's edition prints of Beckley, signed by Earehart, are available in limited quantities at the center on Johnstown Road.

    Each print can be bought separately at $15 per print or as a set of five prints for $60. For more information on the prints of the arts center, call 304-253-9226.


    Sign up to receive a FREE copy of West Virginia Explorer Magazine in your email weekly. 

    David Sibray
    David Sibray
    Historian, real estate agent, and proponent of inventive economic development in West Virginia, David Sibray is the founder and publisher of West Virginia Explorer Magazine. For more information, he may be reached at 304-575-7390.

    LEAVE A REPLY

    Please enter your comment!
    Please enter your name here

    Hot this week

    Hatfield–McCoy trails system now connected to Virginia’s Spearhead trails

    BRAMWELL, W.Va. — Off-road enthusiasts have even more ground...

    Don’t ignore the winter blues: Seasonal affective disorder is a serious form of depression

    MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — As the days grow shorter and...

    West Virginia historic preservation grants open for 2026 applications

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia is now accepting applications...

    Blackwater Falls State Park begins online ticket sales for sled run

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia State Parks officials today...

    At 50 years, West Virginia University celebrates its ground-breaking PRT system

    MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The familiar hum of the gold...

    Topics

    Hatfield–McCoy trails system now connected to Virginia’s Spearhead trails

    BRAMWELL, W.Va. — Off-road enthusiasts have even more ground...

    West Virginia historic preservation grants open for 2026 applications

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia is now accepting applications...

    Blackwater Falls State Park begins online ticket sales for sled run

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia State Parks officials today...

    The Pumpkin—a West Virginia tradition steeped in lore

    FLAT TOP, W.Va. — With the exception of corn,...

    Here are 20 things that make wild, wonderful West Virginia famous

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — From the peaks of the Allegheny...

    West Virginia University insect tracker says light pollution threatens rare fireflies

    MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — While rare “synchronous fireflies” are becoming...

    Related Articles

    Popular Categories