Arts

The arts in West Virginia reflect the state’s rich Appalachian heritage, creative spirit, and thriving talent. From vibrant galleries and community theaters to renowned music festivals and artisan craft shops, West Virginia offers an endless array of ways to experience authentic Appalachian art and culture. Visitors can explore local studios, enjoy live performances of bluegrass, folk, and contemporary music, and discover handmade pottery, quilts, and woodwork that celebrate traditional craftsmanship.

Bob and Jeff Tinnell speak about their filmmaking.

Netflix success gives West Virginia filmmakers new credibility in Hollywood

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia filmmakers have reached a milestone few would have imagined a decade ago. Earlier this year, two films produced by the Morgantown-based Allegheny Image Factory—Gaslit and The Bad Guardian—simultaneously ranked among Netflix’s five most-watched movies in the United States, an achievement that producer Jeff Tinnell believes is unprecedented for a homegrown … Read more

The Charleston Light Opera Guild presents 1776 at the West Virginia Culture Center during West Virginia's America250 celebration. The Tony Award-winning musical concludes its Independence Day weekend run with performances July 3–5.

See 1776 during West Virginia’s America250 Celebration this Fourth of July weekend

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Visitors traveling to Charleston this Independence Day weekend for West Virginia’s America250 Capital City Celebration can experience one of the nation’s most enduring patriotic stage productions when the Charleston Light Opera Guild presents the final performances of 1776, the Tony Award-winning musical that dramatizes the birth of the United States. The production … Read more

Rather than leveling the land, this contemporary West Virginia home in the Canaan Valley embraces the natural mountainside, illustrating how architects increasingly design with the state's steep terrain instead of trying to overcome it. (Illustration courtesy Mills Group)

How modern engineering is changing the way people live in West Virginia’s mountains

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — For generations, West Virginia’s steep mountainsides posed one of the state’s greatest challenges for homebuilders. Deep hollows, narrow ridges, and rugged slopes left little level ground for construction, so communities developed along river bottoms and broader ridge tops, where building was easier. Homes climbed hillsides only when necessary, and the state’s dramatic … Read more

The historic Robinson Grand Performing Arts Center hosts the annual Mtn Craft Film Festival, which showcases films created by Appalachians, about Appalachia, or featuring Appalachian locations and crews. The festival is part of a growing network of film events across West Virginia. (Photo courtesy of Robinson Grand Performing Arts Center)

West Virginia film industry growing as 13 new film festivals emerge across state

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Thirteen new West Virginia film festivals have emerged in recent years, reflecting growing momentum in the Mountain State’s film industry as advances in technology and rising interest in Appalachian stories create new opportunities for filmmakers. Dave Lavender of the W.Va. Film Office in Charleston said two major forces are driving the growth … Read more

West Virginia Veterans Art Show

West Virginia announces 2026 veterans art show for America250 celebration

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The W.Va. Department of Tourism has announced plans for a 2026 Veterans Art Show, inviting West Virginia veterans to help commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary through original works of art. The exhibition, part of the statewide America250 celebration, will open on May 9, 2026, in the West Virginia Culture Center Museum Gallery in Charleston, … Read more

Directors gauge lighting while filming a scene from the comedy "Ambrosia!"

West Virginia-made comedy “Ambrosia!” nominated at Delaware film festival

BECKLEY, W.Va. — The momentum behind “Ambrosia!”—an award-winning West Virginia–made screwball comedy—continues to build as filmmakers announced that the film has been nominated for Best Picture at the Rehoboth Beach International Film Festival. A contingent from the production that was filmed in Beckley will attend the festival screening in Rehoboth Beach, with hopes high for … Read more