Explore West Virginia’s vibrant arts scene, from traditional Appalachian music and craftsmanship to contemporary galleries, theater, festivals, and the artists shaping the state’s evolving cultural identity.
MILTON, W.Va. — Breece D’J Pancake soared like a meteor through the American literary universe in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Kurt Vonnegut wrote of him, “I give you my word of honor that he is merely the best writer—the most sincere writer I’ve ever read.” Who was Breece D’J Pancake? A rising voice … Read more
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Film Office quietly turned three years old in 2025, but the celebration is far from low-key. Since its relaunch in 2022, the office has emerged as a powerhouse of opportunity in West Virginia filmmaking, helping turn the Mountain State into one of the most attractive filming destinations in the … Read more
SAULSVILLE, W.Va. — Perhaps no other form of architecture is more strongly associated with West Virginia than the old-fashioned log cabin or what might more appropriately be called the hewn-timber house. New England has saltboxes, and the South has Greek Revivals, but the Virginian frontier, including what’s now West Virginia, produced a habitation that had … Read more
WHEELING, W.VA. — Perhaps the most fantastic Victorian residence ever built in West Virginia was that of the founder of the company known for Mail Pouch Tobacco. Samuel Bloch, co‑founder and president of Bloch Brothers Tobacco Co., spared little expense in 1891 while creating the elaborate 20-room mansion on National Road in Pleasant Valley, which … Read more
CLAY, W.Va. — In 2020, Kentucky fiddler Tyler Childers released his fourth studio album, Long Violent History, a collection of traditional fiddle tunes. Among the selections is his interpretation of an old fiddle tune called “Camp Chase.” While the title refers to a military training ground and Confederate prisoner-of-war camp in Columbus, Ohio, the composer … Read more
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — There is perhaps no more extraordinary place of honor for a statue in West Virginia than in the plaza in front of its state Capitol. And perhaps there is no better statue to raise there than that of Abraham Lincoln, who signed the proclamation that brought the state into being. However, what’s … Read more
BECKLEY, W.Va. — A flock of oversized birds has descended on this West Virginia city at the edge of one of America’s newest national parks, attracted by one of the region’s growing arts initiatives. Six large, colorful birds now perch on buildings in and near downtown Beckley, adding color and interest where urban decay had … Read more
BECKLEY, W.Va. — The release of the trailer for a comedy film debuting next week in West Virginia may catch some viewers off guard. Though filmed in West Virginia and starring West Virginia natives, the movie “Ambrosia!” is a high-style, polished affair that may seem more appropriate to affluent New England. Co-director David Gravely says … Read more
BECKLEY, W.Va. — According to its producers, the premiere of the comedy film “Ambrosia!” is being extended into a second night at the Raleigh Theatre & Playhouse to accommodate the demand for tickets. Filmed principally in Beckley, the production will launch September 27 but will play again on September 28 due to high interest. After … Read more
BECKLEY, W.Va. — The producers of the West Virginia-made comedy film Ambrosia! have announced a September release that will be followed by a series of statewide and national screenings. Afterward, the feature-length independent film will be released on streaming platforms globally, though producer Saja Montague says those details are still being established. “We’ve had many … Read more
