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.
Author and engineer Homer Hickam says he trusts that the native bravery he knew growing up in West Virginia will help others weather the troubles that result from the 2019-2020 coronavirus outbreak. Hickam, who famously preserved a glimpse of life in the state’s southern coalfields in his book “October Sky,” is reading selections from his … Read more
Each dollar spent on the arts in West Virginia turns into 23, the governor of West Virginia said during the fourth annual Arts-in-our-Communities Conference today at the West Virginia Culture Center in Charleston, West Virginia. Governor Jim Justice addressed groups of artists from across the state during the two-day conference hosted by the West Virginia … Read more
The Appalachian Studies and Communities at Shepherd University is accepting submissions by May 1 for its 2020 West Virginia Fiction Competition. The competition was created to encourage writers and storytellers whose talent and creative writing ability is distinctive and promising and to foster an appreciation of Appalachian culture and values represented in the diverse writing … Read more
What do West Virginia high school students think about when they consider iconic West Virginia images? The winning entries for the 2020 Create-a-Quarter-for-West-Virginia contest reveal much. In conjunction with Presidents’ Day, the sixth installment of the Student Artist Series, was emceed by West Virginia First Lady Cathy Justice, who established the series to promote the … Read more
Opening a bookstore may not be the best way to turn a profit, but bookstores in West Virginia are doing well and diversifying, says an author who’s published a book on the matter. Matt Browning, the author of “Bookstore Explorer: West Virginia,” says thirty bookstores now exist in the Mountain State, often in areas where … Read more
Filmmakers David Bernabo and John W. Miller have reached an agreement to distribute the documentary film “Moundsville” to 338 public broadcasting stations nationally over the next three years. The National Educational Telecommunications Association has agreed to distribute the film, which will be cut from 74 to 57 minutes and will be close-captioned to suit PBS … Read more
Each season the staff at West Virginia Explorer asks a photographer to help us express the beauty of West Virginia. This year we’ve asked Jesse Thorton to provide us his take on autumn. Much of Thornton’s work is for sale on his website, Reflection in a Pool. Wreck of remarkable aircraft may remain in the … Read more
Distance is helping Whitney Bsharah help West Virginians reach tourists, and as a native living abroad she’s observed changes in what audiences think about the Mountain State. “I will always miss home, but I think living in Richmond helps give me insight into how people feel about visiting the state,” she says, “and that’s turned … Read more
One of West Virginia’s most remarkable music festivals has changed its dates and capacity, promising more bands, more music, and more craft beer, according to organizers. Originally designed to coincide with the Bridge Day Festival on the New River Gorge Bridge in October, “Bridge Jam” has been moved to late August to accommodate campers and … Read more
A new marketing consultant for West Virginia Explorer Magazine says he’s found enthusiasm he hadn’t expected as he rediscovers the Mountain State after living in South Carolina. Seth Withers maintained a connection with his home state after moving in 2000—returning often to hike, bike, and visit family—but as he began to talk with clients, he … Read more
