MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — What makes for a good arts community? Good arts communities are those in which affordable housing, entrepreneurial spirit, and the availability of arts venues—such as galleries and coffeehouses—are reversing economic downturn, according to John Villani, the author of “The 100 Best Small Art Towns in America.”“In places that got their start as … Read more
Beckley’s second annual “BEX” arts festival, set for Sept. 20-25, will feature twelve extraordinary workshops and performances designed to bolster the growing arts community in southern West Virginia.Scaled down for its second year to permit covid-conscious interaction, the pandemic has allowed organizers time to design intensive programs as the region continues to attract more artists … Read more
It begins with an errant wind on a balmy day. Leaves on trees turn upward, revealing their silvery undersides and a rolling cushion of cloud builds in a darkening sky. Suddenly, a jagged light flashes, and rumbling thunder answers. The show begins. As a storm chaser and photographer, I’m enthralled by lightning! At the hint … Read more
