West Virginia’s 10 Contemporary Art Galleries You Should Visit
West Virginia isn’t exactly known for its burgeoning art scene, but those who look closely will discover a number of intriguing galleries loyal to the state’s native artists and unique cultural identity. Here are our picks for the top art galleries in the Mountain State.
Birke Art Gallery
As part of the Marshall University School of Arts and Design, Birke Art Gallery acts as a vital resource for the students studying at the university. The gallery offers an opportunity for students to exhibit work while serving as a hub for contemporary art in which locals can interact with the work of up-and-coming artists. Annual exhibitions for students and graduates showcase the best new work to a wide audience comprised of other students, faculty and the broader community. Marshall University have also recently opened a new gallery, the Visual Arts Center, found in downtown Huntington. Situated in a stunningly renovated turn of the 20th Century building the site aims to bridge the gap between the city’s historical past and the future of the University and it’s pupils.
The Birke Art Gallery, School of Art and Design, Marshall University, One John Marshall Drive, Huntington, West Virginia, 25755, United States +1 304-696-2296
The Visual Arts Center, 927 Third Avenue, Huntington, WV
1. The Paul and Laura Mesaros Galleries
University
The Paul and Laura Mesaros Galleries
An exhibition space connected to West Virginia University, The Paul and Laura Mesaros Galleries are named after prominent art donors to the institution. The galleries focus predominantly on experimental art with a view to further the discourse surrounding diverse artistic media and act as a place in which to display and observe works. The Contemporary artists that are featured in the gallery are also invited to speak at the University in public lectures or workshops.
Mesaros Galleries, Morgantown, West Virginia 26506, United Statess +1 304 293 2312
2. Tari’s Gallery
Tari’s Gallery
Tari’s Gallery is a small art space in Berkeley Springs which exhibits the artistic talents of the local arts community. The gallery also serves as a café, allowing guests to enjoy the display of innovative works whilst sitting with a cup of coffee or a well prepared meal. Each piece is hand picked by the manager of the gallery and there is a wide range of paintings, pictures, glass and sculpture on display. A world away from the more traditional commercial art galleries, Tari’s gallery gets to the root of community art.
Tari’s Gallery, 33 North Washington Street, Berkeley Springs, west Virginia, 25411, United States +1 304 258 1196
3. The Art Store
Art Gallery, Store
4. Arabia’s Art Gallery
Art Gallery
5. Tamarack David L Dickirson Gallery
Restaurant, American
6. Mountain Made
Store
Mountain Made
Mountain Made unites artists of West Virginia with those from other areas of the United States. Artworks shown here take influence from the mountainous regions of Appalachia in a community with a fondness for locally created and inspired artworks. This preference is part of an enduring desire to promote Appalachian tradition and heritage through displays of everything from glass ornaments to handmade woodcrafts.
Mountain Made Artisan Gallery & Country Store, 100 Front St, Thomas, West Virginia, 26292, Tucker County, United States, +1 304 933-9352
7. Zenclay
Store
8. Cooper Gallery
Cooper Gallery
The Cooper Gallery has been representing some of the best artists in West Virginia since 1995 and specialises in the display and sale of fine art. The proprietors are artists in their own right and employ their keen artistic sensibility to select works to display in the gallery. With a rich community of creatives working in the area the gallery has plenty to see. Furthermore, its location in the historic Lewisburg allows visitors to make a day of it by exploring the array of other cultural activities in the area.
Cooper Gallery, 122 E. Washington St. Lewisburg, West Virginia, 24901, United States, +1 304 645 6439
9. Harmony Ridge Gallery
Art Gallery, Shop
Culture Trips launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes places and communities so special.
Our immersive trips, led by Local Insiders, are once-in-a-lifetime experiences and an invitation to travel the world with like-minded explorers. Our Travel Experts are on hand to help you make perfect memories. All our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.?>
All our travel guides are curated by the Culture Trip team working in tandem with local experts. From unique experiences to essential tips on how to make the most of your future travels, we’ve got you covered.