October in Wheeling means cooler nights, leaves crunching underfoot—and this year, a gallery that’s leaning into the season’s eerie side. On Friday, October 3, from 6–9 PM, Wheeling Heritage is switching things up in the Wheeling Artisan Center Gallery with a brand-new exhibition: Too Quiet in the Atrium.
If you’ve ever wandered into the gallery before, you know it’s usually a space that hums with color and creativity. This time, it’s going to feel a little different—like stepping into a Halloween storybook where the art whispers instead of shouts. More than 50 regional artists answered the call for spooky-inspired work, sending in a flood of submissions. The result? An exhibition that feels both playful and haunting, with everything from oil paintings and pottery to photography, fabric, and three-dimensional pieces.
“Halloween is always such a fun time of year if you lean into it and enjoy the spooky atmosphere and magic that’s created,” says Riley Carpenter, Wheeling Heritage’s Director of Programming. “We’re excited to host something a little bit different than your typical gallery opening—and to showcase local artists’ work in a way that’s both thrilling and chilling.”
More Than Just Artwork
Because what’s a good spooky story without a few extras? Wheeling Heritage teamed up with three local small businesses to add even more atmosphere to the night:
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Mel’s Alt Images will be onsite shooting tintype photographs from 6–9 PM. Mel uses wet plate photography, creating unique tintypes and ambrotypes with a timeless quality. The process, dating back to the 1850s, involves hands-on preparation and development while the plate is still wet, resulting in one-of-a-kind images rich in texture and depth. If you’ve ever wanted to see yourself captured in that moody, antique style, this is your chance. (Email melsaltimages@gmail.com to book a spot.)
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Old Soul Candle Co. created two custom candles for the event. Poured in small batches in the heart of Appalachia-bougee (as Kristin refers to it), or Wheeling, WV. A passion project turned business because it’s a cool concept if you love music and fragrance – bonus that it’s a pristine, well-thought-out, candle for the free spirited human…who may very well be an Old Soul. With the names like Season of the Witch and Witchy Woman, you already know your house is going to smell like October magic.
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Dunya’s Cake Pops crafts delicious and eye-catching treats. Dunya believes every treat should be made with love. Her treats are designed to make life sweeter, one bite a time. For this event, she is bringing spooky confections—just scary and sweet enough to eat.
Haunting Evening Fun
And since no October in Wheeling is complete without a good ghost story, the event will also feature Wheeling Haunts, Wheeling Heritage Media’s spooky podcast from 2023. For the first time, video clips will accompany the stories, making them feel even more alive—or undead.
Guests are encouraged to dress for the vibe: think dark, moody fashion that nods to the season—without going full costume. River City will also be behind the bar, mixing up a special witch’s brew cocktail just for the evening.
So, if you love fall as much as we do, put this one on your calendar for this Friday! Too Quiet in the Atrium isn’t just another gallery opening—it’s a full-on Halloween-season experience.
