A double treat is in store for guests at Artworks Around Town during September. A group of four student artists will present their work in the Studio Gallery, and the Ohio Valley Photography Club will display members’ works in the student section of the North Gallery.
The exhibits open with a free public reception at the Gallery Hop from 5:30-8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 6, in Wheeling’s historic Centre Market, 2200 Market St.
“For Being” is the title of the show in the guest gallery. The work includes painting, printmaking and photography, presented by four students pursuing art, art education and elementary education.
“‘For Being’ is a collective yet individual group of work that centers around four students/friends with their ideas that explore the many stages and experiences of personal life,” said Annabella Paree, a member of the group. Even though these artists “have only experienced life for a short while,” they want to convey through their art certain aspects of living that are meaningful.
Paree, a Wheeling native, is a 20-year-old painter and student at West Virginia University. She is working toward a bachelor’s degree in art education. She wants to further her research into studying an individual as a subject with a medium of oil painting in the form of portraits, she said.
Also from Wheeling is William Tallman, a 20-year-old photographer. He is currently seeking a bachelor’s degree in visual communication design from West Liberty University. Tallman plans to use his skills to document his love of traveling and photography with a goal to create a photojournalism magazine.
Faith McCardle is a 21-year-old artist seeking her bachelor’s in art education from WVU. She is a printmaker who uses bright colors to alter the overall feeling or message of the print. She uses printmaking to tell small events in her life that have shaped her into who she is today, and uses artwork as a way to connect to others on a friend level, she explained.
Katherine Stamper is a 21-year-old illustrator from Glen Dale. She is studying for two bachelor degrees — in art education and elementary education. She feels this experience of displaying her work at Artworks is an opportunity to be more involved in the community.
On the other side of the North Gallery, the works of the Ohio Valley Photography Club will be on display. The group provides an informal environment for photographers of all skill levels who use any and all types of photographic equipment and editing software.
“The club strives to meet, explore and expand creative vision and technical knowledge in a supportive and non-judgmental atmosphere,” said club member Sharon Slokan,
The 35-member group meets the second and fourth Tuesday of each. The members create and present information about their areas of interest, which may include, nature, cityscape, events, family, macro, night and sports.
The club has been fortunate to have local professional photographers share their knowledge with members. They occasionally schedule photo sessions at times and places other than regular meetings, allowing for a sharing of knowledge and to interact in a less structured environment.
The club displays as a group, in several exhibits a year, and some of their members have been accepted into juried events. INWheeling Magazine has featured the club in a recent publication. Young adults to older adults are encouraged to attend several meetings before joining the club.
“If you love photography like we do, check out the Ohio Valley Photography Club on Facebook or contact us at ohiovalleyphotoclub@gmail.com for more information,” Slokan said.
There will be a special mention of celebrated photographer and friend of the group, the late Jay Stock, at the opening on Sept. 6.
Artworks Around Town is a nonprofit charitable and educational organization that operates a Gallery and Art Center for the benefit of the artists and general public of the region. Located at 2200 Market St., hours are 10 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday except for Friday when closing is at 6 p.m. Anyone interested in becoming a member of Artworks, access the website artworksaroundtown.com.