This summer, artists across the Ohio Valley will have the chance to capture Wheeling through their own creative lens as part of Wheeling Main Street to Mountains: A Wheeling Portrait, a community-driven plein air art experience and juried exhibition celebrating America 250 Wheeling.
Presented by Wheeling Heritage in partnership with the Fort Henry Chapter, NSSAR, the initiative invites artists of all skill levels to paint the people, landscapes, architecture, and character that make Wheeling unique.
The plein air event will take place on June 20 at locations throughout the city, with artwork later featured in a juried exhibition at the Artisan Center through the summer months.
Art Across the City
On the day of the event, participating artists will spread out across seven designated painting locations throughout Wheeling, transforming sidewalks, overlooks, parks, and neighborhoods into open-air studios.
Community members are encouraged to experience the event firsthand by visiting artists while they work. A map of painting locations will be available the morning of June 20 at the Wheeling Heritage Port, allowing visitors to create their own art walk through the city.
“This experience gives people a personal and creative way to connect local identity with a national milestone,” said Scott Schenerlein. “As a heritage area, we’re focused on supporting working artists, encouraging community participation, and creating something that feels welcoming, visible, and rooted in Wheeling as part of the America 250 celebration.”
The project is being led by Jay Frey, Mindi Yarbrough, and Gregory Siegwart in collaboration with Wheeling Heritage and the Fort Henry Chapter, NSSAR. Funding support comes from Elizabeth Stifel Kline, Wheeling Heritage, and the Wheeling Arts and Culture Commission.
Plein Air Event Details
Artists can register now through June 5 to participate in the plein air experience. The $25 registration fee includes a boxed lunch, and all artwork created during the event will be eligible for awards and inclusion in the exhibition. Gregory Siegwart will serve as juror for the plein air portion of the event.
Important Dates
- April 1: Registration opens
- June 5: Registration deadline
- June 20: Plein air event
- June 20–23: Artwork delivery
Juried Exhibition Call for Artists
In addition to the plein air event, organizers are also accepting submissions for the larger juried exhibition, which will be on display from July 2 through Aug. 31.
Artists may submit up to three works for a $10 entry fee. Accepted mediums include painting, mixed media, and sculpture. Organizers encourage submissions that reflect Wheeling’s landscapes, river views, architecture, people, and history.
The exhibition will be juried by Robert Sako.
Exhibition Timeline
- April 1: Applications open
- June 5: Application deadline
- June 12: Acceptance notification
- June 22–26: Artwork delivery
- July 2: Opening reception
- July 2–Aug. 31: Exhibition on view
Artists interested in participating can apply through Wheeling Heritage.
For additional information, contact Wheeling Heritage at info@wheelingheritage.org or call (304) 232-3087.
About Wheeling Heritage
Wheeling Heritage serves as a catalyst for the revitalization of Wheeling through historic preservation, community development, and the arts. The organization works to preserve and share Wheeling’s story while investing in projects that strengthen the city’s future.
