Wheeling Heritage will host an opening reception for “A Walk Through Wheeling,” a watercolor exhibit by Wheeling artist Jes Reger, from 5:30-7 p.m. April 4, at the Artisan Center, 1400 Main St. The exhibit, which will feature paintings of Wheeling architecture and sculptures, will run through April 25 on the third floor gallery.
In celebration of Wheeling’s 250th anniversary, Reger has worked to tell Wheeling’s architectural story through many of these watercolor pieces. This exhibit includes landmarks such as the Professional Bridge and Suspension Bridge, as well as lesser-known spots such as the former O’Henry’s Bar on Rock Point Road.
“It’s hard to convey emotion in architecture, but I tried to give these pieces an atmosphere through vibrant colors and soft edges,” she explained. Her hope is that the collection of 25 pieces showcases the beauty and feeling of Wheeling from her perspective.
Reger, a Mountain State native, considers herself an adventurer at heart drawing inspiration from man-made elements, landscapes, and wildlife. From the plucky woodpecker to the charming Victorian cityscape, Reger’s love and curiosity of the outdoors is brought to life through her diverse subjects.
Working primarily in watercolors, she effortlessly captures the essence of her surroundings with vibrant colors and lost and found edges. This simplistic approach evokes feelings of contentment, nostalgia, and ethereal bliss.
Reger earned her bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies concentrated in visual arts and creative writing from West Liberty University. She teaches art classes to adults and children at the Stifel Fine Arts Center in Wheeling as well as offering private lessons from her home studio, The Painter’s Nest.
The Artisan Center gallery is open to the public Monday through Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.