This month brings new exhibits, member news, and a heartfelt farewell from Patty Stewart...
The next AAWV meeting is scheduled for Thursday, March 26 at 6pm at the Dunbar Public Library, 301 12th St, Dunbar, WV 25064. Now is the time to pay your dues of $30.00. You can bring your payment to the March meeting, or mail your check, made out to AAWV for $30.00, to AAWV Treasurer, Howard Rogers, P. O. Box 1471, St Albans, WV 25177. You can also pay your dues by Paypal. Details on our website: Paying Your Dues - Allied Artists of West Virginia
ENCOURAGING WORDS FROM PATTY STEWART:
In case you haven’t yet heard, Doug and I are moving to Papillion, NE, to be closer to our daughter and her family. It is a bittersweet thing that we’re doing, leaving friends who have become like family, as many of you are, but we feel it’s the right thing to do.
So sadly, I won’t be your president any longer, but Linda Stonestreet has graciously agreed to take the title at least until May, when an election should take place.
It has been a huge pleasure to have been part of such a lovely, generous, talented group of artists, and I can only hope to meet people in NE as welcoming as you have been. You each have a special place in my heart, and I wish all of you the best!
My final encouragement to you is well said in this quote:
“If you ask me what I came to do in this world, I, an artist, will answer you:
I am here to live out loud.” ~ Emile Zola
I hope each of you choose to live as loudly through your art as you possibly can.
Much love,
Patty
The 74th AAWV Juried Exhibit will be held this year at Parkersburg Art Center. The opening reception has been confirmed for Sept 18, 2026 from 5pm to 7pm. Your artwork must have been completed in the last 3 years, and must have never been exhibited at Parkersburg Art Center. More information will be shared as it is available.
The countdown is on! We have 4 months to prepare our artwork!
AAWV NEW MEMBERSHIP: Our next new Member Jury session will be held April 11, 2026. The sessions are held quarterly and are done digitally. Applicants will send photos of 5 of their artworks, both front and back (to show they are wired), along with the application form and payment, either by check or Paypal on the AAWV website. Applications may be sent to Newman Jackson, New Member Jury Chairman, at
We want to let our members know that AAWV donated a $25.00 Michael’s gift card to be used as an award at the WVAEA Youth Art Show. held at the Beckley Art Center this year. We love being able to support young artists, and I’m proud to have been a member of Allied Artists for so many years! ~ Patty Stewart
Charlie Lanham-Hinton, 7, of Bridgeport, WV is competing for Bob Ross “America’s Most Artistic Kid”. The winner will share their work in the Bob Ross exhibit at Minnetrista Museum in Muncie, Indiana and will appear on a special episode of The Joy of Painting and take home $20,000. To give Charlie your vote and follow his journey, go to: https://www.facebook.com/happylittlekid . VOTING for the top 15 ends Thurs, March 5, 10pm.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
• GALLERY AT THE MOUND: RIBBON CUTTING & SOFT OPENING: Fri, March 6, 10:00am. GRAND OPENING: Sat, March 7, 10:00am - 6:00pm. Owners/Artists: AAWV members Nan Perry and Monty Brown. Guest artists: Carol Hilleary, Dave Richards, & Cindy Walton. Gallery at the Mound, 610 D Street, South Charleston, WV 25303.
• CARNEGIE HALL ARTWALK & RECEPTION: Fri, March 6, 5:30pm - 7pm. EXHIBIT: Runs Through April 30. The Lobby Gallery will feature the artwork of AAWV member Liz Haley, with her exhibit of wet and needle felted art, titled “Appalachia - Real and Imagined”. The 32nd Annual Creative Youth Juried Art Exhibit, opening Mon, March 2, will be displayed in the Old Stone Room. The Board Room will present a community exhibition celebrating the life and artistry of Ron Refsland, a beloved Lewisburg painter. The exhibits are free and open to the public, Monday through Friday, 10am to 4pm. Carnegie Hall, 611 Church St, Lewisburg, WV. Phone: 304-645-7917. https://www.carnegiehallwv.org/
• TRI-STATE ARTS ASSOCIATION BIENNIAL JURIED EXHIBITION 2026: Receiving: (Studio 2 behind Museum) Sat, March 7, 11am - 3pm, and Sun, March 8, 1pm - 3pm. Opening Reception: March 22, 2pm - 4pm. Exhibition: March 21 - June 21. For information, Contact Leigh McDonald,
• PATCHWORK APPALACHIA: Opening Reception: March 14, 1pm - 3pm. Exhibition Run: March 14 - May 10. Tamarack, One Tamarack Park, Beckley, WV 25801. https://www.tamarackwv.com/
• GALLERY ELEVEN: Now open in their new location at 205 W. Washington St, Charleston, WV 25302. OPEN HOUSE RECEPTION: Fri, March 20, 11am - 7pm. Featuring Newman Jackson’s artwork , and also Judy Foxx as guest artist. Other new artists on display include works in epoxy wood by Lee Hendricks and glass by Amanda Buckner. Come by and visit with artists and enjoy refreshments between 3pm and 7pm, March 20. https://www.galleryeleven.com/
• GALLERY ELEVEN: “END OF THE SEASON” spring sale, Fri & Sat, March 27 & 28, 11am - 6pm. Artists are invited to clean out their closets and bring any art related items they want to rehome, such as paintings, prints, books, magazines, ceramics, jewelry, etc. For a registration form, contact Jerre Watkins at 304-533-1761. Gallery Eleven, 205 W. Washington St, Charleston, WV 25302. https://www.galleryeleven.com/
• CLASSES AT GALLERY ELEVEN: Jerre Watkins will teach watercolor classes beginning soon at the gallery. Classes will include beginning and intermediate watercolor design and techniques. Damienne Dibble will instruct “Family Jools Restyled” in jewelry making. If you would like to be on the contact list for information and dates of classes, please text your contact information to Jerre at 304-533-1761. Gallery Eleven, 205 W. Washington St, Charleston, WV 25302. https://www.galleryeleven.com/
CEDAR LAKES WATERCOLOR CLASS: Jerre Watkins will also be teaching a watercolor class at Cedar Lakes April 20 - 24. This is a four and one half day workshop with lots of learning and painting. All information on registration, pricing, lodging, dining, and other classes is available online at www.cedarlakes.com or by calling the office at 304-372-7860 ext 408. Cedar Lakes Conference Center, 82 FFA Dr, Ripley, WV 25271.
• POETRY AND ART: Sat, March 28, 6pm. Poets submitted their verses, which were then selected by artists who created original artworks inspired by the chosen poems. The creators behind these complementary pieces will gather at the PAC to share their work through poetry readings and art presentations. Questions: Contact Jennifer Carpenter at
• THE PLACES BETWEEN: IMAGE SUBMISSION: March 16 - 25. EXHIBIT RUNS: April 13 - May 24. OPENING RECEPTION: April 17. TO REGISTER: Go to: https://www.beckleyartcenter.com/art-show-submission-form . Beckley Art Center, 600 Johnstown Rd, Beckley, WV 25801. https://www.beckleyartcenter.com/ 304-894-1251.
• THE CHARLESTON INVITATIONAL/POP UP ART SHOW: Fri & Sat, March 20 & 21. Fri & Sat, March 27 & 28. 6 - 8pm. Art by 10 local artists. Fred Hays, Sharon Harms, Michael Teel, Henry Riffe, Lynn Payne, Ellie Schaul, Barrie Kaufman, Anthony Peyton Young, David Riffle, and Dick Allowatt. Plus 30 historic works from the Rizo collection. Live music. $15. Includes food & drinks. The Bullock Distillery, 313 Washington St, W, Charleston, WV 25302.
• 2026 VETERANS ART SHOW: Entries must be submitted by March 27, 2026. In celebration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of our nation, the WV Dept of Tourism has announced the 2026 Veterans Art Show. WV veterans are encouraged to submit works of art honoring both our local and national heritage. All designs will be on display for public viewing in the WV Culture Center Museum Gallery beginning May 9, 2026. For more information and submission form: Veterans Artwork Prospectus Questions: Contact Sidney Duncan, Cultural Program & Exhibits Coordinator 304-558-0220 ext 175. wvtourism.com/2026-veterans-art-show/ WV Culture Center, 1900 Kanawha Blvd East, Charleston, WV 25305.
• 25th ANNUAL ARTS EXHIBITION: ONLINE ENTRY DEADLINE: March 30. EXHIBIT RUN: May 4 - June 17. PROSPECTUS: www.https://www.randolpharts.org/annual-juried-prospectus ANNUAL FUNDRAISER: May 29. The Arts Center, 2 Park St, Elkins, WV 26241.
• APPALACHIAN NATURE ART & PHOTOGRAPHY - COMPETITION AND EXHIBITION: ENTRY DEADLINE: April 7. Opening Reception: Fri, May 15. Exhibition Run: May 15 - June 20. For more information and to enter: Go to: https://www.arcadiangallery.com/ The Arcadian Gallery, 47 Baltimore St, Cumberland, MD Phone: 240-916-8840. Email:
• 18th ANNUAL BEST OF WEST VIRGINIA: IMAGE SUBMISSION DEADLINE: April 11. Opening Reception: May 16, 1pm - 3pm. Exhibit Run: May 16 - July 26. Open to all West Virginia residents. Tamarack, One Tamarack Park, Beckley, WV 25801. https://www.tamarackwv.com/
• PLEIN AIR PAINTERS OF KANAWHA COUNTY - ARTIST RETREAT: April 19 - 22. Register now for 3 days of painting, relaxation, and connection at Cedar Lakes Conference Center, 82 FFA Dr, Ripley, WV. You will be free to work outdoors or in the classroom at your own pace. Bring supplies and any needed resource materials. Breakfast and lunch trays will be included in the retreat cost. If you wish, you may purchase a cafeteria meal ticket. Limited to 10 participants. Registration $20. Cost $90 (Less your registration fee). The Conference Center will reserve an adequate number of rooms at your expense. Reserve your room by calling 304-372-7860. For information or to register for the retreat: Call Carol Hilleary 304-542-1503 or Nan Perry 256-276-0849.
• GOOD BUSINESS: ANDY WARHOL’S SCREENPRINTS: Exhibit Runs: Through March 29. Provides insight into the art of screenprinting and highlights how Warhol used this technique. Clay Center, 1 Clay Square, Charleston, WV 25301 https://www.theclaycenter.org/
• HUNTINGTON MUSEUM OF ART: Exploring Color Through Abstraction: Through March 29. Huntington Museum of Arts, 2033 McCoy Rd, Huntington, WV 25705 https://www.hmoa.org/
• DREAMSCAPES: Exhibition Run: Through March 8. Tamarack, One Tamarack Park, Beckley, WV 25801 https://www.tamarackwv.com/
• MEMENTO MORI: PAINTINGS BY ROBERT SINGLETON: Exhibit Runs: Through March 15. Juliet Art Museum, Clay Center, 1 Clay Square, Charleston, WV 25301. www.theclaycenter.org
• JUDY VAN GUNDY: A LIFE OF ART & CRAFT: Runs Through: March 16. Maxwell Gallery, The Arts Center, 2 Park St, Elkins, WV 26241. https://www.randolpharts.org
MEMBERS RECOGNITION:
Judy Foxx has had several pieces of artwork accepted for exhibits at Tamarack. She had 3 pieces of artwork in the last show, two of which sold! She has 3 in the Dreamscapes Exhibit, and she also has 2 paintings accepted in the upcoming Patchwork Appalachia Exhibit. She is currently exhibiting her work at Gallery Eleven in Charleston. Congratulations, Judy!
Melanie Myhre had 4 pieces of art accepted for the Patchwork Appalachia Exhibit at Tamarack. Congratulations, Melanie!
WEBSITE: Join the AAWV gallery and Featured Members directory. Submit your bio, your picture, plus jpg files of your art to Featured Member Artist Page & Gallery Submission Form. If you need assistance with the form, contact Linda Stonestreet.
NEWSLETTER: Send Awards, Exhibitions, and information to Editor, Stella Jarrett
MAIL DUES TO: AAWV, ℅ Howard Rogers, P. O. Box 1471, St Albans, WV 25177.
