Art Legacy of Martinsburg on Display at the Berkeley Art Works

Many people in Martinsburg and Berkeley County don’t know:

– Martinburg has an original N.C. Wyeth;
– a civil war era illustrator was born and worked here;
– Martinsurg was the “sock capital” of the world for the first half of the 20th century; and Interwoven Socks commissioned ads from the country’s most famous illustrators, including Norman Rockwell, J.C. Leyendecker, and N.C. Wyeth.
– Martinsburg’s Baltimore & Ohio Railroad roundhouse is the only remaining cast-iron framed roundhouse still standing in the world today.

Although most residents don’t know it, Martinsburg and Berkeley County, WV, have a notable art heritage. This area is the birthplace of several famous artists, the source of much celebrated art created at the behest of local businesses, and is the subject of paintings and engravings.

The exhibit in the Berkeley Art Works Gallery will focus on the various kinds of art and artists who are part of the history of the area. Notable artists, both past and contemporary, and various forms of art, including painting, illustration, sculpture, and architecture, make up this rich tapestry of the visual arts which has its roots in the region. Images of some of the works and a narrative about the art and artists will be on view. The exhibit will be on display through June 2; 116 North Queen Street, Martinsburg. Gallery hours Wed-Fri 11-5, Sat 11-4.