May 15, 2022 marks the 250th anniversary of the founding of Berkeley County, West Virginia! The Berkeley Arts Council is commemorating this milestone by presenting an expanded exhibit entitled, Berkeley County, WV: Future, Present, Past. This exhibit is one of the of the official events selected and supported by the Berkeley County Council. The exhibit will be on display May 18 to June 25, 2022 at the Berkeley Art Works, 116 North Queen Street, Martinsburg, WV.
Located at the gateway to the Shenandoah Valley in the heart of the Eastern Panhandle, Berkeley County is known for its unique history, beautiful scenery, robust industry, and more. Formed in 1772 from neighboring Frederick County, Virginia, Berkeley County once spanned from the Blue Ridge Mountains in Jefferson County to the famed springs at the Town of Bath (Berkeley Springs) in Morgan County. Throughout its history, Berkeley County has been an epicenter of engagement, growth, and community.
The Berkeley Arts Council invites you to celebrate and honor this unique area with your art! We are asking you to use Berkeley County, WV – its vistas, history, cultures and communities – as inspiration for your work. We hope to build a rich perspective of Berkeley County through interpretations by artists in all arts; from all cultures, identities and viewpoints.
The art exhibit is open to all artists throughout the continental United States, over the age of 18, working in any fine art or fine craft medium or technique, in 2- or 3-dimensions. Representational, abstract, or non-representational work in all media, including drawing, painting, printmaking, photography, mixed media, assemblage, sculpture and graphic arts; fine craft media, such as clay, glass, metal, wood, fibers, etc., are welcome. Entries must be the original work of the artist. Artists do not have to be current residents of Berkeley County; however, they must reflect a future vision, or a present or past adventure, event, memory, experience, etc., in Berkeley County, WV.