Arts Events

‘Watercolor Expressions’ 2021 Accepted Artists (UPDATED: Awards)

Rsmith Artists, Arts Events, Berkeley Art Works, Berkeley Arts Council News
Lynn Ferris

The juror’s selections are in for the Watercolor Expressions national juried exhibit and we are pleased to announce the accepted artists. There were a total of 63 works submitted by 26 artists in 9 states. The juror, Lynn Ferris, selected 32 works by 23 artists.

Juror’s Statement
“Watercolor Expressions” 2021

While judging this show I was inspired by the creative energy, the many points of view, creative techniques, and insightful observations of the artists. There were more award worthy paintings than awards, making my decisions exciting but also difficult.

As a judge, the first thing I look for is a painting that is compelling; one that draws me in. It may be a powerful design, a quiet voice, or sheer observation of beauty. Sometimes it’s a sense of place, an emotion, or a unique vision. Sometimes it’s an intriguing narrative. In other words, a strong painting has a point of view. Technical accomplishment is important, but it’s not the sole goal. It provides the language to tell the story, but it is not the story.

Thank you to everyone who participated and thank you for having me as your judge.

Happy Painting!

Lynn Ferris, AWS, NWS, TWSA

The exhibit will be open beginning Wednesday, October 13 through Saturday, November 20.  Awards will be announced and a virtual awards presentation will be scheduled while the exhibit is in the gallery.  You will be notified when the date is set, and a Zoom link will be sent out closer to the event.

Watercolor Expressions Accepted Artists

First Name Last Name Title
Ronda Albright Lenten Rose
Ronda Albright Rose in Blue Vase
Teresa Anderson Cold Creek
Belinda Botzong Crocosmia Biochrome Watercolor Impressions
Mary Alice Bowers Floral
Jessica Buckholtz Picked Flower
Shannon Cronin Self (Merit Award)
Shannon Cronin Luna
Shannon Cronin Change of Plans
Jane deGruchy Savannah Sun (Best in Show)
Michael Gouker New Mexico River Stones
Steve Griggs Tuesday Morning in Crested Butte
Steve Griggs Time for a Ride (Merit Award)
John Grinstead Wheat Field
Richard Hagerty Dance of the Unicorn
Bro Halff Curve by the Ocean, Poipu, Kaua’i
Kathleen Jamieson Shooting Star Over Bioluninescent Sea
Kathleen Jamieson Color Imagination II
Sonja Jones Little Falls
Nancy Kautz Hollyhocks
Kitty Messner German Window
Lannie Mullenax Blue Ridge
Tom Nebel Walkersville Farm
Jes Reger Davis Flutter
Jes Reger Davis Feelin’ Blue
Ray Snouffer Sunning
Ray Snouffer A Burst of Light (Honorable Mention)
Ray Snouffer A Hint of Autumn
Glenn Tomlinson Precious Little (Honorable Mention)
Monica Wilkins In the Rough
Patricia Wilt New Neighbors
Patricia Wilt Driving Home

Please click through for the important information below regarding the shipping/delivery of accepted work.

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9th Annual Eastern West Virginia Juried Exhibit and Award Winners

Rsmith Artists, Arts Events, Berkeley Art Works, Berkeley Arts Council News
Best in Show: ‘Dreamer’ Photograph by Tracey Donnelly Franklin

The Berkeley Arts Council announces the opening of the The 9th Annual Eastern West Virginia Juried Exhibit, on display September 1 through October 9 at the Berkeley Art Works, 116 North Queen Street, Martinsburg, WV.  The gallery is open every Wednesday – Friday 11am to 5pm and Saturday 11am to 4pm.

This annual juried exhibit focuses on artists who reside any of the eight counties that comprise the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia.  This year, 48 works were submitted, primarily from Berkeley, Jefferson and Morgan counties, from which 21 were selected in drawing, painting, photography, fibers, glass, mixed media, and assemblage.

The award winners for the exhibit are:  Tracey Donnelly Franklin of Shepherdstown – the Best of Show for her photograph, Dreamer and Jeanne Marie McClure of Kearneysville – the Merit Award for her watercolor, 17 Years to Light.  Honorable Mentions are given to Heather Hendry of Bunker Hill for her pastel drawing, Spring; Tom Nebel of Shepherdstown for his oil painting, Windswept; and Carol Williams of Shepherdstown for her fabric/mixed media piece, Mourning in America.

The juror for the exhibit was Ally Christmas, a visual artist living and working in Shepherdstown, WV, where she teaches lens-based arts and coordinates the Photo Bachelor of Fine Arts program at Shepherd University.  Much of her work revolves around notions of selfhood, virtuality, and lived experience.  Her hybrid practice involves a number of forms including digital video, still photography, tintypes, palladium prints, bookmaking, gifs, cinemagraphs, and installation.  Her work has been shown at a variety of venues in the U.S. and Canada.  Ms. Christmas earned a Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art from the University of Virginia.  In 2018 she received a Master of Fine Arts in Photo/Video from the University of Georgia, after which she spent two years teaching video art and photography courses at Grinnell College as the Mellon Postdoctoral Fellow in Video and New Media.  About the show, Ms. Christmas said, “It was truly a pleasure to see such a wide variety of works from this community.  I found it quite difficult to narrow down the selections as there was so much talent present throughout the entries.  Ultimately, I honed in on threads of commonality that led to the final grouping of works.  After a year that has felt like 5 years, I found myself gravitating towards the pieces that invoked either a sense of peacefulness or a sense of whimsy – perhaps surreality or wonder, too.  When brought together, these artworks may provide an escape from our harsh reality and offer some respite, no matter how brief.  They are needed.”

For more information about the Berkeley Arts Council and the Berkeley Art Works, visit us on the Web at https://berkeleyartswv.org, on Facebook at BerkeleyArtsWV and on Instagram @berkeleyartscouncil_wv.

The Berkeley Arts Council is a 501(c)(3) non‐profit organization incorporated in West Virginia working to ensure that Berkeley County has a vibrant, vital arts environment by promoting awareness, understanding and appreciation of the literary, visual and performing arts in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia.  The Berkeley Arts Council supports local and regional artists, brings quality arts experiences to the community, and provides a wide range of arts learning experiences for local residents, artists and artisans.

Artists Mary Jo Sims and John Turner at Berkeley Art Works

Rsmith Artists, Arts Events, Berkeley Art Works, Berkeley Arts Council News

Retirement Idyl:  Artwork by Mary Jo Sims and John Turner is an exhibit of paintings, drawings, collage, prints and mixed media artwork by two Berkeley Arts Council members, on display at the Berkeley Art Works, 116 North Queen Street, Martinsburg.

Turner Powerball

John Turner loved to draw during his grade school years.  Until he attended classes through the Berkeley Arts Council, he had never taken an art class, or received formal art instruction.  “My experience with the instructors has stimulated a strong desire on my part to explore, risk, and discipline my artistic efforts.  The courses are conducted in such a manner that the studio time is encouraging, educational and socially engaging,” he says with enthusiasm.  He finds great pleasure in line drawings and vibrant colors.  Mixing media such as watercolor, ink, acrylic and colored pencil allows him to connect representative elements in an organic manner with more abstract vignettes.

Mary Jo Sims majored in fine art in college, where she was influenced by American Abstract Expressionists.  After reading Wassily Kandinsky’s Concerning the Spiritual in Art, she became interested in the deep connection between the spiritual and the aesthetic. She explored that connection while attending Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC, in their Department of Religion and the Arts.  “I continue to resonate especially with Kandinsky’s improvisations, pieces that are divorced from subject matter and rely completely on color, line, and shape for meaning.  Color, and the lines and shapes formed by the juxtaposing and mingling of colors, provide the meaning of my recent works.  While there is some intentionality to the color application, I allow the initial flow of color on the paper surface to dictate much of the direction of the painting.”

The exhibit displays several of their individual works, but John and Mary Jo also collaborate on work and gain inspiration from each other.  Collaborative works in the exhibit show a beautiful harmony in their artistic styles and interests.  Retirement Idyl:  Artwork by Mary Jo Sims and John Turner is open until August 7th.  Business hours at the Berkeley Art Works are Wednesday – Friday, 11am to 5pm and Saturday 11am to 4pm.

The Berkeley Arts Council is a 501(c)(3) non‐profit organization incorporated in West Virginia working to ensure that Berkeley County has a vibrant, vital arts environment by promoting awareness, understanding and appreciation of the literary, visual and performing arts in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia.  The Berkeley Arts Council supports local and regional artists, brings quality arts experiences to the community, and provides a wide range of arts learning experiences for local residents, artists and artisans.

Call for ‘Watercolor Expressions’ Juried Exhibit

Rsmith Artist Opportunities, Arts Events, Berkeley Art Works, Berkeley Arts Council News

Extended Deadline: Midnight Monday September 6, 2021

Shadowplay by Lynn Ferris

The Berkeley Arts Council (BAC) announces Watercolor Expressions, a national juried exhibit, to be displayed at the Berkeley Art Works, 116 North Queen Street in Martinsburg, WV from October 13 through November 20, 2021.

Eligibility – The exhibit is open to all artists throughout the continental United States, over the age of 18, working in any watercolor medium or technique, in 2- or 3-dimensions. Mixed media where watercolor is the primary medium is also welcome.

Entries – The theme for the exhibit is open. Work must be original, completed within the last three (3) years, and must not have been exhibited previously at the Berkeley Art Works. Two-dimensional work must not exceed 48 inches in width, including frame and must be equipped with wire, ready for hanging (no sawtooth or single loop hangers, please). Three-dimensional work must not exceed 72 inches in height and 36 inches in width or depth, and must be free-standing.

Lynn Ferris Head Shot SmallJuror – Lynn Ferris, AWS, NWS, TWSA is a signature member of the American Watercolor Society, the National Watercolor Society, and the Transparent Watercolor Society of America. Her work was the subject of feature articles in Watercolor magazine and The Art of Watercolour and can be seen in the prestigious Splash series of books published by North Light. She has served as a judge for the Brevard Watercolor Society “A Splash of Watercolor” exhibit, The Miami Watercolor Society, The Mid-Southern Watercolorists, and numerous others. Her many awards include “Best of Show” in both the Florida Watercolor Society and Tallahassee Watercolor Society annual exhibits. She has been an award winner in The Artist’s Magazine All-Media competition. Look for Lynn’s instructional articles in the The Artist’s Magazine and Watercolor Artist. A sought-after instructor, Lynn teaches to sold out workshops both nationally and internationally.

Entry Fee – The entry fee for one or two works is $35. Additional works may be submitted for a fee of $10 for each additional work, up to a total of four works.

Awards – Best in Show, Merit Award and Honorable Mention. The projected prize fund for the exhibit is $1,000. Additional prizes may be determined by the number of entries.

CLICK HERE TO ENTER

Extended Deadline for Entries
Midnight Monday September 6, 2021

Click below for additional details

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Deadline Extended! PHOTO 21 National Juried Photographic Art Exhibit

Rsmith Artist Opportunities, Artists, Arts Events, Berkeley Art Works, Berkeley Arts Council News

The Berkeley Arts Council announces PHOTO 21, a national juried photographic art exhibit. The exhibit will open Thursday June 3, 2021 and will be on display through Saturday July 3, 2021.

The exhibit is open to all artists throughout the continental United States, over the age of 18, working in any photographic medium or technique (digital, film, alternative, or antique photographic processes). The theme for the exhibit is open; 2-dimensional or 3-dimensional* artwork is welcome. Work must be original, completed within the last three (3) years, and must not have been exhibited previously at the Berkeley Art Works. (*3-D work where a photographic technique is used as the main medium.)

Our Juror: Robert M. Hein is Associate Professor of Art at Frostburg State University, Frostburg, MD, where he teaches Photography, History of Photography, Digital Imaging, and Mixed Media. In his teaching, he emphasizes the development of technical proficiency, the ability to work with traditional and digital media, knowledge of the history of the photographic medium, and a visual literacy in contemporary and historical artists’ work. About his own work he states, “I believe the photograph to be a pliable form of art, not necessarily defined by pre-existing standards for what makes a photograph true to its medium. I do not have a strict agenda to process for my personal work, and I don’t find myself traveling extensively, or working with exotic subject matter to find content. Each project tends to have individual ideas I am interested in pursuing.”

Robert has a BFA from Ball State University and an MFA from the University of Cincinnati. He was awarded the Maryland State Arts Council Individual Artist Award in 2012 and 2015. He was a semi-finalist in the Gran Prix De La Decouverte, Paris, France. His work was included in the Masur Museum’s 58th Annual Competition, The Print Center of Philadelphia’s 88th Annual International Competition, and has had solo exhibitions in our region. He has also been a guest speaker at the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts and the Allegany Arts Council.

Entry Fee: The entry fee for the exhibit is $35 for the first two works. Artists may submit one or two additional works for $10 each, for a maximum of four works.

(CLICK HERE TO ENTER)

EXTENDED DEADLINE for Entries: Tuesday, April 27, 2021 (Midnight)

Notification of Accepted Work: The juror’s selections will be announced by e-mail and will be posted on our Web site on or about Friday May 7, 2021.

Awards: Best in Show $500; total prizes $1,000.

Calendar:

Deadline for digital entries: Tuesday, April 27, 2021 (Midnight)
Notification of acceptance e-mailed & posted: On or about Friday May 7, 2021
Hand delivery & shipment of accepted works Berkeley Art Works: Monday May 24 – Saturday May 29, 2021
Exhibit Dates: Thursday June 3 through Saturday July 3, 2021
Reception: Awards/reception to be announced.
Pick Up Work at End of Show: Saturday July 3, 2021 between 11:00am and 4:00pm

Detailed entry instructions after the break: Continue reading →

Berkeley Arts Council Opens Exhibit to Celebrate Green Hill Historic African-American Cemetery

Rsmith Artists, Arts Events, Berkeley Art Works, Berkeley Arts Council News

Fresh Visions:  An Exhibit to Celebrate the Green Hill Historic African-American Cemetery will open February 19 through March 20, 2021 at the Berkeley Art Works, 116 N. Queen Street, Martinsburg. 

The idea for the show was proposed by Berkeley Arts Council member and GHHAAC volunteer Charles Mortensen.  His purpose is to bring attention to the cemetery and the GHHAAC Committee, a not-for-profit group of volunteers who organized to clean up and care for the cemetery site located on the east side of Martinsburg.  The exhibit is also a fundraiser for the GHHAAC Committee.

Several themes are represented in this show, including revitalization and preservation activities at the site; preservation of the history and identity of the cemetery; and commemoration and remembrance of souls buried there.  The show includes the work of twelve artists from as far as Baltimore, MD.  There are approximately 20 works of art with a range of media and techniques represented, including drawing, painting, photography, woodworking, stained glass, clay, mixed-media, assemblage, collage, and gravestone rubbing, as well as historical artifacts.  Current hours at Berkeley Art Works are Friday and Saturday, 11am – 3pm.  Images from the exhibit will soon be posted on the Web site https://berkeleyartswv.org.

The Berkeley Arts Council is a 501(c)(3) non‐profit organization incorporated in West Virginia working to ensure that Berkeley County has a vibrant, vital arts environment by promoting awareness, understanding and appreciation of the literary, visual and performing arts in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia.  The Berkeley Arts Council supports local and regional artists, brings quality arts experiences to the community, and provides a wide range of arts learning experiences for local residents, artists and artisans.

DEADLINE EXTENDED: 11th Annual Art & Earth Juried Exhibit

Rsmith Artist Opportunities, Artists, Arts Events, Berkeley Art Works, Berkeley Arts Council News

DEADLINE EXTENDED: TUESDAY MARCH 9, 2021

The Berkeley Arts Council (BAC) announces the 11th Annual Art & Earth Juried Art Exhibit. The exhibit has the theme ‘Art and Earth: My Art – My World’. The exhibit opens Thursday April 22, 2021 in the Berkeley Art Works, 116 North Queen Street, Martinsburg, WV. The exhibit will be on display through Saturday May 29, 2021.

Entries should reflect the artist’s view of nature, the environment, or reflect an Earth Day related theme. Any medium or technique, 2-dimension or 3-dimension, is acceptable. The exhibit is open to visual artists throughout the continental United States, over the age of 18, working in any media. Entries must be original works of art that have been completed within the last three (3) years, and have not been previously exhibited at the Berkeley Art Works.

Juror:

The Juror is Paula Phillips, Faculty & Residency Coordinator for the MFA in Community Arts Program, Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA). She is a former director of MICA’s Community Arts Partnerships (CAP) program, and has been a full-time member of the teaching faculty in the MA and now MFA in Community Arts Program since 2004. She holds Bachelor of Arts degrees from Huston-Tillotson College (1971) and Texas Wesleyan University (1994), and a Master of Fine Arts degree from MICA’s Hoffberger School of Painting (1996).

Phillips is a practicing studio and community artist, a social justice advocate and activist. She specializes in mixed-media paintings that embrace social justice issues, actualized through personal experiences and cultural and professional relationships. She incorporates the disciplines of painting, fibers, photography, ceramics, and sculptural form in her work. Her artwork has been exhibited along the Eastern Seaboard, primarily in the Baltimore-Washington areas.
Phillips is a recipient of MICA’s 2018 Trustee Award for Teaching Excellence and the 2007 Distinguished Service Award. She has been recognized by the Maryland State Department of Education for curriculum development of summer programs for Baltimore City children, youth and teens and received citations from the Baltimore City and the State of Maryland. She served three years as coordinator of MICA’s Community Arts Convening & Research Project.

Deadline for Entries: Midnight Tuesday March 9, 2021

Entries are closed

Entry Fee: The entry fee for the exhibit is $35 for the first two works. Artists may submit one or two additional works for $10 each, for a maximum of four works.

Awards: Best in Show $500 Total prizes $1,000.

Click “Continue reading” for additional details:

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Call for Artists: Fresh Visions: An exhibit to celebrate the Green Hill Historical African-American Cemetery

Rsmith Artist Opportunities, Artists, Arts Events, Berkeley Art Works, Berkeley Arts Council News

The Berkeley Arts Council will host an exhibit of artworks in support of the Green Hill Historical African-American Cemetery (GHHAAC) in Martinsburg, WV, from February 18 through March 20, 2021 at the Berkeley Art Works, 116 N. Queen Street.

The purpose of the exhibit is to highlight the work of the GHHAAC Committee, a nonprofit organization formed in September 2017, to restore the long-abandoned African-American cemetery located on the east side of Martinsburg. The exhibit is open to all artists in the region, over the age of 18, working in any medium, including visual, literary, music, and performing arts. The subject of work may focus on any of the following themes:

– Revitalization and preservation of the cemetery grounds,
– Preservation of the history and identity of the GHHAAC, or
– Commemoration and remembrance of souls buried there.

Visual Arts: Work in all visual arts media, including drawing, painting, photography, mixed media, assemblage, sculpture and graphic arts; fine craft media, such as clay, glass, metal, wood, fibers are welcome. To participate, deliver one or two art works to the Berkeley Art Works gallery, 116 North Queen Street, Martinsburg on Thursday, Friday, or Saturday, February 11, 12 and 13 from 11am to 3pm.

Artwork must be properly framed or otherwise professionally presented and ready for display.  All 2-dimensional artwork framed up to 48 inches in width, is eligible. Framed work must be wired for hanging (no saw tooth or single ring hangers, please).  Three-dimensional fine art and fine craft up to 72 inches in height and 36 inches in width or depth must be free-standing. Larger visual works or works in a series are welcome, but will require prior arrangements to ensure sufficient space in the gallery. Film or documentary work can be provided in DVD format. A DVD Player and TV screen can be provided at the gallery.

A signed consignment form for the exhibit must be submitted when the work is delivered. An identification tag must accompany each piece and must include the artist’s name, title of the work and price, if the work is for sale. The Berkeley Arts Council will retain a 30% commission on sales of work during the exhibit. The Berkeley Arts Council does not insure art work while in the gallery. Although the Berkeley Arts Council will take reasonable measures to ensure the safety of the entries in the gallery, the BAC is not responsible for loss of, or damage to, the artwork and the artist is responsible for his/her own insurance if desired.

Literary, Music and Performance Arts: Artists interested in submitting literary, music and performance work are strongly encouraged. Due to covid-19 restrictions, live performance will not be possible; however, arrangements for virtual presentation of these works will be made, if there is sufficient interest. Project proposals are required in advance and are due by Saturday, February 13, 2021.

There is no entry fee to participate in this exhibit; however, a donation to the GHHAAC Committee is appreciated. Donations may be made when artwork is delivered to the gallery, in cash or check payable to GHHAAC.

Please direct questions via e-mail to berkeleyartswv@gmail.com, with “GHHAAC” in the subject line and be sure to provide contact information so our exhibits committee can respond to you.

Entry Forms:

Visual Arts Consignment Form (PDF)

Literary, Music and Performance Arts Proposal Form (PDF)

More Information about the GHHAAC is after the break:

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Call for Artists: BAC Annual Members Exhibit

Rsmith Artist Opportunities, Arts Events, Berkeley Art Works, Berkeley Arts Council News

Call for Artists: Berkeley Arts Council Annual Members’ Exhibit

All artists who are members of – or who join – the Berkeley Arts Council for the 2021 calendar year are invited to participate in the Annual Members Exhibit at the Berkeley Art Works from January 14 through February 13, 2021.

Any current member (for 2021), working in any medium, may participate in the exhibit. Not a member, but want to be? Now is your chance! Artists who are not current members may join or renew online, at berkeleyartswv.org/join-us/. You can also join at the gallery when you deliver your artwork. There is no entry fee other than membership dues.

Participation in the exhibit is a benefit of membership. To participate, deliver one or two pieces of your work to the Berkeley Art Works on Thursday and Friday, and Saturday, January 7 – 9 from 11am-4pm.

The exhibit is not juried; however, work must be properly framed or otherwise professionally presented and ready for display. Two-dimensional work must be wired for hanging (no saw tooth hangers, please). Three-dimensional fine art and fine craft are welcome and encouraged and must be professionally presented. An identification tag must be attached to each piece, including the artist’s name, title of the work and price if it is for sale. The Berkeley Arts Council will retain a 30% commission on sales of work during the exhibit.

The exhibit will be open during Berkeley Art Works business hours, which are currently Thursday and Friday 11am to 5pm, and Saturday from 11am to 4pm. The exhibit will be promoted to the local press, as well as on our Web site and Facebook page. Due to covid-19 restrictions, there will be no opening reception. Please direct questions via e-mail to berkeleyartswv@gmail.com or call 304-620-7277.

Trails and Trees Studio Tour at Berkeley Art Works

Rsmith Artists, Arts Events, Berkeley Art Works, Berkeley Arts Council News

The Berkeley Art Works is hosting the Trails and Trees Studio Tour this year.  The group of artists made the decision to cancel the usual, self-guided event for the health and safety of visitors, volunteers and artists.

“I offered the idea of a ‘pop-up’ venue at the Art Works to the group.  It’s a win-win for everyone.  The Berkeley Arts Council gets to fill their exhibit space with great work and exercise their tag line, ‘We Amplify the Arts’, and Trails and Trees gets a venue for their fall show,” said Anna Howard, who is a Trails and Trees Studio Tour member and the president of the Berkeley Arts Council.  “This year marks the 10th anniversary of Trails and Trees.  Members of the group have built the Tour into an important annual event.  Last year’s tour was a great success so we didn’t want to lose momentum,” said Howard.

Artists working in clay, glass, wood, fibers and other media are included in the exhibit.  There is functional pottery, blown and stained glass work, furniture, baskets, clocks, jewelry, quilts – even honey – all useful and handmade locally.  Being at the Art Works gives visitors a full month to appreciate the artists’ work, and do some early shopping for the fall and fast-approaching holiday season.

Visit the Berkeley Art Works at 116 N. Queen Street, Martinsburg and spend time with the art of Berkeley County.  The “Studio Tour at the Berkeley Art Works” is open until November 14; gallery hours are Thursday through Saturday, 11:00am to 4:00pm.  For more information contact berkeleyartswv@gmail.com, or call 304-620-7277.  The Trails and Trees Studio Tour is planning to be back as usual November 6 & 7, 2021.

The Berkeley Arts Council is a 501(c)(3) non‐profit organization incorporated in West Virginia working to ensure that Berkeley County has a vibrant, vital arts environment by promoting awareness, understanding and appreciation of the literary, visual and performing arts in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia.  The Berkeley Art Works, a project of the Berkeley Arts Council, supports local and regional artists, brings quality arts experiences to the community, and provides a wide range of arts learning experiences for local residents, artists and artisans.

[UPDATE: Awards Announced] Eastern West Virginia Exhibit

Rsmith Artist Opportunities, Artists, Arts Events, Berkeley Art Works, Berkeley Arts Council News

Best_In_Show_FlyEyes_LauraRobertson
Merit_Award_SunflowersInBlueVase_HeatherHendry
Honorable_Mention_WarHeronIII_TraceyDonnelyFranklin
Honorable_Mention_Untitled_CarinaElhordoy
Honorable_Mention_JeMarcheDansLeFleurs_TomNebel
Honorable_Mention_OutOfMyElement_OmarWilliams

(Click on any image to see a larger version.)

The Berkeley Arts Council announced the award winners for their 8th Annual Eastern West Virginia Juried Exhibit on display at the Berkeley Art Works. A virtual “reception” was held to recognize the participants and award winners. Congratulations to Laura Robertson from Kearneysville for her fabric piece, “Fly Eyes”, which was selected for Best of Show. Heather Hendry from Bunker Hill received the Merit Award for her pastel drawing “Sunflowers in Blue Vase”. Honorable mentions were given to Carina Elhordory, Martinsburg, for her acrylic painting “Untitled”; Tracey Donnelly Franklin, Shepherdstown, for her assemblage “War Heron III”; Omar Williams, Kearneysville, for his digital photograph “Out of My Element”; and Tom Nebel, Shepherdstown, for his oil painting “Je Marche Dans Les Fleurs.”

This year, 58 works were submitted primarily from Berkeley, Jefferson and Morgan counties, from which the juror Mr. Evan Boggess of Shepherd University selected 24 works in drawing, painting, photography, fibers, mixed media, assemblage and sculpture. He commented that there were a lot of excellent, technically proficient works from which to select, representing very interesting subject matter. His aim was to select works that demonstrated longevity and that kept the viewer thinking about them long after seeing them. The Berkeley Arts Council thanks Mr. Boggess and all the artists who submitted work for consideration in this show. This annual juried exhibit is open to artists who reside in one of the eight counties that comprise the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia: Berkeley, Jefferson, Morgan, Hampshire, Hardy, Grant, Mineral, and Pendleton.

The exhibit is on display until October 10, 2020 at the Berkeley Art Works, 116 North Queen Street, Martinsburg, WV and is open Thursdays through Saturdays, 11:00am to 3:00pm. For more information about the Berkeley Arts Council and the Berkeley Art Works, visit us on the Web at https://berkeleyartswv.org and our Facebook page.

Juror’s Statement

As a juror and fellow artist, I am always trying to articulate the unique, intangible, and persistent qualities of elevated works of art.  What is it about a particular painting, sculpture, photograph, video, print, or installation that remains in our thoughts seconds, minutes, days, months, years after seeing it?  Artwork that exhibits elevated technical skills, subject matter, and formal command are certainly deserving of recognition, but these individual aspects on their own are relatively easy to rank.  Instead, I am drawn to pieces that manage to combine these aspects in surprising ways to create new, lasting visual experiences.   –  Evan Boggess

Congratulations to all of the accepted artists. Email notifications and instructions for delivery of artwork will be sent within shortly.

(Click here to see the full list of accepted artists:

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Submissions Extended: Berkeley Arts Council’s “Mask-a-Palooza”

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Call for Artists!

Decorate wearable coronavirus MASKS
with your original ideas
(purchased or homemade)

Help protect against Coronavirus transmission

Prizes Awarded:
$100 – I Can’t Live Without You
$ 50 – Stayin’ Alive Spectacular
$ 25 – Simply Marvelous

The Berkeley Arts Council is holding a “Mask-a-Palooza” decorated Coronavirus face mask contest and exhibit, September 12 through November 13, at the Berkeley Art Works gallery, 116 North Queen Street, Martinsburg.

The Berkeley Arts Council is looking for original designs using hand-made or purchased masks.  Make them fun, glamorous, intriguing, surprising … but the end result must be a functional, wearable mask.  We’re trying to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus, after all.

Cash prizes will be awarded for the top 3 designs!

The contest is open to the community and there is no entry fee.  The masks will be on display in the front window of the Berkeley Art Works gallery.

Submission Extended Deadline: September 15, 2020
(No Entry Fee!)

It’s easy to submit! Just click on the link below and enter the information.

Entry Form

(Or you may pick up an entry form at the Berkeley Art Works, 116 North Queen Street in Martinsburg. Currently open Thursdays, Fridays & Satiurdays, 11-3.)

Then, bring decorated masks to the Berkeley Art Works after the submissions close (date will be announced.) You may offer your mask(s) for sale – or not. A 30% commission on the retail selling price established by the artist shall be retained by BAC.

Each mask must have a tag securely attached with youir name, an ID number, and price (if for sale.)

After the exhibit, masks should be picked up a the Berkeley Art Works November 13-14, 2020.