A staple in Stifel Fine Art Center’s exhibition season for 46 years, Crosscurrents — as its name suggests — is where various artists working across all mediums share their differing thoughts, beliefs and experiences. Although certain topics can sometimes be derived within the exhibit, there is no single theme for Crosscurrents.

“The exhibition blends styles, techniques, mediums and subject matter,” said Rick Morgan, director of Stifel Fine Arts Center. “It reflects the creative energy in our community — locally and regionally.”

Each year, dozens of artists vie for the opportunity to be showcased in this prestigious exhibition. Artists in West Virginia, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Maryland and Virginia are eligible to enter new work for consideration. A guest juror selects the works for the exhibit and cash prizes are awarded to winning artists.

Oglebay Institute’s Kevin Clancy curated the exhibition, and Pittsburgh-based artist Michael Lotenero served as juror.

“Subtlety” by Jade Lynn Lewis — Second Place

More than 250 pieces were submitted for entry into Crosscurrents 2025. Entries came from all six states and Washington, D.C. Lotenero selected 92 pieces from 47 artists for the show and chose best in show, second and third place along with two honorable mentions.

In his juror’s statement Lotenero said, “There were so many great pieces, and it’s always difficult to choose what will make it into a show. The work I did choose was work that appealed to me on a gut level at first, then upon further scrutiny, held up for other more concrete reasons like subject matter, materials and concepts explored. I also tried to consider how all the work would all look together as well and to make a cohesive statement about the quality and craftsmanship of the work being created in the region.”

Lotenero has been working as a painter and designer for more than 20 years. His work has been exhibited in various galleries throughout the country including The Carnegie Museum of Art, The Austin Museum of Digital Art and The Westmoreland Museum of Art, to name a few. His paintings have been featured in Atlantic Homes and Lifestyles, Beaux Arts, Table Magazine, Perlora Contemporary Home Magazine, The Wall Street International Magazine and the cover of Housetrends.

His clients have included The Museum of Contemporary Art in San Diego, Nintendo, IBM, Sony Pictures and Panasonic. His work has been published widely in various publications and featured prominently on the sets of several feature films and television series, including “American Rust,” “Red Notice,” “Trouble with the Curve,” “The Last Witch Hunter” and HBO’s “Banshee.”

“Crosscurrents is an important part of our exhibition season because it provides an opportunity for visual artists to showcase their work in a prestigious show in a beautiful gallery,” Morgan said. “But it is even more than that. Artists get feedback, support, encouragement. They meet other artists and make connections. Experiences like this help strengthen the artistic community in many ways. We are happy and proud to support this growth and connection.”

“Issues” by Jesse Baggett — Third Place

Crosscurrents 2025 is on display through July 12. Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Evening hours are dependent on classes and special events. Admission is free.

Winners of Crosscurrents 2025 are:

Best in Show: Asha Cabaca, Morgantown, W.Va. — “Unit”

2nd place: Jade-Lynn Lewis, Huntsville, Ohio — “Subtlety”

3rd place: Jesse Baggett, Morgantown, W.Va. — “Issues”

“Rose-Colored Glasses” by Laurie Johnson — Honorable Mention

Honorable Mentions:

Laurie Johnson, Wheeling — “Rose Colored Glasses”

Jacob Glenz, Wheeling — Triptych “Headshots”

Opportunities for artistic expression and personal growth at Stifel Fine Arts Center are made possible, in part, through generous corporate support. United Bank is the corporate sponsor for the Stifel Center’s 2024-25 art exhibition season and has served as the season sponsor for many years.

“We are deeply grateful for United Bank’s continued partnership and excited to share an inspiring season of visual art at Stifel Fine Arts Center,” said Oglebay Institute director of development Jasmin Ilovar. “Their generosity ensures that our diverse range of exhibits, especially Crosscurrents, remains accessible to all members of our community and provides opportunities for artists from across the Ohio Valley to showcase their work. It is partnerships like this — where art, culture and community come together — that make Wheeling such a great place to live and visit.”

“Headshots” Triptych by Jacob Glenz — Honorable Mention

Located at 1330 National Road in Wheeling, Oglebay Institute’s Stifel Fine Arts Center is conveniently located just off exit 2B of Interstate 70.

Housed in the historic Edemar Mansion and part of the nonprofit Oglebay Institute, Stifel Fine Arts Center is a public arts center with galleries, classrooms and performance space. It serves as a gathering place for artists, emerging artists, art lovers, students, educators, and families — connecting and engaging the community in creative pursuits.

Crosscurrents 2025 was also made possible through the generous support of the members of the Institute as well as with financial assistance from the West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History and the National Endowment for the Arts, with approval from the West Virginia Commission on the Arts.

“Headshots” Triptych by Jacob Glenz — Honorable Mention