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Artists Showcase Homegrown Talent at Stifel\'s New Appalachia Exhibit

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WHEELING - A vibrant celebration of Appalachian creativity is now on display at the Stifel Fine Arts Center.

New Appalachia 2026 is a juried exhibition by Oglebay Institute that shines a spotlight on the remarkable talents of artists from across the Appalachian region, showcasing how traditional Appalachian crafts continue to evolve into bold, contemporary artistic expression.

The excitement continued at the opening reception on Thursday, Sept. 17, when five artists were awarded first place in their divisions and one artist received the exhibition's top honor: Best in Show.

The first-place winners in their respective categories are: Purple Passion Flower Vase by Chance Taylor of Johnson City, Tennessee, in Ceramics; Hampton Place, a quilt by Ruth Ann Lowery of Eighty-Four, Pennsylvania, in Fiber; Woodpeckers in Paradise, a stained-glass piece by Desirae Fisher of Triadelphia, West Virginia, in Glass; Dukes of Earl by Robert Villamagna of Wheeling, in Metals; and Perspective by Caroline Hanson of Marlinton, West Virginia, in Print.

Best in Show was also awarded to Villamagna for his outstanding metal piece. With more than 70 works on view, New Appalachia 2026 offers visitors an inspiring opportunity to experience the imagination, craftsmanship, and energy of today's Appalachian artists.

Featuring artists from across nine Appalachian states, New Appalachia 2026 explores how the region’s rich craft traditions continue to influence and inspire contemporary art. As the only state located entirely within the Appalachian Mountains, West Virginia serves as an ideal setting for this comprehensive regional showcase.

The exhibition features a diverse collection of works in ceramics, fiber arts, furniture, metalwork, printmaking and woodcraft, highlighting both the preservation of traditional techniques and the innovative ways artists are reimagining them for the 21st century.

The exhibition is open to the public at the Stifel Fine Arts Center through Oct. 31.

Visitors can make the celebration even bigger by exploring solo exhibitions from last year's award-winning artists. Kelly White's glass exhibition is on view at Oglebay Institute's Glass Museum, where award-winning woodworker George Radeschi is also presenting his work.

Additional exhibitions can be found throughout the community: Sarah Bogdal's printmaking works are on display at Artworks Around Town; award-winning ceramics artist Matthew Skelly currently has work on view at Oglebay Lodge; and Villamagna's metal work can be seen in the gallery at Towngate Theatre. Together, these exhibitions offer art lovers the perfect reason to get out, explore and celebrate the creative spirit of the region.

New Appalachia 2026 is part of Oglebay Institute’s 2026-27 Stifel Exhibition Season.

A vibrant public space accessible to all, the Stifel Fine Arts Center showcases the work of established and emerging artists throughout the year. Changing exhibitions encourage appreciation and understanding of visual art through direct engagement with original works in traditional and nontraditional mediums.

Stifel exhibitions provide opportunities for critical thinking, inspire learning about art and the creative process, and challenge visitors to expand their definition of art while reflecting on the role of art in society.

All exhibitions are free and open to the public.

The Stifel Fine Arts Center is located at 1330 National Road in Wheeling.

For more information, visit oionline.com or call 304-242-7700.

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