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Vandalia Gathering Celebrates Traditional Arts at Culture Center May 24-25
To Be Featured During the 150th Birthday Celebration
May 16, 2013
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Division of Culture and History invites the public to celebrate the traditional music of West Virginia on Memorial Day weekend, May 24-25, 2013, at the Culture Center during the 37th annual Vandalia Gathering. The family-friendly event is free, and everyone is welcome.
The festival, named for the proposed 14th colony, annually draws thousands of visitors from across the country to hear West Virginia musicians competing in old-time fiddle, guitar, old-time and bluegrass banjo, mandolin and lap dulcimer contests.
The festival offers a unique sampling of traditional and ethnic foods, including such favorites as roasted corn, hot dogs, BBQs, calzones, roast beef and meatball submarines, chicken wings, sausage, pepper and onion hero sandwiches, beans and cornbread, funnel cakes, homemade cobblers, strawberry shortcake and more from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, May 25.
The 2013 Vandalia Gathering gets under way at 6 p.m. Friday, May 24, with festival sales. At 7 p.m., an awards presentation for quilt and wall-hanging winners and the Vandalia Award, the state’s highest folklife honor, will take place in the Norman L. Fagan West Virginia State Theater of the Culture Center.
The evening concert follows the awards ceremony and will feature some of the state’s favorite musicians. Visitors can hear the West Virginia All-Star Bluegrass Band, John Lilly, Born Old, the Appalachian Country Cloggers, and Juanita Fireball and the Continental Drifters.
Music contests on Saturday include lap dulcimer, old-time banjo and fiddle, bluegrass banjo, mandolin and flat-pick guitar. Contests are open to West Virginia residents only, and winners are announced at the conclusion of the contest. Registration for all categories will begin at 9 a.m. on the plaza deck of the Culture Center. The music contests will take place in the Great Hall and the Norman L. Fagan State Theater in the Culture Center.
Norman L. Fagan State Theater Contest Schedule
10 a.m. – Lap Dulcimer Contest. Registration on the plaza deck closes at 9:45 a.m.
Awards Presentation and Concert with Bare Bones.
Noon – Old-time Banjo Contest (Senior & Under 60 Categories). Registration on the plaza deck closes at 11:45 a.m.
Awards Presentation and Concert with Roger Bryant.
2:30 p.m. – Old-time Fiddle Contest (Senior/Youth/Under 60). Registration on the plaza deck closes at 2:15 p.m.
Awards Presentation
Great Hall Contest Schedule
10:30 a.m. – Mandolin Contest. Registration on the plaza deck closes at 10:15 a.m.
Awards Presentation and Concert with Terry Vaughan.
12:30 p.m. – Bluegrass Banjo Contest. Registration on the plaza deck closes at 12:15 p.m.
Awards Presentation and Concert with the Song Catchers.
2:30 p.m. – Flat-pick Guitar Contest (Youth & 16 and Over). Registration on the plaza deck closes at 2:15 p.m.
Awards Presentation
The popular outdoor Old-Time-for-Young-’Uns area features traditional hands-on fun and games for all ages from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday on the Capitol grounds.
At 6:30 p.m. Saturday, a concert in the State Theater will feature the sounds of such West Virginia groups as Kanawha Tradition, Ginny Hawker and Tracey Schwarz, Frank George, Lester McCumbers, Pete Kosky and the Samples Brothers.
In the Great Hall, the Quilts and Wall Hangings 2013 exhibition decorates the white marble walls in brilliant color and visual splendor with exquisite quilts representing the talents of West Virginia quilt-makers.
Also on display at the Culture Center is “West Virginia 150,” which focuses on 150 people, places and events that helped to shape the lives of West Virginians over the past 150 years. It also features West Virginia’s national and international accomplishments and achievements as they have unfolded since the state’s birth on June 20, 1863. West Virginia’s First Ladies doll exhibit and Treasures of West Virginia’s Governors also are on display in the Balcony Gallery.
The State Museum is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. The State Museum Shop is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
The Vandalia Gathering will be featured on Saturday, June 22, during the 150th Birthday Celebration at the State Capitol. Food and craft vendors will be plentiful on the capitol grounds. Concerts featuring some of the winners in mandolin, bluegrass and old-time banjo, flat-pick guitar, lap dulcimer, old-time fiddle and gospel singing will take place throughout the day. Competitions will be held for the best pound cake, cupcake and maple cookie, as well as the annual Liars Contest. An outdoor dance stage will present heritage and ethnic dancing, traditional square dancing and flatfoot and clogging opportunities, with bands and callers on hand. The Old-Time-for-Young-’Uns area will provide a 4-H campfire experience for youth of all ages.
For more information about the festival, including a complete schedule of activities, visit the Division’s website at www.wvculture.org and access the link for events, or call Caryn Gresham, deputy commissioner of the Division, at (304) 558-0220.
The West Virginia Division of Culture and History is an agency within the West Virginia Department of Education and the Arts with Kay Goodwin, Cabinet Secretary. The Division, led by Commissioner Randall Reid-Smith, brings together the past, present and future through programs and services focusing on archives and history, arts, historic preservation and museums. For more information about the Division’s programs, events and sites, visit www.wvculture.org. The Division of Culture and History is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
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Nationally Recognized Civil War Author
to Present Talk at West Virginia Independence Hall in Wheeling on May 23
May 16, 2013WHEELING, W.Va. — Nationally recognized Civil War author Bob O’Connor will present a talk on his eighth book, Countdown to West Virginia Statehood, at West Virginia Independence Hall in downtown Wheeling. The free program will begin at 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 23, and the public is invited to attend.
West Virginia became a state in a unique process. O’Connor’s book documents the highly charged controversy of the story, presenting it both for the novice historian and for the serious student. The nonfiction book explains in detail, with photographs and maps, how each person and event led up to the decision of the western territory of Virginia to become a separate state.
In his PowerPoint presentation, O’Connor will explain the long-standing dispute between the western “mountaineers” and the eastern “planters,” which dated back to 1776.
A reception and book signing will follow O’Connor’s program.
O’Connor grew up in Illinois and moved to Charles Town, W.Va., in 2001. He spent more than 30 years in the tourism industry, including working for the Martinsburg/Berkeley County and Jefferson County Convention and Visitors Bureaus. He is the author of nine books, including The U.S. Colored Troops at Andersonville Prison, A House Divided Against Itself, and The Virginian Who Might Have Saved Lincoln.
He has been named a finalist four times for the Best Book Awards and the Indie Book Awards. O’Connor has studied John Brown, Abraham Lincoln, John Wilkes Booth, Ward Hill Lamon (Lincoln’s bodyguard), the U.S. Colored Troops and the Civil War extensively and says he was inspired to write his first book, The Perfect Steel Trap Harpers Ferry 1859, when he learned that John Wilkes Booth came to Charles Town to attend the hanging of John Brown.
For more information, contact Travis Henline, site manager at WVIH, at (304) 238-1300.
West Virginia Independence Hall, originally built as a federal custom house in 1859, served as the home of the pro-Union state conventions of Virginia during the spring and summer of 1861 and as the capitol of loyal Virginia from June 1861 to June 1863. It also was the site of the first constitutional convention for West Virginia. Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1988, the museum is maintained and operated by the West Virginia Division of Culture and History, with the cooperation and assistance of the West Virginia Independence Hall Foundation. The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Saturday, with the exception of major holidays. The museum is located on the corner of 16th and Market Streets in Wheeling.
The West Virginia Division of Culture and History is an agency within the West Virginia Department of Education and the Arts with Kay Goodwin, Cabinet Secretary. The Division, led by Commissioner Randall Reid-Smith, brings together the past, present and future through programs and services focusing on archives and history, arts, historic preservation and museums. For more information about the Division’s programs, events and sites, visit www.wvculture.org. The Division of Culture and History is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
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Shady Spring Middle School in Raleigh County Wins West Virginia State History Bowl
May 3, 2013
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Shady Spring Middle School Team One of Raleigh County won the West Virginia Division of Culture and History’s fourth annual West Virginia State History Bowl held Tuesday, April 30, at the Culture Center, State Capitol Complex in Charleston.
Fairview Middle School Team One of Marion County was the runner up in the competition that included 24 middle schools from across the state.
The all-tournament team, which includes students who demonstrated exceptional knowledge and teamwork during the day-long tournament, included Eden Toothman, Fairview Middle School Team Two, Fairview, Marion County; Brett Mays, Fairview Middle School Team One, Fairview, Marion County; Cole Aston, Cameron Middle School Team Two, Cameron, Marshall County; and Ryan Belmont, Summersville Middle School Team One, Summersville, Nicholas County.
Ryan Young, a member of Shady Spring Middle School Team One, was named the Most Valuable Player.
“We are proud to host the West Virginia State History Bowl and prouder still of the eighth-grade students who put so much time into preparing for these tournaments,” said Commissioner Randall Reid-Smith of the West Virginia Division of Culture and History. “It is also a tribute to the teachers, parents and advisers who take time to help the students study for the competition and who are committed to ensuring that the students are able to study together and attend the matches. They enjoy the event as much as the students.”
During the first year a single tournament was held at the Culture Center. Reid-Smith said interest was so strong that the Division introduced eight regional competitions the second year, allowing more schools to participate. The winner and runner-up teams from each region attend the statewide tournament. This year, the Division added a play-in tournament that accommodated schools that were unable to compete in their regional round because of inclement weather and school closings. It also was open to all schools throughout the state that wanted a second chance.
The double-elimination tournament includes lightning rounds and team rounds featuring questions about state and county history, culture, heritage and tourism prepared by the staff of the Division’s Archives and History section. Eighth graders in public, private and home-school education programs are eligible to compete on the four-person teams.
The Archives and History staff has developed more than 1,800 questions for its online Quick Quizzes. Teams preparing for the tournament were able to use the Archives and History Daily Trivia and Quick Quizzes as helpful tools from the Division’s website, www.wvculture.org/history.
Besides Young, championship team Shady Spring Middle School Team One includes Rachel Carrico, Kristen Miller and Peyton Michaels.
Runner-up team Fairview Middle School Team One includes Austin Composky, Becky Luketic, Breanna Lewis and Brett Mays.
Third place team Summersville Middle School Team One includes Ryan Belmont, Scottie Dorsey, Luke Frame and Morgan McHenry.
Fourth place team Fairview Middle School Team Two includes Lincoln Opyoke, Tayler Pope, Eden Toothman and Devony Workman.
Fifth place team Cameron Middle School Team Two includes Cole Aston, Ben Hart, Lander James and Ashley Ruza.
Sixth place team Sissonville Middle School Team One includes Zac Boggess, Tyler Burdette, Alex Monday and Olivia Montgomery.
Seventh place team Shady Spring Middle School Two includes Garrett Basham, Luke Keaton, Tristen Nesmith and Shade Varney.
Eighth place team Frankfort Middle School includes Allison Beverlin, Trey Clark, Garrett Grose and Kylie Malone.
Competitors included the following teams:
Moorefield Middle School (two teams) Moorefield, Hardy County
Taylor County Middle School Grafton, Taylor County
Ripley Middle School Ripley, Jackson County
Green Bank Middle School Green Bank, Pocahontas County
Logan Middle School Logan, Logan County
Mountaineer Middle School Morgantown, Monongalia County
Richwood Middle School Richwood, Nicholas County
Independence Middle School Sophia, Raleigh County
Frankfort Middle School Ridgeley, Mineral County
Fairview Middle School (two teams) Fairview, Marion County
Shady Spring Middle School (two teams) Shady Spring, Raleigh County
Cameron High School (two teams) Cameron, Marshall County
Jackson Middle School Vienna, Wood County
Edison Middle School Parkersburg, Wood County
Ansted Middle School Ansted, Fayette County
Summersville Middle School Summersville, Nicholas County
Andrew Jackson Middle School Cross Lanes, Kanawha County
Sissonville Middle School Sissonville, Kanawha County
Milton Middle School Milton, Cabell County
Wayne Middle School Wayne, Wayne County
Photographs of all teams competing in the West Virginia State History Bowl Tournament are available in a downloadable, high resolution format at www.wvculture.zenfolio/com/historybowl.
Videos of some matches are available to view at www.wvculture.org.
The West Virginia Division of Culture and History is an agency within the West Virginia Department of Education and the Arts with Kay Goodwin, Cabinet Secretary. The Division, led by Reid-Smith, brings together the past, present and future through programs and services focusing on archives and history, arts, historic preservation and museums. For more information about the Division’s programs, events and sites, visit www.wvculture.org. The Division of Culture and History is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
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Morgantown Student Represented West Virginia in National Poetry Competition
Activities in Clarksburg, Morgantown also will promote poetry in schools
May 3, 2013
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Tim DiFazio, a Morgantown High School senior, represented West Virginia April 29 -30 at the Poetry Out Loud: National Recitation Contest in Washington, D.C. DiFazio, who won the state competition earlier this year, recited La Figlia che Piange by T.S. Eliot, To a Mouse by Robert Burns and Sign by George Starbuck. Thirty students from high schools in 23 West Virginia counties competed in the state semifinals; the top 10 contestants competed in the state finals.
DiFazio joined 52 other champions from across the country, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, for the Poetry Out Loud semifinals at the Lisner Auditorium at George Washington University in Washington, D.C., on April 29.
Poetry Out Loud is a poetry recitation contest sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the Poetry Foundation, publisher of Poetry Magazine, the oldest English-language monthly publication dedicated to verse. The program is designed to encourage high school students to learn about great poetry through memorization, performance and competition.
This week, Cicely Bosley, Arts in Education coordinator for the West Virginia Division of Culture and History, will visit St. Mary’s Catholic Grade School in Clarksburg, for its unofficial Poetry Out Loud contest for elementary school students, which uses the NEA guidelines and resources. She also will travel to Morgantown High School for its Senior Awards Day program to present DiFazio with his state trophy and Morgantown High School Principal Robert L. DeSantis with the traveling school Poetry Out Loud trophy.
The West Virginia Division of Culture and History is an agency within the West Virginia Department of Education and the Arts with Kay Goodwin, Cabinet Secretary. The Division, led by Commissioner Randall Reid-Smith, brings together the past, present and future through programs and services focusing on archives and history, arts, historic preservation and museums. For more information about the Division’s programs, events and sites, visit www.wvculture.org. The Division of Culture and History is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
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West Virginia Dance Festival Draws Students from Across the State
May 1, 2013
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Dance students from 45 dance school, high school and college programs participated in the 2013 West Virginia Division of Culture and History Dance Festival at the Culture Center at the State Capitol Complex on April 19 – 21. Students had the opportunity to take classes from nationally accredited dancers and dance instructors, and to perform in evening concerts.
Two students, Olivia Danielle Myers with the Capital High School Dance Company and Mia Danielle Sedney with the Kat and Company Dance Studio, were the 2013 dance scholarship recipients. Myers received the Jerry Rose Scholarship of Excellence scholarship, which is sponsored by the West Virginia Division of Culture and History. She will attend Point Park University’s International Summer Dance program. Sedney received the Friends of Culture and History scholarship and will attend the Cincinnati Ballet’s summer intensive program.
“We are proud to host the annual statewide dance festival,” said Randall Reid-Smith, Commissioner of the West Virginia Division of Culture and History. “This program allows us to bring together dance schools from around the state so that their students can take advantage of challenging dance instruction and have the opportunity to meet each other and learn from the experiences of other dancers.”
In addition to ballet, modern and jazz dance classes, dancers could take instructions in stretch warm-up, pre-pointe preparation, arabesque and body strength. Special master classes for advanced students were offered in pointe, contemporary ballet, improvisation, tap and musical theater. Photos of all evening performances are available at www.wvculture.zenfolio.com/dance. High resolution photos are available for downloading by using the menu in the top left of each image.
Participating in the Dance Festival were:
· Academy of Arts @ January’s and JADCO Contemporary Dance Company, Charleston
· Alchemy Dance Project and Red Stone Dance Initiative, Morgantown
· Annabel Timms School of Ballet, Bridgeport
· Art Center School of Dance, Huntington
· Arts In Action, Hurricane
· Augusta Youth Ballet Company, Buckhannon
· Beckley Dance Theatre and Dance Theatre School, Beckley
· Bridgeport High School, Flemington
· Cadalzo Contemporary Dance Studio, Morgantown
· Capital High School, Charleston
· Charleston Ballet, Charleston
· Dance Dimensions of Hedgesville, Hedgesville
· Dance Underground, Dunbar
· Elite Performance Academy, Proctorville, Ohio
· Huntington Dance Theatre and Huntington Dance Theater School, Huntington
· Jeslyn Dance Gallery and Jeslyn Performing Arts Center, Huntington
· Kat and Company Dance Studio, Morgantown
· Marshall University/Amused, Huntington
· Mid Ohio Valley Ballet Company and Mid Ohio Valley Ballet Academy, Parkersburg
· Momentum Dance Center, Clarksburg
· Morgantown Ballet Company, Morgantown
· Morgantown Dance Studio, Morgantown
· Next Step School of Dance, White Sulphur Springs
· Oglebay Institute School of Dance, Wheeling
· Pace Performing Arts Connection, Parkersburg
· Princeton Dance Studio, Princeton
· Rhythm ’N Motion and Turning Pointe Dance Company, Martinsburg
· River City Youth Ballet Ensemble and School of River City Youth Ballet, Charleston
· Schrader Youth Ballet, Parkersburg
· Shepherdstown School of Dance, Shepherdstown
· Trillium Performing Arts Collective and Trillium Performing Youth, Lewisburg
· Valley Dance Studio, Lewisburg
· Village Dance Theatre, Huntington
· West Virginia Wesleyan College, Buckhannon
· West Virginia Dance Company, Beckley
· West Virginia University Dance Program, Morgantown
The West Virginia Division of Culture and History is an agency within the West Virginia Department of Education and the Arts with Kay Goodwin, Cabinet Secretary. The Division, led by Commissioner Randall Reid-Smith, brings together the past, present and future through programs and services focusing on archives and history, arts, historic preservation and museums. For more information about the Division’s programs, events and sites, visit www.wvculture.org. The Division of Culture and History is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
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Culinary Cultures Program Resumes at Culture Center
April 8, 2013
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Division of Culture and History will resume its First Lady’s Culinary Cultures program in April with three sessions that will feature West Virginia chefs and food specialists from around the state. The 2013 demonstration programs feature a variety of cooking styles and food choices.
Chef John Wright of Bridge Road Bistro coordinates the program, which began in 2012 with Chef Robert Wong. The program serves as a memorial to Chef Wong and his enthusiasm for sharing West Virginia’s culinary culture with others.
The sessions each include three classes and cost $60 per person. Classes run from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. The series is limited to 20 participants and registration is required. To register, call John Morrison at 304-558-0220 or e-mail him at john.d.morrison@wv.gov.
During the first two classes of each session, participants will learn about different cooking styles and techniques. For the third class of each session, participants are invited to bring a guest for the class.
The schedule for 2013 is:
April 15 – Springtime Soups with John Wright, Bridge Road Bistro
May 6 – Deli Secrets with Judy Byrne, AAA Catering
June 3 – Grilling Out with Paul Smith, University of Charleston
July 1 – Garden Treats the Vegetarian Way with Dale Hawkins of Fish Hawk Farm
August 5 – Canning and Pickling with Jill Brookover of Sunny Hollow Farms
September 9 – Cooking with Seafood with Joe Harmon of Joe’s Fish Market
October 7 – That’s Italian with Jeremy Still of Edgewood Country Club
November 4 – Cooking with Grains with Jeremy Still of Edgewood Country Club
December 2 – Christmas Dinner with Tootie Jones of Swift Level Farm
For more information about the Culinary Cultures program, contact Caryn Gresham, deputy commissioner of the Division, at (304) 558-0220.
The West Virginia Division of Culture and History is an agency within the West Virginia Department of Education and the Arts with Kay Goodwin, Cabinet Secretary. The Division, led by Commissioner Randall Reid-Smith, brings together the past, present and future through programs and services focusing on archives and history, arts, historic preservation and museums. For more information about the Division’s programs, events and sites, visit www.wvculture.org. The Division of Culture and History is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
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West Virginia Division of Culture and History
Introduces New State Museum App
March 22, 2013
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia State Museum is going social and introducing a new app that gives smartphone and tablet users the ability to get the latest information on programs and services at the state museum just the way they like it: easy, fast and current. The app is a free download available in the Apple and Google App stores.
The home page provides the options available. Discovery Room features videos of the 26 discovery rooms in the museum and a touring map of the museum. Fact Finder has West Virginia history quizzes for beginners and pros alike. News and Social posts notices on programs and upcoming activities and Get Me There will direct users to the museum and a selection of historic communities across the state. ScanMe is a special option for museum visitors that provides extended information on selected artifacts using quick response codes. Contact Usprovides users with several ways to communicate with the museum: mail, email, Facebook and Twitter.
To download the new app, go to the App Store and search for WVSM or West Virginia Museum.
For more information, contact Rachel Moses, cultural program specialist, at (304) 558-0220, ext. 127.
The West Virginia Division of Culture and History is an agency within the West Virginia Department of Education and the Arts with Kay Goodwin, Cabinet Secretary. The Division, led by Commissioner Randall Reid-Smith, brings together the past, present and future through programs and services focusing on archives and history, arts, historic preservation and museums. For more information about the Division’s programs, events and sites, visit www.wvculture.org. The Division of Culture and History is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
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Vandalia Gathering Set for May 24 and 25
Vandalia Will also be Featured at State’s 150th Birthday Celebration
March 18, 2013
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Musicians will be center stage for the 2013 Vandalia Gathering at the State Capitol Complex when the annual festival takes place on Friday, May 24, and Saturday, May 25. This year’s festival will focus on the music competitions, concerts and awards. In June, the Vandalia Gathering will be featured as a part of West Virginia’s 150th birthday celebration, hosted by the West Virginia Sesquicentennial Commission.
“As the Sesquicentennial Commission began its planning, they approached us about ways to incorporate elements of the Vandalia Gathering into their events. After much discussion, we have found a way to both host the Vandalia Gathering on Memorial Day weekend and to assist the Sesquicentennial Commission in featuring some Vandalia events during the birthday celebrations,” said Commissioner Randall Reid-Smith.
The Vandalia Gathering will take place on Friday, May 24, and Saturday, May 25, this year. The focus will be on music contests and concerts, annual juried quilt exhibition awards program and the presentation of the Vandalia Award. Musical competitions and concerts will fill the Culture Center Great Hall, Theater and Plaza Deck during the festival. Food vendors will be on hand to offer traditional favorites and new flavors that Vandalia attendees have come to enjoy.
“There will be plenty of music at the Gathering,” said Commissioner Reid-Smith. “Our weekend event will begin at 7 p.m. on Friday with the annual juried quilt awards presentation and the Vandalia Award ceremony. A concert will follow the awards program.” Saturday, it will be all music from 10 a.m. through the evening as competitions and concerts are the focus of the day.
The Vandalia Gathering will then be featured during West Virginia’s 150th birthday celebration events being organized by the West Virginia Sesquicentennial Commission. During the celebration, which will take place June 20-22 at the State Capitol Complex in Charleston, the 2013 Vandalia Gathering winning musicians will be invited to play at the outdoor stage to highlight the importance of Appalachian music in West Virginia’s culture. The Commission will also host the food and craft vendors who traditionally participate during Memorial Day weekend and will set up the food contests, craft circle, dance stages, and liar’s competition.
“We are excited to bridge the traditions of the Vandalia Gathering with the festivities of our statehood celebrations,” Commissioner Reid-Smith said. “Appalachian music has played an important role in our state’s history, and we believe this will be a great addition to the birthday celebrations.”
To view a complete schedule for the 2013 Vandalia Gathering, please visit www.wvculture.org.
The West Virginia Division of Culture and History is an agency within the West Virginia Department of Education and the Arts with Kay Goodwin, Cabinet Secretary. The Division, led by Commissioner Randall Reid-Smith, brings together the past, present and future through programs and services focusing on archives and history, arts, historic preservation and museums. For more information about the Division’s programs, events and sites, visit www.wvculture.org. The Division of Culture and History is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
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West Virginia State Historic Preservation Office
to Solicit Ideas for Preservation Efforts Through 2019
March 5, 2013
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia State Historic Preservation Office will conduct 12 meetings across the state to receive comments regarding the current historic preservation comprehensive plan and ideas for the direction of historic preservation efforts in the state from 2014 to 2019.
“These meetings will be an opportunity to discuss local concerns about how historic preservation efforts are working across the state,” said Susan Pierce, deputy state historic preservation officer. “We want to hear what the successes have been as well as the challenges so that we can develop new goals and objectives for the next five years.”
Input from the meetings and surveys will be used to draft a new comprehensive plan, which will be finalized by June 2014.
The most recent statewide historic preservation comprehensive plan, “The Past Matters Today” was published in 2009. Every five years this plan is reviewed, revised, and updated as needed.
The meeting dates, locations, and times of the meetings are listed below. No prior registration is required to attend a meeting. Each meeting is scheduled to last 1½ hours.
An online questionnaire also is available on our website at www.wvculture.org/shpo/shpoindex.aspx. Paper copies can be requested by calling (304) 558-0240.
For more information, contact John Adamik, education and planning coordinator, at 304-558-0240, ext. 122 or john.d.adamik@wv.gov.
The West Virginia Division of Culture and History is an agency within the West Virginia Department of Education and the Arts with Kay Goodwin, Cabinet Secretary. The Division, led by Commissioner Randall Reid-Smith, brings together the past, present and future through programs and services focusing on archives and history, arts, historic preservation and museums. For more information about the Division’s programs, events and sites, visit www.wvculture.org. The Division of Culture and History is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
MARCH 14 – CHARLESTON – Culture Center (Education Room) – State Capitol Complex, 5 p.m.
MARCH 26 – HUNTINGTON – Huntington City Hall (Council Chambers), 800 5th Ave., 5:30 p.m.
APRIL 11 – WILLIAMSON – Mingo County Courthouse (County Commission Courtroom), 72 E. 2nd Ave., 6 p.m.
APRIL 15 – ELLENBORO (Ritchie County) – Ellenboro Fire Department, 103 E. Washington St., 6 p.m.
APRIL 16 – MORGANTOWN – Metropolitan Theatre, 369 High St., 5:30 p.m.
APRIL 24 – CHARLES TOWN – Charles Town City Hall (Council Room), 101 E. Washington St., 6 p.m.
MAY 2 – MOUNDSVILLE – Grave Creek Mound Archaeological Complex, 801 Jefferson Ave., 6 p.m.
MAY 8 – ROMNEY – Bottling Works, 426 E. Main St., 6 p.m.
MAY 13 – SUTTON – Sutton Community Building on 4th Street, 5:30 p.m.
MAY 16 – RONCEVERTE – Ronceverte City Hall (Council Chamber), 200 W. Main St., 6 p.m.
MAY 22 – FAYETTEVILLE – American Legion Post 149, 205 W. Maple Ave., 6 p.m.
MAY 30 – ELKINS – Randolph County Community Arts Center, Corner of Park Street and Randolph Avenue, 6 p.m.
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Entries Solicited for Quilts and Wall Hangings 2013 Juried Exhibition
at the Culture Center
Feb. 27, 2013
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Division of Culture and History invites West Virginia quilters to enter the annual Quilts and Wall Hangings Juried Exhibition. This year’s exhibition will open Friday, May 24, with an awards ceremony at the annual Vandalia Gathering at the Culture Center on the State Capitol Complex. The free summer-long exhibition will be displayed through Sept. 2, 2013.
“The quilt exhibition in the Great Hall is one of our most popular and colorful exhibitions,” said Commissioner Randall Reid-Smith of the Division of Culture and History. “Visitors from around the country enjoy the fine handiwork of West Virginians whose creativity and appreciation of tradition are showcased in the quilts and wall hangings we feature.”
Beverly Fine, a National Quilting Association Certified Judge from Haymarket, Va., will be the juror for this year’s exhibition. She made her first quilt for a friend when she was in high school, and became a dedicated quilter in 1996. Fine focuses her work on monoprinting, or using an etching press and/or fabric marbling, as well as dye-painting and shibori techniques. Her work has been exhibited in juried shows, including the Fitchburg Art Museum and the Johsonia Gallery in Fitchburg, Mass.; the Whistler House Museum of Art, the Brush Art Gallery and Studios and the New England Quilt Museum, all in Lowell, Mass. She recently co-authored the book Guide to Judged Quilt Shows, available through www.nqa.org or Amazon.
Fine will lead a workshop titled “A Judge’s Guide to a Professional Finish” at the Culture Center from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., on Friday, May 10. Students will learn a step-by-step process for making bindings and facings that will win praise from a quilt judge. The resulting pieces will be flat, smooth and square.
Quilts, handmade or machine made, by West Virginia residents are eligible for the exhibition. Quilts and wall hangings shown previously in a Division of Culture and History Quilts and Wall Hangings juried exhibition are not eligible.
Awards are presented for first- ($750), second- ($400) and third-place ($300) in the following categories: pieced quilts, appliqued quilts, and quilts made with mixed/other techniques. Wall hangings will receive $400 for first-place, $300 for second-place and $200 for third-place. In addition, a Best of Show prize of $100 may be awarded by the juror. Honorable mention or other non-monetary awards are given at the discretion of the judge. The Division of Culture and History will provide two Purchase Awards and add the purchased quilt and wall hanging to the collection of the West Virginia State Museum. Quilters may sell their quilts during the exhibition, however quilts may not be removed until the close of the show.
This year, entries must be shipped or mailed no earlier than April 8 and must arrive at the Culture Center no later than May 3, 2013. Hand-delivered entries will be accepted between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., on April 25-26. Each entrant may submit one quilt and one wall hanging, which must be accompanied by a non-refundable fee of $20 for each entry.
The workshop is limited to 25 participants. There is a $20 fee per person and registration is required. Contact Betty Gay, exhibits coordinator for the Division, at (304) 558-0220, ext. 128, to register for the workshop and to receive a supply list.
Guidelines, applications and more information about eligibility, jurying and shipping are available on the Division’s website and can be downloaded at www.wvculture.org/museum, or by calling Gay to have an application mailed.
The West Virginia Division of Culture and History is an agency within the West Virginia Department of Education and the Arts with Kay Goodwin, Cabinet Secretary. The Division, led by Commissioner Randall Reid-Smith, brings together the past, present and future through programs and services focusing on archives and history, arts, historic preservation and museums. For more information about the Division’s programs, events and sites, visit www.wvculture.org. The Division of Culture and History is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
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West Virginia State Museum to Unveil Sesquicentennial Exhibit on Jan. 31, 2013
Jan. 23, 2013
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia State Museum will commemorate the state’s 150th birthday with a special sesquicentennial exhibit that opens Thursday, Jan. 31, 2013, at the Culture Center in Charleston. The public is invited to view the exhibit during an opening reception at 6 p.m. that day.
“West Virginia 150” focuses on 150 people, places and events that helped to shape the lives of West Virginians over the past 150 years. It also features West Virginia’s national and international accomplishments and achievements as they have unfolded since the state’s birth on June 20, 1863.
The exhibit’s artifacts tell stories about the state’s steel, coal, glass, timber and railroad industries as well as such notable West Virginians as Nobel Prize-winning author Pearl S. Buck, pepperoni roll inventor Guiseppe Argiro, award-winning composer George Crumb and former Secretary of State Cyrus Vance. The Wheeling Jamboree, Mountain Stage, Mister Bee Potato Chips, Shoney’s and the Marble King also are featured.
“West Virginia has such a rich and interesting history that it was really difficult to narrow the exhibit down to 150 items,” said Museum Director Charles Morris. The final list contains suggestions from the public as well as from archivists, historians and other employees of the West Virginia Division of Culture and History.
Visitors to the exhibit can add their own suggestions to a book placed at the end of the exhibit. A special online exhibit featuring these recommendations will open later this year. The public also is encouraged to donate items to commemorate the state’s birthday.
For more information, contact Morris at (304) 558-0220.
The State Museum is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the first Monday of each month.
The West Virginia Division of Culture and History is an agency within the West Virginia Department of Education and the Arts with Kay Goodwin, Cabinet Secretary. The Division, led by Commissioner Randall Reid-Smith, brings together the past, present and future through programs and services focusing on archives and history, arts, historic preservation and museums. For more information about the Division’s programs, events and sites, visit www.wvculture.org. The Division of Culture and History is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
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West Virginia Division of Culture and History Invites Quilters
to Make Handmade Squares for a West Virginia Statehood Sesquicentennial Quilt
Sept. 25, 2012
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Division of Culture and History, in partnership with the West Virginia Civil War Sesquicentennial Commission, is inviting quilters from across the state to help make a West Virginia Statehood Sesquicentennial Quilt.
The quilt is to be made up of 55 squares, with a handmade square representing each of the state’s counties. The finished quilt will be a feature of the West Virginia Division of Culture and History’s WV150 display, which will be exhibited at the Culture Center, State Capitol Complex, in 2013.
“Quilting is such an integral part of life and heritage in West Virginia that we want to showcase one in our Sesquicentennial exhibit and preserve it with the other wonderful heritage quilts in our State Museum collection,” said Commissioner Randall Reid-Smith of the West Virginia Division of Culture and History. “Since we are commemorating our statehood, we think having a square to represent each county is a fitting tribute to the fine handwork of quilters around the state.”
Quilters interested in making a square to represent their counties should contact Renee Margocee, individual artist coordinator for the West Virginia Division of Culture and History, who will accept applications for each county on a first-come, first accepted basis. The 6-inch squares must be completed and received by the Division by Dec. 15, 2012.
“Each quilter may select any pattern for the 6-inch square that he or she is submitting,” Margocee said. “In keeping with the statehood theme, we encourage them to consider a West Virginia or traditional theme, but are not limiting their choice of pattern.” She said that pieced and applique patterns are acceptable, as is embroidery stitching. Each participating quilter will receive a packet with quilt guidelines and fabric for the background and two main feature fabrics. These colorways focus on the fabric patterns and colors that would have been available in 1863, the year West Virginia became a state.
“We want our quilt to have a coordinated look, but still provide for the artistic creativity of each quilter,” Margocee said. “Along with the fabric squares that they receive, each quilter may select up to two additional fabrics to add to their squares.
West Virginia quilters will stitch the squares together and quilt them.
Margocee can be reached at (304) 558-0240 or at Renee.Margocee@wv.gov.
The West Virginia Division of Culture and History is an agency within the West Virginia Department of Education and the Arts with Kay Goodwin, Cabinet Secretary. The Division, led by Commissioner Randall Reid-Smith, brings together the past, present and future through programs and services focusing on archives and history, arts, historic preservation and museums. For more information about the Division’s programs, events and sites, visit www.wvculture.org. The Division of Culture and History is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
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2012 West Virginia Marching Band Invitational Forms
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2 West Virginia Division of Culture and History Contests Open To High School Writers, Photographers
Sept. 4, 2012
CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- The West Virginia Division of Culture and History, in cooperation with the West Virginia Civil War Sesquicentennial Commission, invites high school students across the state to share their creativity in two special educational programs that offer cash prizes.
Students who submit essays on a topic related to the Civil War and West Virginia statehood have the chance to win a $1,000 cash prize, while the teacher of the winning author will receive a $500 cash award.
Student photographers who capture historic sites related to the sesquicentennial as part of the Division’s Sesquicentennial Snapshot program also could win $1,000.
Winners of both contests will have their work published in Goldenseal magazine, the state’s journal of traditional life, and the best photos will be included in the West Virginia State Museum’s WV 150 exhibit set to open in early 2013.
Entries must be received by Nov. 1, 2012.
As the only state born of the Civil War, West Virginia will celebrate its 150th birthday on June 20, 2013.
For more information about the essay contest, contact Caryn Gresham, deputy commission, at caryn.s.gresham@wv.gov or (304) 558-0220. For more information about the Sesquicentennial Snapshot contest, contact Tyler Evert at c.tyler.evert@wv.gov or (304) 558-0220. For forms and other information visit www.wvculture.org/wv150/sesquicentennial.html.
The West Virginia Division of Culture and History is an agency within the West Virginia Department of Education and the Arts with Kay Goodwin, Cabinet Secretary. The Division, led by Commissioner Randall Reid-Smith, brings together the past, present and future through programs and services focusing on archives and history, arts, historic preservation and museums. For more information about the Division’s programs, events and sites, visit www.wvculture.org. The Division of Culture and History is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
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Suncrest Middle School wins 2012 West Virginia State History Bowl Tournament
April 27, 2012
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Monongalia County’s Suncrest Middle School won the 3rd annual West Virginia State History Bowl on Tuesday, April 24, 2012, out performing 15 regional team winners with their knowledge of state history, culture and heritage at the Culture Center in Charleston.
Horace Mann Middle School in Kanawha County won second place followed by Team One from Shady Spring Middle School in Raleigh County. Team One from Cameron High School in Marshall County earned fourth-place honors.
“I am so delighted that the students from Suncrest are the State History Bowl champions,” said state Delegate Charlene Marshall, D-Monongalia. ”Suncrest is an outstanding school and the students there excel in many areas so it is nice to see them win an award for their knowledge of state history.”
The double-elimination tournament sponsored by the West Virginia Division of Culture and History included lightning rounds and team rounds featuring questions about state and county history, culture, heritage and tourism prepared by the staff of the Division’s Archives and History Section.
Each member of the championship team, comprised of eighth-graders Roark Sizemore, Sadaf Sarwari, Matteo Peries and Tee Tanner, won $500 each.
Second-place winners received $250 each, third-place winners $125, and fourth-place winners $50. The Division also awarded prizes for the tourney MVP and all-tournament team.
Matteo was named the tournament’s MVP. Members of the all-tournament team included Sadaf, Isaac Liu from Horace Mann, Lucas Thompson from Shady Spring, and Sara Quigley from Cameron.
Members of the Horace Mann team were Isaac, Mary-Keeton Lane, Harriett Rowe and Zane Lewis.
Shady Spring’s team included Lucas, Jenna Meador, Trevor Pritchett and Jordan Thomas. Cameron’s team members were Sara, Adrianna Boles, Roger McDiffitt and Jared Neehouse.
Regional competitions held in February and March involved more than 100 four-member teams from 40 counties. Other champion and runner-up teams who advanced to the state competition included Chapmanville Middle School in Logan County, Edison Middle School in Wood County, Fairview Middle School in Marion County, Frankfort Middle School in Mineral County, Jackson Middle School in Wood County, Moorefield Middle School in Hardy County, Nuttall Middle School in Fayette County, Sissonville Middle School in Kanawha County, Summersville Middle School in Nicholas County, and Williamson Middle School in Mingo County.
To prepare for the competition students are encouraged to study more than 1,800 questions available on the Division’s website, including daily trivia questions, quick quizzes and a Golden Horseshoe study guide.
For more information about the West Virginia History Bowl visit http://www.wvculture.org/history/historybowl.html or contact Bryan Ward, tournament director and assistant director of West Virginia Archives and History, at bryan.e.ward@wv.gov or (304) 558-0230.
The West Virginia Division of Culture and History is an agency within the West Virginia Department of Education and the Arts with Kay Goodwin, Cabinet Secretary. The Division, led by Commissioner Randall Reid-Smith, brings together the past, present and future through programs and services focusing on archives and history, arts, historic preservation and museums. For more information about the Division’s programs, events and sites, visit www.wvculture.org. The Division of Culture and History is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
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Historic Preservation survey and planning grants available
July 27, 2010
Applications are now being accepted for historic preservation survey and planning grants through the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) of the West Virginia Division of Culture and History. Approximately $80,000 is earmarked for this grant program, which is funded with money appropriated by the U. S. Congress for preservation efforts through the National Park Service Historic Preservation Fund.
State or local government agencies, not-for-profit organizations, for-profit organizations or firms, and educational institutions are eligible to apply. Eligible projects include architectural and archaeological surveys, preparation of nominations to the National Register of Historic Places, heritage education programs relating to preservation activities, pre-development activities, and comprehensive planning documents and development projects. Funded projects must be completed by June 30, 2012.
Grant funds are awarded on a matching basis. A competitive process is used to determine the recipients with the final decision being made by the West Virginia Archives and History Commission. The Commission selects projects that best meet the established priorities and criteria. Development projects will be considered only when all of the justifiable funding needs of eligible projects in other categories have been addressed. All grant monies must be administered in accordance with federal and state requirements. The deadline for applications is Oct. 31, 2010.
Program descriptions, a grants manual and application packets, including funding priorities and selection criteria are available by contacting Pamela Brooks, grants coordinator for the SHPO, at (304) 558-0240, ext. 720, or by writing: SHPO, West Virginia Division of Culture and History, The Culture Center, 1900 Kanawha Boulevard, East, Charleston, West Virginia 25305-0300, or at our Web site at www.wvculture.org/shpo/forms.html.
The announcement of grantees is planned for February 2011, contingent upon receipt of an allocation by the National Park Service.
The West Virginia Division of Culture and History, an agency of the West Virginia Department of Education and the Arts, brings together the state’s past, present and future through programs and services in the areas of archives and history, the arts, historic preservation and museums. Its administrative offices are located at the Culture Center in the State Capitol Complex in Charleston, which also houses the state archives and state museum. The Culture Center is West Virginia’s official showcase for the arts. The agency also operates a network of museums and historic sites across the state. For more information about the Division’s programs, visit www.wvculture.org. The Division of Culture and History is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
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Blair Mountain information
The Blair Mountain Battlefield National Register nomination was approved by the WV Archives and History Commission on February 22, 2008, and subsequently forwarded to the Keeper of the National Register.
According to 36 CFR 60.6, private property owners have the right to object to listing in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). It is the responsibility of the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) to count all notarized objections from owners of property within the boundaries of the Blair Mountain Battlefield. Prior to listing, the SHPO noted that there were 57 property owners within the boundaries, 22 of whom objected.
If a majority of property owners object, the property cannot be listed in the NRHP. However, the property can be “determined eligible” for listing. Properties that are either listed in or determined eligible for listing in the NRHP are considered historic and adverse effects of state and federal undertakings must be taken into consideration.
The NPS received a letter dated February 27, 2009, from JacksonKelly Attorneys at Law, PLLC requesting an extension of time for substantive review. This letter included nine attachments. The SHPO received the contents of this letter on March 13. The letter stated that there was one additional objection. SHPO staff understood this to mean that only one new objection had been received since its last packet of objections received March 2008.
The Blair Mountain Battlefield was listed in the NRHP on March 30, 2009. Following listing, the SHPO realized that eight additional objections, received in the attachments to the above mentioned letter, had not been considered.
In a letter dated April 6, 2009, the SHPO alerted the Keeper of the NRHP that there may have been an error in calculating the property owner objections due to this oversight. The State has not petitioned the Keeper for removal of the Blair Mountain Battlefield from the National Register in accordance with 36 CFR 60.15.
This was a clerical error of the SHPO. Due to this error, immediate steps have been taken to ensure this does not occur again. Neither Governor Manchin’s office, nor his administration, is responsible for listing or delisting National Register nominations. That is the responsibility of the Keeper of the National Register, a program of the National Park Service.
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Karen Cox to discuss "Dixie's Daughters: The United Daughters of the Confederacy and the Preservation of Confederate Culture" at the Archives and History lecture on June 4
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Women in Civil War West Virginia to be discussed at June 13 lecture in the Archives and History Library
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Images from the 2013 State History Bowl available online
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Sesquicentennial book sale to end June 20
The special sale on four West Virginia History quarterlies will come to an end on June 20, 2013, or until supplies last, whichever comes sooner.
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Photo Gallery available online
Images from the Archives and History Photo Gallery off the Great Hall have been added to the Web site at http://www.wvculture.org/history/gallery/photogallery.html.
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List of Civil War Manuscripts, Special Collections, and Archival Holdings added to sesquicentennial offerings that include timeline for 1863-1865 and bibliography of titles in the Archives and History Library on West Virginia in the Civil War.
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Check out our new YouTube and Facebook pages.
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View recent additions to the online Audio/Video clips.
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Back By Popular Demand! Check out our Pic of the Week.
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View recent donations to the West Virginia State Archives.
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Morgantown Student Represented West Virginia in National Poetry Competition Activities in Clarksburg, Morgantown also will promote poetry in schools
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An online magazine for nonprofits.
Blue Avocado
An online magazine for nonprofits. Subscribe for free at www.blueavocado.org
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Arts Section seeks Poetry Out Loud Coordinator
Arts Section seeks Poetry Out Loud Coordinator
Contract hours
- One day (8 hours) per week, through May, 2013. Additional hours expected with some travel, and during the week leading up to the state finals event.
Salary
- $13-$15 per hour, commensurate with experience.
Position overview
- Reporting to the Director of Arts, the Poetry Out Loud coordinator would be responsible for all clerical and programmatic duties of the Poetry Out Loud program (POL). The POL coordinator will collaborate with the Director of Arts and Arts in Education (AIE) coordinator to strategize marketing and outreach and make programmatic decisions. With support of the AIE coordinator, the POL coordinator will visit schools around the state to facilitate workshops for teachers and students for recruitment and curriculum building.
The POL coordinator will be responsible for:
- School recruitment
- Mailings (recruitment, registration, materials, and follow up)
- Hospitality and accommodations for artists, students, and teachers
- Contracting judges
- Purchasing bids and ordering branded materials and awards
- Program inquiries and all correspondence
The POL Coordinator will collaborate with the Director of Arts and AIE coordinator on:
- Budgeting
- Grant reporting
- Marketing and promotion strategies
- Guest artist booking and contracts
- Teacher and student workshops (some travel required)
- Production schedules and event planning
To apply email resume and cover letter to Director of Arts, Jeff.A.Pierson@wv.gov.
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The Sustainable Non Profit
The Sustainable Non Profit
8 Trends That Will Shape Fundraising
Derrick Feldmann, CEO, Achieve
http://foundationcenter.org/pnd/tsn/tsn.jhtml?id=391800007
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Give to WV
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A Cohort Study of Arts Participation and Academic Performance
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2012 West Virginia Marching Band Invitational Forms
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Every Leader is an Artist
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A Curtain Rises, Gently, on Autism-Friendly Shows on Broadway
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For Theater Patrons, the Whispers can be deafening
Copyright 2012, The Washington Post Co. All Rights Reserved
"Why are those people annoyed with me?" the older gentleman asked his wife in a loud stage whisper.
She wasn't sure, but I was sitting in front of them at the Lansburgh Theatre, and I confess I was one of several people shooting that poor couple dirty looks. They were fiddling with earphones issued by the Shakespeare Theatre Company for "Krapp's Last Tape," performed by British star John Hurt. The theater was full, the show a very quiet solo piece by Samuel Beckett.
It lasted a scant hour, and the couple spent nearly all that time trying to get the earphones to function. Several times the earphones actually squeaked at such a high pitch that other earphones around the theater squeaked in sympathy. It was such a tooth-achingly piercing sound that I fully expected stray dogs to wander in.
That couple had to have been longtime theater lovers. They weren't the kind of philistines who think it's okay to check e-mails, texts and tweets during a show. Nor were they paper rustlers.
And here I must briefly digress: Rustling noises, as when you unwrap hard candies during a show travel forward, driving the people sitting in front of you nuts. The same goes for people who like to roll their playbills into a tube, and then twist them around and tap them on their knees. On the other hand, the glowing light from smartphones drives the people next to and behind you nuts. Those devices pull audience members out of the play against their will.
But back to the earphones. What occurred that night at the Lansburgh was an extreme example of a common situation. I've been to matinees at one suburban theater where it was well into the first act before patrons using earphones got them to work. Ten to 20 minutes of loudly whispered, "Can you hear yours? Mine isn't working!"
So I have a modest proposal for theater managers: During that pre-show announcement, after you've exhorted people to turn off their cellphones and unwrap their candies, why not take another minute and say, "Now we're going to test the earphones for patrons using them tonight. Please turn them on now, and we will play a recording so that you can set your volume. Raise your hand if your earphones don't seem to work, and an usher will assist you and replace them if necessary. Remember to remove hearing aids and turn them off, so they don't interfere with the earphones. Thank you. The test will start now."
Newer technologies may soon make all this fuss unnecessary, but until then ... Can you hear me now?
Horwitz is a freelance writer.
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BAF Receives Benedum Arts-in-Education Grant
The Beckley Area Foundation has received a $50,000 grant from the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation. These funds are to be used for a specific arts-in-education initiative.
BAF will provide a special grant opportunity for science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) projects: teaching and learning that integrates the arts into one or more of the STEM disciplines (science, technology, engineering and math).
The Foundation has enlisted the assistance of the Arts Section of the West Virginia Division of Culture and History in administering this exciting opportunity. STEAM education is a cutting edge approach to teaching and learning that fosters innovation, creative problem solving, flexible thinking, and risk taking – necessary skills of leaders in our rapidly changing global economy.
On Wednesday, May 9th, 2:00 p.m., in the Conference Center at Tamarack, there will be an informational meeting for teachers, school and organization representatives, and other interested parties who would like to know about the application process. BAF plans to award at least ten $5,000 grants, or more if there are approved requests for less than $5,000.
“We are trying to reach area arts organizations, artists and teachers regarding this exciting opportunity,” commented Susan Landis, executive director of BAF, as well as chair of the WV Commission on the Arts. “We know that there are many creative people who can implement wonderful projects with these grants.”
Educators in the fields of math, science, technology and engineering as well as those involved in performance and visual arts are encouraged to attend the May 9th meeting. Collaborative applications will be welcomed. Creativity and innovation are expected.
Applicants for these grants must be schools or organizations holding a 501-c-3 determination letter from the Internal Revenue Service. Applications will be accepted from the BAF service area including Raleigh, Webster, Wyoming, McDowell and southern Fayette Counties.
BAF is branding this initiative as Full STEAM Ahead. Through this special opportunity, schools and organizations can create projects that intersect “A” (the arts) with STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) thus helping West Virginia be a leader in a new economy.
Contact the Beckley Area Foundation if you have questions about the informational meeting, 304-253-3806 or info@bafwv.org.
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Take a Seat
Getting tickets for the big game or concert shouldn't be a hassle for wheelchair users. New rules are helping to ease the pain.
So, there is a fabulous new stadium in town and the team looks good this year-—you’d best move fast to get good seats. Every year, a new sports season offers new opportunities for fun and (if things go right) a winning team. Are you going to be able to enjoy it?
Most new ballparks, arenas, and stadiums are being built according to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines and offer accessible seating throughout the facility. A few design and architecture firms specialize in large sport facilities and have learned along the way what works, mostly by including people with disabilities in the planning process. But even the most accessible facility doesn’t mean you’ll be able to enjoy the game or show.
Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) members and other wheelchair users have struggled for years to be able to buy accessible seats in theaters, stadiums, arenas, etc. They generally must call a different number and wait for a return call or e-mail, and only rarely is it possible to buy a ticket for an accessible seat online. (Ticketmaster for years didn’t sell accessible seats and changed its policy only when the Department of Justice [DOJ] investigated and settled with them.) When it comes to season tickets, playoff games, or concerts that sell out fast, the problem becomes even more complex.
Twenty years after ADA, when DOJ issued its revised final regulations in September 2010, one of the most critical revisions was in the area of ticket sales. DOJ stated its existing regulations required that all ticketing options available to the general public likewise are available to people with disabilities. While this may have been the requirement, many facilities were making up their own rules.
For instance, the University of Oklahoma (Norman) wouldn’t allow a season ticket holder who needed wheelchair-accessible seating to purchase a particular seat. He was required to purchase a regular-season ticket to be exchanged on game day for an accessible location. On the member’s behalf, PVA filed a formal complaint with the Department of Education, starting a lengthy investigation that continues more than six years later (OU recently reported to PVA it is working to resolve this problem).
DOJ’s regulations apply to Title II and Title III entities such as state, local, and private facilities. These range from neighborhood theaters to 100,000-seat football stadiums; from single-event tickets to season tickets; and from dignified operas to screaming mosh pits.
Ticket sales must now be available to patrons with disabilities during the same hours, at the same prices, under the same terms, and by the same methods the general public can buy. If a third party such as Ticketmaster is involved, it must follow the same rules as the venue itself. Even discount or half-price ticket sellers must sell tickets for accessible seats (if any exist at the time of sale).
Click the More Info button below to read the full story...
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CALL FOR ENTRIES - Pricketts Fort: Through Artists' Eyes 2012 Prospectus
PURPOSE
Pricketts Fort: Through Artists' Eyes invites entries for a juried art exhibit. This show and sale will benefit the foundation's education, programming and preservation efforts. Any artwork that reflects the period, culture, history, people, or landscape of Pricketts Fort and the West Virginia frontier is welcome. Works need not be representational, but should speak to the past, present or future of this place.
ELIGIBILITY
Open to artists of all ages and any two-dimensional media. Artwork must be original and professionally framed and ready for hanging. All works must be for sale and available for display throughout the entire exhibit period. Participating artists will receive 60% of the proceeds of any work sold; the remaining 40% will benefit the work of the Pricketts Fort Memorial Foundation.
AWARDS
A cash prize of $200 will be awarded for First Place, $100 for Second Place and $50 for Third Place.
JUROR
Stephen Cassle is an active artist, craftsman, and living historian. He is employed by the Tamarack Foundation as Professional Development Coordinator.
For complete prospectus and entry form see:
http://www.prickettsfort.org/Pricketts%20Fort%20Art%20Prospectus%202012.pdf
Prickett's Fort State Park is located 2 miles off I-79 at exit 139 in Fairmont, West Virginia.
Pricketts Fort Memorial Foundation www.prickettsfort.org (304) 363-3030
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All-In: Re-imagining Community Participation
Check out APAP's - All-in: Reimagining Community Participation which awards one-year grants of up to $25,000 to presenting organizations in support of promising new approaches to community engagement through the performing arts.
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Protecting Collections: Disaster Prevention, Planning & Response
March 27 & May 15, 2012
Huntington, WV
Hosted and co-sponsored by the Huntington Museum of Art
Visit: www.ccaha.org/education/program-calendar for more information.
Can call 215-545-0613 or email pso@ccha.org
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National K-12 Computer Safety Contest
The Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC) is conducting its annual, national K-12 Computer Safety Contest to encourage young people to use the Internet safely and securely. The Office of Information Security and Controls, from the West Virginia Office of Technology, is coordinating the State’s first year of participation in this event.
The contest is open to all public, private and home-schooled students in kindergarten through twelfth grade.
More information and entry forms may be found at: http://www.technology.wv.gov/security/Pages/Contest.aspx.
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The 2012 VSA International Young Soloists Call for Entries is now open!
Since 1984, the VSA International Young Soloists Program has been seeking identify talented young musicians who have a disability. The annual award provides an opportunity for up to four emerging musicians to each earn a $5,000 award, professional development opportunities, and a performance at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
For more information on the program and to apply, please visit www.kennedy-center.org/IYS.
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$2,000 to $20,000 grants available to help arts organizations, history museums improve, update facilities
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The Kennedy Center seeks nominations for The Kennedy Center/Stephen Sondheim Inspirational Teacher Awards
Series of Annual $10,000 Awards Named for Broadway Legend
(WASHINGTON, D.C.)—The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is seeking nominations for the 2012 Kennedy Center/Stephen Sondheim Inspirational Teacher Awards – a series of annual grants that recognize inspiring teachers across the United States. The awards were created last year, in honor of Stephen Sondheim’s 80th birthday and were initiated and funded through the generous support of Mr. Sondheim’s friends and education philanthropists Myrna and Freddie Gershon.
Broadway legend Stephen Sondheim frequently attributes his success to the teachers from all subjects in his life. The Kennedy Center/Stephen Sondheim Inspirational Teacher Awards are presented each year on Sondheim’s birthday – March 22 – to a handful of teachers, kindergarten through college, who are nominated via the Kennedy Center website (kennedy-center.org/sondheimteacherawards).
Last year, 11 teachers were recognized from around the nation for their outstanding influence on students. The recipients each received a $10,000 prize and their stories, as told by the nominating student, were featured on a web site dedicated to inspirational teachers.
In many people’s lives there is at least one teacher who inspired them, and helped them become who they are today. These inspirational people are not often recognized for the life changing role they have played. The Kennedy Center/Stephen Sondheim Inspirational Teacher Awards seek to spotlight those teachers and to recognize them publicly for their significant role in society. The Kennedy Center/Stephen Sondheim Inspirational Teacher homepage features leaders and celebrities, including Warren Buffett, Dr. Jill Biden, J. J. Abrams, Bill Bradley and many others describing their favorite teachers and the impact good teachers make on communities and schools.
?"Teachers define us,"? stated Stephen Sondheim "In our early years, when we are still being formed, they often see in us more than we see in ourselves, more even than our families see and, as a result, help us to evolve into what we ultimately become. Good teachers are touchstones to paths of achieving more than we might have otherwise accomplished, in directions we might not have gone."?
Winner of the Special Tony Award® for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre, Stephen Sondheim has received more Tonys® than any other composer. Mr. Sondheim wrote the music and lyrics for Saturday Night, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Anyone Can Whistle, Company, Follies, A Little Night Music, The Frogs, Pacific Overtures, Sweeney Todd, Merrily We Roll Along, Sunday in the Park With George (for which he received a Pulitzer Prize), Into the Woods, Assassins, Passion and Road Show, there are five musical revues based entirely on his work). Revues of his work include Sondheim on Sondheim, Side by Side by Sondheim, Marry Me a Little, You’re Gonna Love Tomorrow, and Putting It Together. For films and television, he composed the scores of Stavisky and Reds and wrote songs for Dick Tracy, for which he received an Academy Award, and Evening Primrose. He was also the recipient of The Kennedy Center Honors in 1993. Mr. Sondheim is on the Council of the Dramatists Guild, having served as its president from 1973 to 1981 .In 2010, A new Broadway Theater was named the after him .
To nominate a teacher for the award in any field , please visit kennedycenter.org/sondheimteacherawards. Nomination deadline is December 16, 2011.
Betty Siegel
Director of VSA and Accessibility
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
Washington, D.C. 20566
(202) 416-8727
access@kennedy-center.org
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Building the business of art
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AEI and West Liberty University
partner to create new center
Morgantown WV (June 2011) The Appalachian Education Initiative and West Liberty University are pleased to announce a new partnership which will result in the creation of an arts and education center on the West Liberty campus. The Center will be a collaboration between AEI and the Colleges of Education and Arts and Communication at the University. The Center will provide programs, resources and services for artists, educators, West Liberty students, and others and focus on the arts, education, and the integration of the disciplines. Funding for the Center and the partnership has been provided through a $166,000 grant to West Liberty University from the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation.
"We are pleased to have the opportunity to partner with West Liberty University," said AEI Executive Director Lou Karas. "This collaboration will not only provide both AEI and West Liberty University with access to new resources, it will also provide opportunities to expand programs and services to support the arts and arts education in West Virginia schools."
Dr. Keely Camden, Dean for the College of Education, and Dr. Bill Baronak, Dean for the College of Arts and Communication at West Liberty University, co-authors with Karas on the grant, are working to involve faculty, staff, students, and the community in this collaborative effort. "We are privileged to be working with Lou Karas and AEI and are most grateful to the Benedum Foundation for their support of this collaboration and center," said Dr. Keely Camden. Many of our faculty, staff, and students are already actively engaged in the planning process, and they are very excited for future projects, grants, and professional development," said Dr. Bill Baronak. The College of Arts and Communication houses programs in Art Education, Music Education, Theater, Digital Media Design, Graphic Design, Broadcasting, Communication Studies, Sports Broadcasting, and Documentary Films. The College of Arts and Communication partners closely with the College of Education on Music and Art Education certification programs. A new proposal for Theater Education with teacher certification is being written for state approval.
AEI will move its office from Morgantown to the West Liberty University campus this summer. The organization will continue its statewide work, including its relationships with the Kennedy Center Alliance for Arts Education Network and VSA, the international organization for the arts and disabilities from its new location.
Planning for the new Center is already underway and will continue through the summer and fall. For more information about the new partnership, contact Ms. Karas at lkaras@aeiarts.org or 304-225-010.
About AEI:
The Appalachian Education Initiative (AEI) is an arts education intermediary, serving as an information broker and partnership builder throughout West Virginia. The organization was founded by Jennifer Francis Alkire and her father, Michael Francis, in 2001 to promote the importance of quality arts in the public school curriculum and to provide support to teachers, artists, administrators, parents and others who are working to provide quality arts programs to West Virginia students.
AEI is the West Virginia affiliate of the Kennedy Center Alliance for Arts Education Network and a partner with VSA, the international organization for the arts and disabilities. For more information about AEI, go to www.aeiarts.org.
About West Liberty University:
West Liberty University, a public coeducational school and West Virginia's oldest institution of higher education, is situated on 290 hilltop acres in a rural West Virginia setting just an hour from Pittsburgh, PA. A satellite campus, located at The Highlands Shopping Complex, sits just off Interstate 70, minutes from the Pennsylvania and Ohio borders in West Virginia's northern panhandle.
Established in 1837, more than 2,700 students are enrolled. While elementary education and secondary educationare the most selected majors, WLU also provides a variety of other majors including digital media design, hospitality and tourism management, and dental hygiene. With the opening of the newly-built Media Arts Center, West Liberty students now have access to a television studio, recording studio, and digital media labs.
The University consists of five Colleges: Gary E. West College of Business, the College of Liberal Arts, the College of Arts and Communication, the College of Education, and the College of Science. WLU also offers a graduate program, Arts in Education. For more information about West Liberty University, go to www.westliberty.edu.
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National Endowment for the Arts Announces New Arts in Media Funding Category
The National Endowment for the Arts' new Arts in Media funding category is designed to help make the excellence and diversity of the arts widely available to the American public through the national distribution of innovative media projects about the arts and media projects that can be considered works of art.
The new Arts in Media guidelines replace the Arts on Radio and Television guidelines. All project types that were previously eligible under Arts on Radio and Television remain eligible. In addition, the expanded category now includes all available media platforms, including the Internet, interactive and mobile technologies, digital games, and arts content delivered via satellite, as well as radio and television.
Grants are available to support the development, production, and national distribution of innovative media projects about the arts (e.g., visual arts, music, dance, literature, design, theater, musical theater, opera, folk and traditional arts, and media arts including film, audio, animation, and digital art) and media projects that can be considered works of art.
Projects may include high profile multi-part or single television and radio programs (documentaries and dramatic narratives), media created for theatrical release, performance programs, artistic segments for use within an existing series, multi-part webisodes, installations, and interactive games. Short films, five minutes and under, will be considered in packages of three or more.
The new program guidelines feature an emphasis on innovation as well as strengthening creativity through access to the arts. In order to reach the widest possible audience, priority will be given to projects that include substantive public engagement strategies, including the use of social media.
The new program guidelines feature an emphasis on innovation as well as strengthening creativity through access to the arts. In order to reach the widest possible audience, priority will be given to projects that include substantive public engagement strategies, including the use of social media.
To be eligible, applicants must be U.S.-based nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, units of state or local government, or federally recognized tribal communities or tribes. Applications through a fiscal agent are not allowed; however, partnerships between artists and eligible nonprofit organizations are encouraged. Any application for a collaborative project representing a partnership between a media organization and an arts, education, or community organization should be submitted by the media organization.
Grants generally will range from $10,000 to $200,000, based on the platform and the complexity and scope of the project.
Visit the NEA Web site for complete program guidelines, a short video on the new program, and application instructions.
Link to Complete RFP
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Mockingbird Foundation Invites Applications for Children's Music Education Program Grants
The Mockingbird Foundation, an all-volunteer nonprofit organization created by fans of the rock band Phish, annually provides competitive grants to U.S. nonprofit organizations and public schools for children's music education programs.
The foundation is accepting inquiries for its fifteenth round of competitive grants.
The foundation is particularly interested in projects that encourage and foster creative expression in any musical form (including composition, instrumentation, vocalization, or improvisation), but also recognizes broader and more basic needs within conventional instruction. Mockingbird encourages applications associated with diverse or unusual musical styles, genres, forms, and philosophies.
The foundation is interested in programs targeting children 18 years of age or younger, but will consider projects that benefit college students, teachers, instructors, and adult students. Mockingbird is particularly (though not exclusively) interested in programs that benefit disenfranchised groups, including those with low skill levels, income, or education; with disabilities or terminal illnesses; and in foster homes, shelters, hospitals, prisons, or other remote or isolated situations.
Grants ranging between $100 and $5,000 will be awardedto nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, organizations with an eligible fiscal sponsor, and public schools. In its fourteenth round of funding, the foundation made six new grants totaling $26,300.
Visit the foundation's Web site for complete funding guidelines and grant inquiry procedures.
Link to Complete RFP
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The assistive technology project at New River
Click here to read the Press Release.
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New and Updated Accessibility Resources on the NEA's Website
Maximize your audience potential by ensuring that your facilities and programs are accessible to all!
The National Endowment for the Arts’ Office of Accessibility is pleased to announce a tip sheet and updated resources to help arts and cultural organizations with accessibility and compliance:
• A brand new tip sheet outlining the revised September 2010 regulations under the Americans with Disabilities Act that clarify and amend the requirements for ticketing, mobility devices, service animals, and new construction (attached).
• Updated resources, Web links, and contact information in our Design for Accessibility Handbook and Accessibility Planning and Resource Guide for Cultural Administrators.
These resources are located on the The Artists of The Renaissance Gallery
March 21, 2011
This is the propectus and invitation to be in our spring art show. this show is open to all adult artists. Awards are cash and merchandise. If you have any questions, please ask.
I am hoping this will go up as a notice for all the state's artists.
My home phone number is 304-757-3241. I am Sue Tschantz, the event coordinator for the Renaissance Gallery.
The Artists of The Renaissance Gallery
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Artist Factory Presents: Tool Box 1.0: Portfolio Development & Resume Fine Tuning
March 8, 2011
Performing Groups:
• Andy Park
• Charleston Stage Company
• Colleen Anderson
• Marshall University
Event Description:
Cost $10
Artist Factory presents Tool Box 1.0: Portfolio Development and Resume Fine Tuning.
Learn the basics of building a successful portfolio. Please bring materials for the portfolio and resume.
Instructors:
Music– Andy Park, President of Local 136, American Federation of Musicians, Kanawha County Teacher
Visual Art – Anthony Smith, MFA Academic Lab Manager, Instructor Marshall University
Theatre– Frieda Forsley, Creative Director of Charleston Stage Company
Literary– Colleen Anderson, Creative writer, Designer and Musician
Computers and wireless is available.
SPACE IS LIMITED. REGISTRATION REQUIRED MAIL@ARTSKV.ORG
More information at www.artskv.org
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AEI Begins Partnership with VSA
Morgantown WV (February 2011) The Appalachian Education Initiative is pleased to announce a new partnership with VSA, the international organization on arts and disability. This collaboration will provide AEI with greater access to resources, information and funding for including people with disabilities in the arts. Funding is made possible through the national office of VSA, and is supported in large part by the U.S. Department of Education. AEI will now begin the process of re-establishing VSA programs and services in West Virginia.
"We are pleased to have the opportunity to partner with VSA," said AEI Executive Director Lou Karas. "Their priority areas of Education Programs, Professional Development, Cultural Access and Inclusive Arts Services, and Public Awareness and Outreach are complementary to AEI's work to support the arts and arts education in West Virginia schools."
Over the coming year, AEI will form a VSA West Virginia Advisory Committee, conduct several needs assessments, and identify potential partners throughout the state. In addition, AEI will integrate VSA information and resources into its existing programs, resources and services.
For more information about AEI and VSA, contact Karas at lkaras@aeiarts.org or 304-225-0101.
Press Release
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FY2012 Arts in Education Applicants
The following changes have been made to the AIE application process:
• Since the WVCA encourages life-long learning for artists, student artists who have an artistic resume outside of their school work and who are not receiving academic credit should be eligible for funding.
• Requests for projects occurring outside of school should not require direct connection to CSOs as long as learning objectives are clear.
The application available online does not reflect these changes, but your panel will be advised accordingly.
If you have any questions about these changes, contact the AIE Coordinator, Cicely Bosley at cicely.j.bosley@wv.gov or 304-558-0240
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Poetry, Painting to earn an MD
The course list for medical students can be brutal, including old standbys like gross anatomy, cell biology and organic chemistry. Now, aspiring doctors can add to that poetry and painting.
Medical schools are placing a growing emphasis on the humanities, including courses in writing, art and literature. The programs aim to teach students "right-brain" insights and skills they won't learn dissecting cadavers or studying pathology slides. Schools hope the programs help to turn out a new generation of physicians better able to listen attentively to patients, show emotion and provide sensitive personal care.
At Brown University's medical school, a reflective-writing program assesses students' ability to express feelings about experiences such as witnessing their first death or dealing with a difficult patient. A humanities track at the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine requires students to submit creative works or review submissions to a new literary journal, "The Examined Life." New York University School of Medicine launched a division of medical humanities last month offering a wide range of arts programs to foster appreciation for the human aspects of medicine. It showcases student works in "Agora," an arts journal.
For more Information Click Here.
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State gets start on 2012 wildlife calendar
January 20, 2011
SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- It may seem a bit early, but the state Division of Natural Resources is starting on its 2012 wildlife calendar.
The agency's Wildlife Resources Section says the deadline for submissions for 2012 is Feb. 15. The agency wants a high resolution electronic image or a 35-mm color slide of each entry. Artists are allowed to submit more than one entry.
The idea is to depict popular game and fish species or the state's diverse array of wildlife. Paintings of snakes, frogs, turtles, salamanders, bats, songbirds, small mammals as well as non-game fish are also encouraged.
The state pays a $100 prize for monthly paintings and $500 for the cover.
By The Associated Press
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The Accessible Recreation Guide for West Virginia including Arts and Cultural Organizations.
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Statewide “Poetry Out Loud” competition announced
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West Virginia Division of Culture and History awards 15 Cultural Facilities and Capital Resources grants
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New program to recognize student artists
Appalachian Education Initiative, Chesapeake Energy partner on project
Morgantown WV (October 13, 2010) The Appalachian Education Initiative (www.aeiarts.org) and Chesapeake Energy (www.chk.com) are teaming up to recognize West Virginia public high school juniors and seniors who excel in school arts programs and demonstrate leadership and excellence in other education and community activities. The new Student Artist of the Month program begins this month and continues through the school year.
“One of our primary goals at AEI is to increase awareness of the importance and value that arts education brings to our public school students,” said Lou Karas, AEI executive director. “We are pleased that Chesapeake Energy chose to partner with us and help us emphasize that arts programs are a necessary component of public education for all students. Children who participate in the arts learn creativity and self confidence that will enhance their lives no matter what career path they choose.”
“It is appropriate that we introduce our program this month because October is National Arts and Humanities Month,” said Jack Thompson, public relations coordinator for Chesapeake Energy. “While our business deals with exacting calculations and science, we know very well that employees who are creative and skilled in the critical thinking processes that they learn through the arts are some of our very best.”
Each month AEI and Chesapeake Energy will select one student from those who are nominated. That student will be featured on the AEI web site along with photos and an interview. All of the students will be recognized in the spring at a special awards luncheon, hosted by Chesapeake Energy.
To be nominated for the recognition, a student must meet five criteria, according to Karas. A student must:
• Be a junior or senior attending a West Virginia public school
• Participate on an ongoing basis in a visual or performing arts program and have mastered that art or progressed in the field as a result of school-related activities
• Be in good academic standing
• Participate in other extracurricular activities or community activities that do not have to be arts related
• Demonstrate leadership skills
Students may be nominated by school personnel and community members by completing the nomination form on the AEI web site, www.aeiarts.org or via www.surveymonkey.com/s/student-artist. Print copies of the nomination form are available by contacting Karas via Email or calling 304-225-0101.
Lou Karas
Executive Director
Appalachian Education Initiative
111 High Street
Morgantown, WV 26505
304/225-0101
Email
www.aeiarts.org
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National Endowment for the Arts Announces Beth Bienvenu as the
New Director of the Office of Accessibility
Washington, D.C. - The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) announced today that Beth Bienvenu will join the NEA as the new director of the Office of Accessibility. Dr. Bienvenu will manage the NEA’s technical assistance and advocacy work devoted to making the arts accessible for people with disabilities, older adults including veterans, and people living in institutions. This includes initiatives related to universal design, arts and aging, arts in healthcare, and careers in the arts for people with disabilities. She will begin her work today.
Prior to coming to the NEA, Ms. Bienvenu worked for five years as a policy advisor with the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), Office of Disability Employment Policy. In that capacity, she analyzed federal laws and regulations, as well as public and private sector policies and practices related to all elements of employment for persons with disabilities. She created and delivered training sessions on recruiting, hiring, accommodating, and retaining individuals with disabilities and developed partnerships with other federal agencies, nonprofit organizations, and business on behalf on those constituents.
In addition, since August 2005, Ms. Bienvenu was an adjunct professor at George Mason University teaching arts policy in the Master of Arts Management program.
“I am delighted to welcome Dr. Bienvenu to the NEA,” said Chairman Rocco Landesman. “Her achievements and commitment on behalf of people with disabilities are significant and the relationships she has developed with other federal agencies and organizations will be particularly important as we forge ahead with this work.”
Ms. Bienvenu said, “I look forward to working with the NEA staff and constituents in the field to ensure that everyone can participate in arts programs as audience members, participants, artists, or performers. I am honored to continue the Accessibility Office’s excellent work in helping arts organizations become fully accessible, bringing the arts to underrepresented groups, and ensuring that these groups are served by NEA programs.”
From 2000-2005, Ms. Bienvenu was a senior associate with TATC Consulting, a Washington DC-based firm providing management consulting services. One of her projects with TATC was to work with the Institute for Museum and Library Services, DOL, and the NEA on youth employment programs with arts organizations and libraries. Also, she has been a consultant with the Center for Nonprofit Management in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and program coordinator with the University of Oklahoma’s Advanced Programs, Europe.
Ms. Bienvenu has a B.A. in Sociology and Music from Alma College in Alma, Michigan; M.A. in Sociology from Indiana University; M.A. in Arts Administration from Indiana University; and a Ph.D. in organizational leadership from the University of Oklahoma, Norman.
Ms. Bienvenu replaces Paula Terry who has served at the NEA since 1979 on behalf of populations often isolated from full participation in the arts. Ms. Terry has established leadership initiatives in Creativity and Aging, Universal Design, Careers in the Arts for Individuals with Disabilities, Arts in Healthcare, and Arts in Corrections. Under her leadership the Accessibility Office has helped form a nationwide network of accessibility coordinators in state and regional arts agencies and has produced a variety of reports and technical assistance materials for the field. In recognition of her accomplishments, the NEA has garnered national honors including the 1998 Universal Design Award, a 2002 award from the National Business & Disability Council. In 2006, the NEA was recognized for excellence in accessibility leadership by the Christopher Reeve Foundation and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
For more information on the NEA’s accessibility programs and publications, please visit arts.gov
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Professional Development for Teachers
The Kennedy Center offers professional development resources for teachers. Available on DVD or VHS: Living Pictures: A Theatrical Technique for Learning Across the Curriculum, which explores how tableau can be integrated with history, literature, or visual art; and Words Alive: Building Vocabulary and Stimulating Writing, which demonstrates multi-sensory activities to help students improve both their vocabularies and their writing skills.
Visit: www.kennedy-center.org/education/pdot/livingpictures
and
www.kennedy-center.org/education/ceta/wordsalive.html
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NEA Chairman Rocco Landesman Announces
$300,000 for 20 Literature Translation Fellowships
September 8, 2010
Since 1981, the NEA has awarded 323 Fellowships for works in 61 languages from 71 countries.
Washington, DC — NEA Chairman Rocco Landesman today announced $300,000 in 20 literary fellowships to support the translation of works into English. Available to previously published literary translators for specific projects, many of these fellowships will result in the first English translation of outstanding works of international literature. This year’s projects vary from the ancient to the contemporary, involving works in 13 different languages from 17 countries ranging from novels and poetry to memoirs and myths:
Esther Allen (Spanish) for Zama, a 1956 novel by Argentine writer Antonio Di Benedetto
Robert Bononno (French) for The Mysteries of Paris by novelist Eugène Sue
Sean Cotter (Romanian) for Belgrade in Five Friends and Other Poems by Nichita Stanescu
Bill Coyle (Swedish) for a collection of contemporary poetry by Håkan Sandell
Anne O. Fisher (Russian) for The Joyous Science: The Selected Poetry of Maxim Amelin
Dick Gerdes (Spanish) for the Mexican novel Península, Península by Hernán Lara Zavala,br>
Jason Grunebaum (Hindi) for Manzoor Ahtesham’s novel The Tale of the Missing Man
Joshua Halberstam (Yiddish) for Chassidim Re-tell, a collection of Chassidic tales by Rabbi Tovia Halberstam
Yasmeen S. Hanoosh (Arabic) for Closing His Eyes, a collection of short stories by Iraqi writer and critic Luay Hamza Abbas
Deborah Hoffman (Russian) for Eufrosinia Kersnovskaia’s memoir How Much Is a Person Worth?
Edward Gauvin (French) for Fear of the First Line, selected stories from Belgian writer Bernard Quiriny
Tsipi Keller (Hebrew) for Reality Crumbs, a collection of Raquel Chalfi’s poetry
Myung-Hee Kim (Korean) for Steel and Flesh: Korean Stories 1945-48, an anthology of prose from North and South Korea
Elizabeth Novickas (Lithuanian) for Petras Cvirka’s 1934 novel Frank Kruk
Aaron Poochigian (Ancient Greek) for the epic 6,000-line poem “Argonautika” by Apollonius of Rhodes
Jessica Powell (Spanish) for Woman in Battle Dress, a historical novel by Cuban writer Antonio Benítez Rojo
John Galbraith Simmons (French) for Marquis de Sade’s novel Aline and Valcour
Clare Sullivan (Spanish/Zapotec) for Black Olive Tree and Other Zapotec Poems by Mexican poet Natalia Toledo
John Taylor (French) for Paper Collage, a collection of essays by Georges Perros
Kelly Washbourne (Spanish) for Legends of Guatemala, a collection of eight tales and myths by Nobel Laureate Miguel Ángel Asturias
Complete descriptions of each funded project are available at arts.gov.
“Translation brings works of literature to new audiences, and translation is, itself, an art,” said NEA Chairman Landesman. “These 20 projects will bring new words and the worlds they describe to American audiences. We are proud of the NEA’s 30-year history of investing in literary translation.”
Former NEA Translation Fellow (2009) Charlotte Mandell said, “My translation of Mathias Énard’s French novel Zone would never have been possible without the grant I received from the NEA, since that was my sole source of income when I was working on Zone. Imagine our literary canon without Proust or Flaubert or Balzac in English—how much poorer we would be culturally and intellectually. Without the NEA, many of the books that could become classics in the future—Roberto Bolaño’s 2666 comes to mind—would not be published at all in English.”
The recipients of the National Endowment for the Arts Literature Fellowships will receive either $12,500 or $25,000 depending on the scope and merit of their projects. (The amount of the awards is pending Congressional approval of the NEA’s fiscal year 2011 budget.)
The National Endowment for the Arts is a public agency dedicated to supporting excellence in the arts, both new and established, bringing the arts to all Americans, and providing leadership in arts education. Established by Congress in 1965 as an independent agency of the federal government, the Arts Endowment is the nation's largest annual national funder of the arts, bringing great art to all 50 states, including rural areas, inner cities, and military bases. For more information, please visit www.arts.gov.
Contact: Liz Stark, 202-682-5744, starke@arts.gov.
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Embracing Our Differences
July 13, 2010
Embracing Our Differences invites artists, photographers, professionals, amateurs, teachers and students to participate in its 8th annual visual art exhibit celebrating diversity. National and international submissions are encouraged. 45 artists will be selected for the exhibit. The Embracing Our Differences exhibit will be displayed throughout the months of April and May 2011 at Island Park along Sarasota’s beautiful bayfront. Since 2004, the exhibit has been viewed by more than 850,000 visitors. The exhibit will contain 39 billboard-sized (16 feet wide by 12 1/2 feet high) images of the selected artworks. In the judges’ discretion, an additional six “honorable mention” selections may be made.
Final selections will be chosen based on artistic excellence in reflection of the theme “Embracing Our Differences”. The art-work will also be evaluated on how effectively it will read outdoors when enlarged to billboard size – 16 feet wide by 12 1/2 feet high. Artists are encouraged to use bold saturated colors and strong lines. Final selections will be made by a 3-judge panel of professional artists, curators and art professionals. A total of $3,000.00 in awards will be presented.
Deadline for submission is January 10, 2011. There is no submission fee nor limit on the number of entries.
Submission forms and more information concerning past winning submissions are available at www.EmbracingOurDifferences.org or by emailing MichaelJShelton@comcast.net.
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The Ford Foudation is calling for proposals for “Space for Change” planning and pre-development grants
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Kennedy Center president gives advice to W.Va. arts groups
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West Virginia Division of Culture and History announces Poetry Out Loud contest winner
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State legislative leadership award winners announced at Governor’s Arts Awards
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Lynn Boggess receives Governor’s Arts Award for Lifetime Achievement,
Seven artists and arts organizations receive Governor’s Arts Awards for 2010
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West Virginia Division of Culture and History posts new Artist Roster on-line
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PHOTO, POETRY, ILLUSTRATIONS AND SHORT STORY CONTEST BY FERR-MAR PRODUCTIONS
For information: Stephanie Ferrell, FerrMar Productions, (304) 205-5327
PHOTO, POETRY, ILLUSTRATIONS AND SHORT STORY CONTEST BY FERR-MAR PRODUCTIONS
January 28, 2010 – Charleston, WV -- FerrMar Productions is publishing an anthology called Return to Rural America by Stephanie Rene Ferrell of Charleston, West Virginia. After having been born and raised in Appalachia, then spending nearly 16 years in New York City and other big city life, she returned to live in rural America. This visual story will highlight the culture, the people and the aesthetic qualities of rural America. FerrMar is holding a competition to anyone who has photographs, poetry, illustrations and short stories to enter, which could possibly result in being published in this anthology or subsequent ones. The cost to enter is $5.00 per entry. There is no limit to the amount of entries one person can submit. Checks or money orders should be made payable to: Steph F Enterprises, LLC, d/b/a FerrMar Productions, and mailed to: 343 Campbells Creek Drive, Charleston, WV 25306. For inquiries, e-mail WVStephF@aol.com.
Currently, Stephanie has 121 photos of her own in this collection; each photo has its own story. Poetry, recipes, illustrations, quotes, and other elements will be part of the anthology, but the focus will be the photography and respective short stories telling about that particular photography and the cultural history and beauty behind it.
Even in distressed towns and counties there are always some beauty or some wonderful cultural history or landmarks that deserve their own stories. Some of these places may never have been documented before. This Return to Rural America project began in 1995 and is not purely dedicated to Appalachia, because it has rural pictures and aspects from other areas, such as the Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah Valley, the Carolinas, Florida and other rural places. The initiative here is to dedicate this anthology to those rural communities and people so that they can gain the attention and appreciation that they so well deserve.
Typically in rural America there are financially distressed people who are amongst state and national poverty levels. But that does not mean that they aren’t rich in other ways and proud of their homeland. Their life is simple and they do not have the money for luxuries but they make do. They are crafty, hardworking and very important people that should be recognized. Most of these people refuse to allow the collapse of rural America because in the beginning of America, that was all that people had – the rural American tools that some of them still use today.
The following verse from the New Testament of the Holy Bible states: "The husbandman that laboreth must be the first partaker of the fruits." 1 Timothy 5:18. Rural American people are the “husbandry” of our nation. That’s the story this publication plans to tell.
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Peoples Bancorp Foundation Offers Community Grants in Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky
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President Obama announces opportunities for arts participation in 2009 through his United We Serve program
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Listening for a Change: Oral History and Appalachian Heritage
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West Virginia Division of Culture and History announces Poetry Out Loud contest winner for 2009
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News from the National Endowment for the Arts
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Help us help you!
The Arts Section is looking for feedback to help us be better responsive to the needs of our constituents. Please take a few moments to fill out the HELP US HELP YOU! survey. Candid responses are appreciated.
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William Davis honored with Governor's Arts Award for lifetime achievement
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Accessibility Mini-Grants from Ohio River Border Initiative
The Ohio River Border Initiative now has Accessibility Mini-Grants available at www.orbi.org. Applications will be accepted beginning April 1, 2008. Grants up to $1000 for counties that border Ohio.
For more information visit www.orbi.org or email Bill Howley at billhowley@hughes.net. Phone 304-655-8255.
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Arts section of Division of Culture and History offers new e-mail service
2/20/2007
The arts section of the West Virginia Division of Culture and History is offering a new e-mail service available through its office. The new service is designed to provide periodic e-mail messages with deadline dates for all its grants and regional information that may be of interest. In addition, the service will allow the arts section to send information and announcements about specific grants as well as resource advice to assist applicants.
Anyone interested in being placed on this arts database should send an e-mail message to artslist@wvculture.org, including name, mailing address, position/discipline, organization, grants of specific interest to you or your organization, grants you have applied for in the past, and any additional pertinent information indicating your interest in the arts. E-mail addresses will not be shared with any other database service, including spam, mass marketing campaigns or other organizations.
Specific questions about grants and applications should continue to be directed to the individual grant coordinators: Barbie Anderson, grants coordinator; Debbie Rainey Haught, community arts coordinator; Gregg McAllister, arts in education and mini grant coordinator; Rose McDonough, cultural facilities and accessibility coordinator; and Jeff Pierson, individual arts coordinator.
For more information or to reach the arts section, call (304) 558-0240.
The West Virginia Division of Culture and History, an agency of the West Virginia Department of Education and the Arts, brings together the state’s past, present and future through programs and services in the areas of archives and history, the arts, historic preservation and museums. Its administrative offices are located at the Cultural Center in the state capitol complex in Charleston, which also houses the state archives and state museum. The Cultural Center is West Virginia’s official showcase for the arts. The agency also operates a network of museums and historic sites across the state. For more information about the Division’s programs, visit www.wvculture.org. The Division of Culture and History is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
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We are always looking for professional teaching artists
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Literary map of WV featuring 138 authors and original art.
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Poets & Writers Magazine announces state and national prizes in writing
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Local Writers' Groups in West Virginia
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Arts and Crafts Industry contributes $54.5 million to West Virginia economy
ARTS & CRAFTS INDUSTRY CONTRIBUTES $54.5 MILLION ANNUALLY TO STATE ECONOMY
Results of Ground-breaking Study Demonstrate Significance of Industry
Charleston, W.Va. – The results of a recent study into the economic impact of the arts and crafts industry show that more than $54 million is contributed to the state economy each year through the sale of arts and crafts in West Virginia.
The study, sponsored by six state arts and crafts organizations and the Small Business Development Division of the West Virginia Development Office, is the first of its kind to measure the arts and crafts industry in West Virginia. (study highlights)
Modeled on the 2001 CODA Survey: The Impact of Crafts on the National Economy, the West Virginia study queried some 2,539 artists and craftspeople in the state about their overall sales, income, studio situations and needs. The findings will be used to demonstrate the significance of the industry as a means of earning a living for thousands of West Virignia residents and lend
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www.artsaction.org - Take action for a quality arts education.
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Statewide Historic Preservation Comprehensive Plan Meeting Schedule
Statewide Historic Preservation Comprehensive Plan Meeting Schedule:
MARCH
14 - CHARLESTON - Culture Center -5 pm
26 - HUNTINGTON - City Hall - 5:30 pm
APRIL
11 - WILLIAMSON - Mingo County Courthouse - 6 pm
15 - ELLENBORO (Ritchie County) - Ellenboro Fire Department - 6 pm
16 - MORGANTOWN - Metropolitan Theatre - 5:30 pm
MAY
24 - CHARLES TOWN - City Hall - 6 pm
2 - MOUNDSVILLE - Grave Creek Mound
Archaeological Complex - 6 pm
8 - ROMNEY - Bottling Works - 6 pm
13 - SUTTON - Sutton Community Building - 5:30 pm
16 - RONCEVERTE - Ronceverte City Hall - 6 pm
22 - FAYETTEVILLE - American Legion Post 149 - 6 pm
30 - ELKINS - Randolph County Community Arts Center - 6 pm
Click here to view a PDF of the flyer.
The activity that is the subject of this survey has been financed with Federal funds from the National Park Service, Department of the Interior. The program re- ceives Federal funds from the National Park Service. Regulations of the U.S. Department of the Interior strictly prohibit unlawful discrimination in departmental Federally Assisted Programs on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, or handicap. Any person who believes he or she has been discriminated against in any program, activity, or facility operated by a recipient of federal assistance should write to: Office of Equal Opportunity, National Park Service, 1849 C Street NW, Washington, DC 20240.
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West Virginia State Historic Preservation Office to Solicit Ideas for Preservation Efforts Through 2019
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West Virginia Division of Culture and History Invites Quilters to Make Handmade Squares for a West Virginia Statehood Sesquicentennial Quilt
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Memo to Consultants and Agencies
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Cemeteries and the West Virginia State Historic Preservation Office
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Guidelines for Phase I, II, and III Archaeological Investigations and Technical Report Preparation
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West Virginia's County Courthouses - photos and text from the 2003 calendar are online
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Nationally Recognized Civil War Author to Present Talk at West Virginia Independence Hall in Wheeling on May 23
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West Virginia Division of Culture and History Introduces New State Museum App
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Entries Solicited for Quilts and Wall Hangings 2013 Juried Exhibition
at the Culture Center
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West Virginia Division of Culture and History Invites Quilters to Make Handmade Squares for a West Virginia Statehood Sesquicentennial Quilt
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Guidelines for submitting a collection to the Archaeological Collections Facility
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Annual quilt and wall hanging exhibition on display at the Culture Center
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West Virginia Independence Hall to host Jan. 29 reception to celebrate restoration of courtroom walls and ceiling to original 1859 condition
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$2,000 to $20,000 grants available to help arts organizations, history museums improve, update facilities
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West Virginia Division of Culture and History presents West Virginia Wildlife exhibition
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West Virginia Independence Hall in Wheeling
to present sesquicentennial lecture “A Species of Legal Fiction: The Wheeling Conventions of 1861” June 4
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Robert C. Byrd Courthouse features Selections from West Virginia State Museum’s Art Collection on exhibit through June 24, 2011
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West Virginia State Museum to introduce monthly Sesquicentennial Mondays program on March 7
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Grave Creek Mound Archaeological Complex to host reception for
Ladies Fashion Doll exhibition by Pete Ballard
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Grave Creek Mound to host reception for exhibit
Women of Design: Embassies, Mansions and Stately Homes – Pat Bibbee and Vivien Woofter
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Grave Creek Mound to feature
prehistoric lifeway program for the public on July 4
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Culture Center to open new exhibit
“Celebrating West Virginia State Parks and Forests” on June 29
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Grave Creek Mound launches summer film series
June 24 with Red Salt and Reynolds
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West Virginia Independence Hall to host
statehood celebration June 20
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Museum in the Park at Chief Logan State Park
to present West Virginia Days June 19-20
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Culture Center to open motorcycle exhibit on June 13
featuring vintage bikes from 1907 to new state-of-the-art models
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Grave Creek Mound to break ground on Interpretive Garden
on June 6 to celebrate the growing season
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“Museum Monday” and “Second Saturday” activities
at the West Virginia State Museum on June 7 and June 12
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West Virginia Independence Hall to present
Wheeling Symphony Orchestra Stringed Quintet in free concert May 12
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“Second Saturday” at the West Virginia State Museum on May 8
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West Virginia Independence Hall to present
Underground Railroad programs on May 8
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Grave Creek Mound lecture series continues April 29 with talk about art and archaeology of the Adena people
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Exhibit opening Monday, March 29 at Culture Center and Capitol Building Uncovering the Past: Archeology from the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers Marmet Locks Project
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West Virginia Independence Hall to host History Alive! character on March 27
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Grave Creek Mound lecture series continues March 25
with talk about recently found stone cairns in West Virginia
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West Virginia Division of Culture and History
seeking entries for juried landscape art exhibition
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“Second Saturday” at the West Virginia State Museum on March 13
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Charles W. Morris, III named director of museums for West Virginia Division of Culture and History
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Whitewater Rafting exhibit opens at Culture Center
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West Virginia Independence Hall Museum to present an evening of Celtic music on March 5
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Grave Creek Mound lecture series continues Feb. 25
with talk about recent archaeological excavations near Wheeling
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Grave Creek Mound Archaeological Complex to present “Experimental Archaeology in Action” demonstrations
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Museum in the Park at Chief Logan State Park opens “Riding the Rails: Railroads Connecting West Virginia” exhibit
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West Virginia Division of Culture and History posts photographs of West Virginia State Museum construction and fabrication on its website
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Appalachian Regional Commission to make $200,000 grant to West Virginia State Museum at the Cultural Center
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Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation makes $40,000 grant to West Virginia State Museum at the Cultural Center
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Division announces plans for West Virginia Independence Hall exhibit of Civil War battle flags.
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