Stifel Center Hosts West Virginia Watercolor Society Exhibit

Wheeling, W.Va. (July 28, 2009) - -A prestigious traveling exhibition promoting the art of watercolor comes to Wheeling to kick off Oglebay Institute’s 2009-2010 changing art exhibition season.

The West Virginia Watercolor Society 25th Anniversary Exhibit opens with a free and festive public reception at 6:30 p.m. October 29 at the Stifel Fine Arts Center, 1330 National Road, Wheeling and is on display –free of charge- through December 12.

Showcasing some of the finest artwork from around the state, this competitive exhibit includes portraits, landscapes, cityscapes, still life and abstract paintings. It features more than 60 works from 32 artists and illustrates the fine detail and depth of color that can be rendered in the challenging and striking medium of watercolor.

“Watercolor is a uniquely challenging medium. Its unpredictability encourages intimacy and spontaneity and captures the artist’s fleeting thoughts on paper,” explained Oglebay Institute director of exhibitions Brad Johnson. “This show features some of West Virginia’s most experienced and accomplished watercolorists and illustrates innovative approaches to watercolor art.”

Founded in 1984 to promote high standards of the art of watercolor painting in West Virginia, assist aspiring watercolor artists and encourage the understanding of the broad scope of watercolor painting, the West Virginia Watercolor Society has nearly 150 members from around the state. The 25th Anniversary Traveling Exhibit will be on display in four West Virginia cities- Clarksburg, Parkersburg, Wheeling and Charleston.

United National Bank partnered with Oglebay Institute to present the 2009-2010 season of art exhibitions at the Stifel and is proud to take an active role in support of art in the Upper Ohio Valley. For a complete list of upcoming shows visit OIonline.com.

The West Virginia Watercolor Society 25th Anniversary Exhibit can be seen free of charge from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday –Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays through December 12. Many of the works on display can be purchased.

Located at 1330 National Road in Wheeling, Oglebay Institute’s Stifel Fine Arts Center is conveniently located just off exit 2B of 1-70. Also a teaching facility, the Stifel welcomes students of all ages to its ongoing classes in art, dance, fitness, music and more.

For more information call 304.242.7700 or visit on the web at www.oionline.com