STIFEL ART EXHIBIT IS “EVERYONE’S”

WHEELING, W.Va (August 24, 2009)- -“Everyone’s Exhibit,” a favorite Ohio Valley art exhibition, is now open at Oglebay Institute’s Stifel Fine Arts Center, 1330 National Road, Wheeling. With 57 artists and 152 works, this show highlights the diverse talents of many area artists with mediums ranging from traditional painting, to mixed media, to 3D dioramas. There's something for everyone to enjoy.

One of the most popular exhibits held in the Ohio Valley, “Everyone’s Exhibit” will be on display through October 17 and is free and open to the public.

This diverse show is a great opportunity for new artists to begin showing their work and for the public to enjoy viewing the talent and creativity of artists in our local communities.

The public is asked to vote for best of show after touring the exhibition, and prizes are awarded to winning artists. Ballots are available at the Stifel Fine Arts Center, and each guest may make one selection and deposit it in the official ballot box at the exhibit. After the votes are tallied, Oglebay Institute Director of Exhibitions Brad Johnson will announce the winning artists.

“This may be the largest ‘Everyone’s Exhibit’ that we’ve ever had,” Johnson said. “It has been a couple of years since we have hosted this exhibit, and is was evident by the number of entries received that the artistic community welcomed its return.”

Art lovers will find that many of the works on display are for sale.

Don’t miss this opportunity to support artists in your community. Stop and tour “Everyone’s Exhibit” free of charge at the Stifel Fine Arts Center.

Displayed in the Hart Galleries of the Stifel, “Everyone’s Exhibit” opens the 2009-2010 exhibition season, which is proudly sponsored by United Bank of West Virginia and includes the following shows:

August 27 - October 17, 2009- Everyone's Exhibit, which highlights the talents of many Ohio Valley artists with works in a variety of media.

October 29 -December 12, 2009- The West Virginia Watercolor Society 25th Anniversary Exhibit, presented by the WVWS to encourage the advancement, study and understanding of watercolor painting while showcasing some of the finest artworks from around the state.

December 22, 2009 - January 30, 2010- 21st Annual Regional Student Art Exhibition, which is now in its 21st year and showcases students’ artistic achievements while providing a foundation for continued creativity.

February 11 - March 27, 2010- Crosscurrents 2010, a multi-media exhibition that offers top regional artists a chance to showcase their work. Jurors choose the works for the exhibit and award cash prizes to the winning artists.

April 8 - May 22, 2010- George Carey “Native American Portraits,” features nationally recognized artist George Carey’s masterful interpretations of Native American figures.

June 3 - August 7, 2010- Beautiful Minds, features a wide range of works by local artists Robert Sako, Doris Jones, Carol Randolph, Betsy Cox and Bianca Benson.

The art exhibition season is just one of the attractions of the Stifel Center, which also includes a historical mansion with formal gardens, art and dance studios and classes ongoing throughout the year. Events also include jazz concerts, wine tastings and holiday events.

The Stifel Center is opened to the public from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m Saturdays. Call 304.242.7700 for more information on “Everyone’s Exhibit” or on public classes offered in the arts.

Part of the Helen B. Gaither Exhibition Season, “Everyone’s Exhibit” was also made possible through the generous support of the members of the Institute as well as with financial assistance from the West Virginia Commission on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts. Programs, activities and services of Oglebay Institute are provided equally without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex or disability.