News…

The West Virginia Division of Culture and History and the West Virginia Commission on the Arts (WVCA) will hold two arts-focused meetings in the Eastern Panhandle on Nov. 22 and 23. In addition, the Berkley Arts Council will host its first Art Walk in Martinsburg on both days. All programs are free and open to the public.

West Virginia Commission on the Arts to hold Annual Public Meeting Nov. 22

MARTINSBURG, W.Va. – On Friday, Nov. 22, the WVCA will hold its annual public comment meeting from 1 to 2:30 p.m. in County Chamber Room 205 of the Dunn Building, 400 W. Stephen St. in Martinsburg.

The WVCA serves as a citizen advisory board to the division and provides guidance in the establishment of a state arts plan. It also approves and distributes grants-in-aid and awards from federal and state funds.

“This meeting gives West Virginians an opportunity to address members of the commission and make recommendations for the arts programs that are administered by the Arts Section of the division,” said Renée Margocee, director of arts. “We are responsible for a number of programs, including grants, youth programs and arts activities that benefit from the input we receive from state residents.” 

Public comments are scheduled in 10-minute intervals on a first-come, first-served basis until all time slots are filled. Those who cannot attend the meeting are welcome to send written comments to the arts staff. Although registration is not required, Margocee advises people who want to speak to register in advance. People making comments at the meeting also should submit their comments in writing if they want them to become part of the public record.

To schedule a comment time, contact Debbie Haught, community arts coordinator, at (304) 558-0240. Written comments must be submitted by Nov. 15 to the West Virginia Division of Culture and History, Attn: Arts Section, The Culture Center, 1900 Kanawha Boulevard East, Charleston W.Va. 25305 or by email to Debbie.R.Haught@wv.gov.

West Virginia Commission on the Arts and Division of Culture and History to
Present Grant Workshop on Nov. 23

BERKELEY SPRINGS, W.Va. – From 10:30 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Nov. 23, the division and the WVCA will present a grant-writing workshop, hosted by the Morgan Arts Council, in the Paradox Room of the Ice House, at the corner of Independence and Mercer streets, in Berkeley Springs. The arts staff will present a grant-writing overview, discuss tips and timelines for successful grant writing, and provide  information on arts grants deadlines and application procedures.

Arts administrators, arts educators, arts volunteers, artists and arts patrons are invited to participate in the informal session.

For more information about the grant writing workshop, contact Debbie Haught, community arts coordinator, at (304) 558-0240.

Special Art Walk Scheduled in Martinsburg Nov. 22-23

MARTINSBURG, W.Va. – The public is invited to join the Berkeley Arts Council, which is hosting its first Art Walk, “Discover the Arts in Martinsburg,” 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 22, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 23.

“An art walk is a wonderful way for people to learn more about their community’s artistic side and to speak personally with the artists whose work they have seen and admired,” said Renée Margocee, director of arts for the division.

For more information about the Art Walk, contact Malinda Shaver of the Berkeley Arts Council at (304) 620-7277 or  email berkeleyartswv@gmail.com.

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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