A group of 15 artists and artisans have come together under the name WV Fine Artisans Gallery to develop a retail space in Lewisburg. The co-op plans to open for business at the former site of the Old Hardware Gallery at 118 W. Washington Street, and to operate from June 1 through Dec. 15 of this year.
“We have so much talent here in the Greenbrier Valley,” says Jeanne Brenneman, chairman of the co-op. “It will be a boon for both visitors and locals to have access to some of the best work coming out of the area, and it will give us practicing artists a boost to have a main street venue to display our work.”
In addition to the paintings, sculpture, pottery, quilts, woodworking and jewelry offered for sale, the gallery will feature artists working on site as well as classes in all media open to the public. Members of the co-op will assist gallery manager Meredith Young in the daily operation of the venue. Hours of operation will be 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, with additional hours on First Fridays from 5-9 p.m.
Many of the artists and groups involved are well known in the area, having been active in promoting the arts for decades. Jeanne and Bruce Brenneman and Rose Dobbins were the catalysts for the venture, and are joined by Judith Bair, Ginger Danz, Jeff Davis, Stephanie Gasior-Danz, Pamela Gatens, Judie Lewis, Marie Lewis, Karen Lee McClung, Sandra Schmocker, Anne Tamea, John Telisko, Meredith Young and perhaps others. The WV Woodturners are members, as are the Alderson Quilters.
“Many thanks to Amber McHale, owner of the building, for working with us to make this space available,” Brenneman added. “We have a lot of work to do in the month ahead to get ready for a June 1 opening. Look for more information about our grand opening in the coming weeks.”
