By Sarah Richardson
The Greenbrier Artists are celebrating 50 years of art in the Greenbrier Valley with a special 50th anniversary art show this October, which will be held at the Greenbrier County CVB in downtown Lewisburg.
Founding member Jeanne Brenneman says that she started the group nearly unintentionally in 1974 when she began meeting with her friend Carol Mankins on Thursdays to practice art together in Rupert. Both Brenneman and Mankins had taken art classes before, but being transplants to the Rupert area thanks to their husband’s jobs, they met regularly to practice watercolor and other art styles with the help of how-to books. They took turns going to each other’s houses and before too long, artists from the Rainelle area heard about their Thursday meet-ups, and several more painters joined in.
After years of meetings and one art show, the group decided to officially call themselves the Greenbrier Artists in 1986. What started as friends meeting in living rooms has now evolved into a group of anywhere from 80 to 90 members and a dedicated space at the Kellar Art Studio at Carnegie Hall. And after 50 years, they still meet every Thursday morning.
“We are a hands-on, working art group, not a ‘society,’” explains Brenneman, stating that the group is still a gathering of friends both old and new, and that their meetings are a space to gain perspective on works of art in progress, try new techniques, and to get feedback during their Show and Tell portion of the meeting.
The Kellar Studio becomes a hub of activity on Thursdays as members start to arrive around 9 a.m. for the open art portion of the meeting. Artists gather around several tables in the studio with their supplies, setting up shop for an hour or two of work while the coffee is flowing and Nutmeg, Brenneman’s dog, makes the rounds to also say hello.
While a large chunk of members are Greenbrier County locals, some travel from nearly an hour away to attend, and others make a journey down from Pocahontas County. Brenneman says that the Greenbrier Artists title doesn’t limit to members just from Greenbrier County, but anyone who is interested in participating is welcome.
“Members practice all kinds of art here,” she said, “and we want to support everybody with their art journey. That can look different for everyone, but we are absolutely not competitive here. It should never be a competition.”
With art from all mediums lining the walls of the studio, it’s easy to see what a diverse collective of artists are members of the group. Oils, watercolors, pastels, acrylics, gouache, and more are used by artists in the group. Members have the opportunity to learn more about different art styles with mini-workshops that are held occasionally during meetings, or via discussions with other artists each week. With membership dues totaling $15 for the whole year, she says it’s a goal to make it affordable for all who want to be in the group. She says it’s not required to attend the meetings each Thursday, and while some members attend every week, others only attend on occasion, and all are welcome.
There will be a meet and greet to kickoff the 50th anniversary October art show at the Visitor’s Center on Friday, Oct. 4 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. The public is welcome to come out and meet some of the Greenbrier Artists members as they celebrate their anniversary. Brenneman also noted that the West Virginia Watercolors Society is holding a show that same day, starting at 5:30 p.m. and running until 7:30, in the Old Stone Room at Carnegie Hall.
