Submitted photos
The Arts Center in Elkins is currently displaying exhibitions by local artists Julie Weiford, Wilhelmina McWhorter and Keegan Campbell.
ELKINS — The Arts Center will host a reception on Saturday from 4 to 6 p.m. for artists Julie Weiford, Wilhelmina McWhorter and Keegan Campbell.
All three artists’ exhibitions will display through Sept. 28 at The Arts Center.
“Algothquian” is an exhibition created by artist Moll (Julie Weiford), and is a combination of indigenous and gothic aesthetic. Moll’s artwork is a triad of her native heritage, West Virginia upbringing, and herself as an individual. Using assorted media from felt, beads, to glitter, Moll conveys a broad range of themes and emotions all presented with a mischievous grin.
She is an indigenous artist from West Virginia, specializing in one of a kind works. She explores Appalachian and Algonquian culture through a gothic lense. She refers to her style as “Algothquian”, a mix of the words “Algonquian” and “goth.” Each one of her art works come with its own unique beaded frame that holds just as much meaning as the works they border.
“My Mom Says It’s Perfect” is a duo exhibition by Wilhelmina McWhorter and Keegan Campbell. Exploring their styles, expressing freely and finding joy in the silly and mundane world. It is both Campbell’s and McWhorter’s debut gallery. This exhibit finds them diving into public displays of artistry; however, all that matters is that their moms said it’s perfect.
Campbell is from Elkins, and has lived the last 13 years in Morgantown. He attended WVU for both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees, and currently works as an independent clinical social worker. He has always appreciated art, architecture, landscapes, and people’s efforts to create. He enjoys the creepy, dark, ugly and distorted sides of life, but also enjoys the simplicity of natural beauty, joy and rich earthy colors.
Wilhelmina (Willa) McWhorter was born and raised in Elkins. She studied acting and English lit and petry at WVU then later earned a Physical Theatre Certification from Dell’Arte School of Physical Theatre in Blue Lake, California. Her life has taken her down many paths, all over the United States, South America, and Europe, and her work has led her to many communities and experiences.
After the pandemic took away her job in Liverpool, she forged her way back to the mountains in search of her next adventure. It was through this metamorphosis that she discovered her own passions in painting. Much like her late father, William McWhorter, she found herself immersed in the work.
She finds joy in painting the world through an impressionistic, colored brush and draws inspiration from how shadow and light interact with one another to create the things we perceive. This gallery is a chance for her to display progress while she works through the posthumous art lessons of her late father. If anyone has contact with the afterlife, can you ask for an extension on next week’s homework?
The Arts Center is a welcoming and inclusive home where everyone is encouraged to create, explore, and discover the value of art through exceptional programming. The Center encourages arts opportunities for a lifetime of personal enlightenment. Committed to making art more accessible to everyone, it offers art programs for individuals of all ages and abilities. The Center wants to encourage conversation and connections, bring joy to your life, and exceed your expectations in all areas of art. Empower yourself through the arts!
The Art Center is presented with financial assistance from the West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History, and the National Endowment for the Arts, with approval from the WV Commission on the Arts.
