A vibrant celebration of Appalachian creativity is now on display at the Stifel Fine Arts Center. New Appalachia 2026 is a juried exhibition that shines a spotlight on the remarkable talents of artists from across the Appalachian region, showcasing how traditional Appalachian crafts continue to evolve into bold, contemporary artistic expression.
The excitement continued at the opening reception on Thursday, September 17, when five artists were awarded first place in their divisions and one artist received the exhibition’s top honor: Best in Show.
The first-place winners in their respective categories are: Purple Passion Flower Vase by Chance Taylor of Johnson City, Tennessee, in Ceramics; Hampton Place, a quilt by Ruth Ann Lowery of Eighty-Four, Pennsylvania, in Fiber; Woodpeckers in Paradise, a stained-glass piece by Desirae Fisher of Triadelphia, West Virginia, in Glass; Dukes of Earl by Robert Villamagna of Wheeling, West Virginia, in Metals; and Perspective by Caroline Hanson of Marlinton, West Virginia, in Print.
Best in Show was also awarded to Robert Villamagna of Wheeling, West Virginia, for his outstanding metal piece. With more than 70 works on view, New Appalachia 2026 offers visitors an inspiring opportunity to experience the imagination, craftsmanship, and energy of today’s Appalachian artists. The exhibition is open to the public at the Stifel Fine Arts Center through October 31.
Visitors can make the celebration even bigger by exploring solo exhibitions from last year’s award-winning artists. Kelly White’s glass exhibition is on view at Oglebay Institute’s Glass Museum, where award-winning woodworker George Radeschi is also presenting his work.
Additional exhibitions can be found throughout the community: Sarah Bogdal’s printmaking works are on display at Artworks Around Town; award-winning ceramics artist Matthew Skelly currently has work on view at Oglebay Lodge; and Robert Villamagna’s metal work can be seen in the gallery at Towngate Theatre. Together, these exhibitions offer art lovers the perfect reason to get out, explore, and celebrate the creative spirit of the region.