2010 BUCKWHEAT FESTIVAL September 30th – October 3rd

Last year over 50 artisans sold their wares at the Preston County Buckwheat Festival. What you might find- candies; honey; nuts; candles; woven, sewn, or quilted items; soaps; embossing tools; books; jewelry; pottery; baskets; floral arrangements; country crafts; wooden toys and bowls; pillows; and much, much more. Some craftsmen even demonstrate their skills and products!

This year the ACPC will again have a large group booth with work by several of our own juried artists.

Festival arts and crafts are located in the bottom of the Kingwood Volunteer Fire Department Community Building on Brown Avenue.

Hours of sale are:
Thursday: Noon to 9:00 PM
Friday and Saturday: 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

The WV Made Trade Organization will be holding a trade show event in Morgantown on September 10-11 at Lakeview Resort.
Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the finest of West Virginia made crafts and specialty food products.
ACPC artists Shelia Brown [baskets] and Chad Pitts [jewelry] will be participating.

Friday, September 10: Wholesale sales only, opening from 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, September 11: Open to the public (including wholesale buyers) from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Funds are provided through the Rural Business Services program at WV State University and funded by US Department of Agriculture.

The Rowlesburg Revitalization Committee has received a grant to outfit an Art Studio in the Szilagyi Center in Rowlesburg which will be developed with involvement by Arts Council members. The grant will fund preparation of the room and funds for purchase of pottery wheels, a kiln, and supplies to offer pottery classes. The room will also be used for other art classes. Funds will be available in December 2010, and we plan to offer classes in spring 2011. If you are interested in receiving information about classes, please email us at:  info[at]prestonartscouncil.org

Throwing demonstration by Rick Bisgyer

On Tuesday evening, July 20, an Open House was held at the Szilagyi Center in Rowlesburg. Arts Council members provided demonstrations to begin to promote the classes which might be offered when the Art Studio is open. Demonstrating were potter Rick Bisgyer, jeweler Gail Anderson, basket maker and felt artist Donna Lohr, painter Gabe DeWitt and JoAnn Peterson providing information about the Arts Council.

Donna Lohr making felt art.

ACPC receives award. Right to left: Gayle Manchin, Susan Bisgyer, Gail Anderson, Rick Bisgyer, Janet Szilagyi and Governor Joe Manchin

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Gov. Joe Manchin, First Lady Gayle Manchin and Main Street West Virginia honored volunteers from across the state on June 23rd during the 2010 Main Street West Virginia Innovation Awards Reception. The reception, held at the Governor’s Mansion, recognizes excellence in achievements in the 12 certified Main Street West Virginia communities. The Arts Council of Preston County was named Main Street Kingwood Business of the Year.

Donna Lohr showing off pin-wheels and JoAnn Peterson lending a hand with the bake sale.

On Friday evening, June 18, Price Street in Kingwood (part of Kingwood’s downtown historic district) was closed to vehicle traffic for a Street Fair sponsored by Main Street Kingwood. The ACPC Gallery on Price Street was open and Donna Lohr offered children the opportunity to do a pinwheel craft which was very well received as approximately 50 children made pinwheels. We also held a successful bake sale fundraiser.

ACPC booth with artists Shelia Brown, Dave Cerbone, Rob Riffe, Rick Bisgyer and Gail Anderson

The ACPC had a tent at the Festival of the Arts in Rowlesburg and also displayed information about the ACPC. This was the 3^rd Annual Festival of the Arts which previously focused on music, drama, and poetry. We were pleased to be there to include our visual art work. Arts Council member JoAnn Peterson also presented her History Alive! portrayal of Jenny Lind.

JoAnn Peterson presenting her History Alive! portrayal of Jenny Lind