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A recent conversation reminded me of how far our area has come in growing its artistic and cultural outreach in our communities.
At one point, in the not-too-distant past, our history preservation efforts to limited to the Hancock County Museum, some exhibits in local schools and private collections which seldom saw the light of day.
I can remember conversations with the late Victor Greco of the idea of establishing a new museum in Weirton. It was originally planned as a way to showcase the history of Weirton Steel, and then the community as a whole. Victor was among those who stored many of the donated items in his home back when the museum was still a dream.
The Weirton Area Museum and Cultural Center established its first home in a building at the corner of Main Street and Purdy Lane, sharing space with the Top of West Virginia Convention and Visitors Bureau. It had a comparitively small collection for public display then, but would eventually those involved would begin to show what they were capable of doing.
Led by Dennis Jones and a volunteer board, the museum would set off on its own, relocating to its current site farther north on Main Street, showcasing everything from displays to Weirton Steel's contributions to World War II, to pictures of the city's mayors, the athletic figures who have called Weirton home and more. An expansion to the upper floor of the building would follow, as would the installation of an elevator, and now their growth continues with plans to construct a new building across the street to house the old P&W Bus No. 99.
When the museum moved, it made room for the creation of the Summit Art Gallery. Since its establishment, the gallery has hosted rotating exhibits featuring works by area artists, from local high school students to those with well-established careers.
Last year, in the midst of COVID, the CVB and Summit Art Gallery moved to a larger space a few blocks down Main Street, right across from Ferguson Tire. There is more room for local artists and for exhibits to showcase the history and culture of several of our local communities.
The Top of WV Arts Council, which operates the Summit Art Gallery, is continuously working on ideas, with plans for classes and other programs to join its rotating exhibits. The group hosted a grand reopening of the gallery this past week, and a new exhibit, called "Made in the Mountains," is set to debut Aug. 31.
The museum, too, has begun to serve as host for the occasional art exhibit, including the annual Robert Haworth Memorial Art Show, as well as providing a stage for Ohio Valley Cloak and Dagger, which, in the last few years, has provided theatrical presentations in forms similar to old radio shows.
Public art also has made its way into our towns, with the mosaic designed by artist Elaine Klar located in Cove Commons in Weirton, and various sculptures by Ken Sinsel of New Cumberland located at points throughout Hancock County. There continue to be discussions of a few proposed murals in Weirton, with some local artists, museum officials and the City of Weirton all looking at opportunities.
There has been talk of designating an art or cultural district as part of efforts to revitalize Weirton's downtown. There would still be work needed, but I would say there already is a foothold in place for such a renaissance of our local culture.
Now would be a good time to begin fanning the flames of creativity.
(Howell, a resident of Colliers, is managing editor of The Weirton Daily Times, and can be contacted at chowell@weirtondailytimes.com or followed on Twitter @CHowellWDT)