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Allied Artists of West Virginia is a statewide nonprofit organization of painters, sculptors, print makers, and creative craftspeople. The group’s purpose is to encourage artists to hold exhibits, to foster art in general, and to further interest in art. Active membership is open to professional and amateur artists who are residents of West Virginia. Acceptance into the group is through jurying of the prospective member’s work, which takes place twice a year. Former members who now reside outside of the state are members-at-large.

Charleston lawyer Arthur Dayton began the Charleston Art Association in 1930, and the group exhibited that year in the Charleston library. The next year, Dayton changed the name to Allied Artists of West Virginia. The group’s 1938 exhibit was its first to be juried. Today, Allied Artists of West Virginia has more than 200 members and holds juried exhibits every other year, in even-numbered years. In addition to the biennial exhibit held in different locations in the state, the organization also exhibits in the Frankenberger Gallery at the University of Charleston. Additionally, various businesses frequently offer space.

Last Revised on December 23, 2015

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e-WV: The West Virginia Encyclopedia "Allied Artists of West Virginia." e-WV: The West Virginia Encyclopedia. 23 December 2015. Web. 10 June 2023.