This September will be a busy month at ARTWORKS around town. A spectacular exhibit by Rachel Goodman, knitted treasures presented by the “Ladies of the Knit” and the second annual Ohio Valley Plein Air Paint out all take place during this month at the Gallery. The two shows will open with a free reception on September 2nd. The First Friday Gallery Hop will feature light refreshments from 5:30 until 8 p.m. and all are welcome to attend.
Rachel Goodman is a native of Saskatoon, Canada, now living and painting at her studio in downtown Wheeling. She attended Harrington College of Design in Chicago where she studied Illustration and Communication Design. She works in a variety of mediums and styles. Goodman states “My artist voice and style have yet to be defined”. She considers herself a novice painter and finds much joy and fulfillment in her work.
A winner in last year’s Ohio Valley Plein Air Paint Out, Goodman’s paintings include landscapes, floral pieces and abstracts. For more information and examples of her paintings, see her website: Rachelgoodmanart.com.
“Ladies of the Knit” is a group of multi talented women who get together twice a week to share their love of needlework. Made up of about fourteen people currently, the knitters started out in 2008 with just a few members. Lenora Turbanic and Sue Agostinelli and friends gathered together in the back of a bookstore in Warwood with a mentor from their church leading them. They learned and grew, having several different locations until their current “home” at Wheeling Coffee and Spice.
They donate much of what they create to various charities and hospitals. The group includes knitters, crocheters and other needlework connoisseurs. Turbanic mentioned that anyone who has a desire to knit, learn and commune is welcome to join the group Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 to 12 in the morning. They will be selling their hand made works in the North Gallery for the month of September.
There is plenty of time to sign up for the second Ohio Valley Plein Air Paint Out. The five day event starts on September 28th and ends on October 2nd. Founder Eric Dye explains his goal is “to involve artists from beginners to professional plein air painters who enjoy a passion for painting outdoors using many of the scenic views, historic architecture, and small-town USA venues within 20 miles of Wheeling, WV.”
ARTWORKS is located in Wheeling’s Historic Centre Market. Serving the community for over twenty years, the Gallery is a nonprofit fine arts and education center. Hours are ten a.m until 5:30 p.m. six days a week from Monday through Saturday. New members are welcome and application forms are available at the Gallery or on line : artworksaroundtown.com .