WHEELING, W.Va. – April 1, 2026 – Wheeling Heritage, in partnership with the Fort Henry Chapter, NSSAR, will host Wheeling Main Street to Mountains: A Wheeling Portrait, a community-driven plein air art experience and juried exhibition created in celebration of America 250 Wheeling.
On June 20, artists of all skill levels are invited to gather at designated locations throughout Wheeling to paint and capture the landscapes, architecture, people and character that define the city. Artwork created during the event, will be featured in a juried exhibition at the Artisan Center and remain on display through the summer.
The public is encouraged to come out and experience the artists in action. A map of painting locations will be available the morning of the event at the Wheeling Heritage Port, so visitors can explore where artists are working across the city.
“This experience gives people a personal and creative way to connect local identity with a national milestone,” said Scott Schenerlein, director of Wheeling Heritage. “As a heritage area, we’re focused on supporting working artists, encouraging community participation, and creating something that feels welcoming, visible, and rooted in Wheeling as part of the America 250 celebration.”
The initiative is led by Jay Frey, Mindi Yarbrough and Gregory Siegwart in collaboration with Wheeling Heritage and the Fort Henry Chapter, NSSAR, with funding support from Elizabeth Stifel Kline, Wheeling Heritage, and the Wheeling Arts and Culture Commission.
Plein Air Art Experience:
Artists may register now through June 5. The $25 registration fee includes a boxed lunch, and participants may choose from seven painting locations across the city. All plein air artwork will be eligible for awards and included in the juried exhibition. The event will be juried by Gregory Siegwart. The public is encouraged to attend and observe artists at work throughout the day.
Important Dates:
- April 1, Registration opens
- June 5, Registration deadline
- June 20, Plein air event
- June 20–23, Artwork delivery
Juried Exhibition Call for Artists:
The open call for the juried exhibition is also underway through June 5. The entry fee is $10, and artists may submit up to three works. Accepted mediums include painting, mixed media and sculpture. Submissions should reflect the spirit, identity and environment of Wheeling, including its landscapes, river views, architecture, people and history.
The exhibition will be juried by Robert Sako.
Exhibition Dates:
- April 1, Applications open
- June 5, Application deadline
- June 12, Acceptance notification
- June 22–26, Artwork delivery
- July 2, Opening reception
- July 2 – Aug. 31, Exhibition on view
Artists can apply at wheelingheritage.org/america-250.
For more information, contact Wheeling Heritage at info@wheelingheritage.org or call (304) 232-3087.
