WHEELING, W.Va. – November 19, 2025 – Wheeling Heritage has awarded four Partnership Grants totaling $3,510.00 to support community projects that highlight Wheeling’s culture, history, and creative spirit.
“This is the first cycle of our new fiscal year, and as always, we are thrilled to see the dedication and impact of projects happening throughout our community,” said Riley Carpenter, Director of Programming at Wheeling Heritage. “These grants reflect our commitment to supporting initiatives that celebrate Wheeling’s culture, engage residents, and strengthen our city’s rich arts and community life.”
2025 Partnership Grant Recipients
Wheeling Symphony Society, Inc.
The Wheeling Symphony will host their Festival of Ideas, presented in conjunction with the Jan. 17, 2026 Masterworks 3 concert. The festival will reflect on the impact of COVID-19 on the Wheeling community, musicians, and staff five years later, featuring a time of remembrance for those lost, discussions on community fears, and exploration of the symphony’s resilience during the pandemic.
City of Wheeling
Hosted by the City of Wheeling Parks and Recreation Department, the Wheeling Turkey Trot 5K and Fun Run is a family-friendly race held on Thanksgiving morning that brings together residents, visitors, and those returning home for the holidays. Designed for participants of all ages and abilities, the event encourages everyone to join, whether running competitively or enjoying a leisurely stroll with a cup of coffee in hand. The race promotes community pride, wellness, and connection, offering a fun, active way to kick off the holiday season while strengthening bonds among families, friends, and neighbors.
Jes Reger Davis – The Painter’s Nest
Jes Reger will be purchasing new supplies for her watercolor workshops and classes at Table 304 and The Painter’s Nest. The grant will be used to buy essential materials—including pencils, paintbrushes, paper, and paint—allowing participants to attend without needing to provide their own supplies. This funding ensures that her workshops remain accessible and affordable, fostering community engagement through the arts while supporting local small business programming.
Oglebay Institute
Oglebay Institute’s Ceramics Take Over Wheeling 2026, is a four-day, citywide celebration of ceramic arts from Feb. 26–March 1, 2026. The festival will feature nine galleries across Wheeling showcasing contemporary and traditional ceramic works through exhibitions, artist demonstrations, and hands-on workshops. Collaborating with galleries, venues, and universities throughout Wheeling—and with a virtual gallery for broader participation—the event draws artists and visitors nationwide, supports local businesses, and highlights Wheeling’s rich pottery history alongside its thriving contemporary art scene.
About the Partnership Grants
Wheeling Heritage’s Partnership Grants are open to individuals, community groups, local institutions, public entities, and private enterprises. The program provides support for projects that celebrate Wheeling’s history, arts, and community life.
