Governor Patrick Morrisey recently signed a proclamation declaring Friday, March 21, 2025, as Arts Day in West Virginia during the annual Arts Day at the Legislature celebration. The event, held in the Capitol rotunda, is hosted by the West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History (WVDACH) and the State Arts Office and invites arts organizations from across the Mountain State to feature their organizations and raise awareness of the arts in West Virginia.

This year, 55 exhibitors filled the Upper Rotunda with paintings, sculptures, live music, and hands-on art-making activities. Representatives from each region of the state gathered together to celebrate Appalachian art and artisans.

Along with the Arts Day at the Legislature event, the State Arts Office also welcomed over 150 individual artists and arts organizations to Charleston on March 19-20 to participate in the annual Arts in Our Communities Conference hosted at the Culture Center, State Capitol Complex. The two-day event features speakers and breakout sessions on various topics related to networking, social media, grant availability, community projects and more. The conference is designed to highlight and uplift the individuals who make up the arts community across the state.

“It is wonderful to see so many creative people from across West Virginia, all connecting and learning from each other as part of both West Virginia Arts Day and the recent conference. We’re also grateful to the Governor for recognizing West Virginia Arts Day officially through the proclamation,” said Ennis Smith, Acting Cabinet Secretary for the West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture, and History.