All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

JPMorgan Chase presents donation to ART26201 in support of Charley Harper mural project

Kyle Wilson of Chase Bank (center) presents the donation to ART26201 members Allison Corbin, Virginia Hicks, Lisa Wharton, C.J. Rylands, and John Waltz, on left, and Tim Hibbs, Bobby Howsare, and Bryson VanNostrand on right.
Kyle Wilson of Chase Bank (center) presents the donation to ART26201 members Allison Corbin, Virginia Hicks, Lisa Wharton, C.J. Rylands, and John Waltz, on left, and Tim Hibbs, Bobby Howsare, and Bryson VanNostrand on right.

BUCKHANNON, W.Va. – JPMorgan Chase Bank made a $1,000 donation to ART26201 in support of the ART IN PUBLIC PLACES program, and the recently installed Charley Harper mural project in the Trader’s Alley Arts District.

“We are deeply grateful that JPMorgan Chase is supporting the arts in Buckhannon,” said Bryson VanNostrand, architect and president of the board of ART26201. “Their commitment assists us in our ongoing mission of expanding the arts throughout the City.”

Charley Harper, internationally known graphic artist, was born in Frenchton and attended Buckhannon-Upshur High School and West Virginia Wesleyan College. He lived in southern Upshur County until he was drafted to serve in World War II, and drew a great deal of inspiration from West Virginia’s native wildlife.  

His unique style of minimal realism literally shaped his depictions of wildlife, said his son, Brett Harper, at the recent unveiling of the four murals.

“JPMorgan Chase is passionate about supporting local communities and by partnering with organizations like ART26201, we can all work together to ensure Buckhannon continues to thrive,” said Kyle Wilson, Branch Manager for Chase in Buckhannon. “We’re proud to support this organization and look forward to watching local residents enjoy the arts in Buckhannon for years to come.”

Plans continue to develop for more art installations through the partnership of ART26201, the City of Buckhannon and many donors such as JPMorgan Chase. ART26201 is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization whose mission is to “celebrate and promote the creative and inspirational opportunities in the Buckhannon community.” 

For more information about ART26201, and for ways to support their projects, email info@ART26201.com or visit their website at www.ART26201.com.

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