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.

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Thomas “Tom” Jesse Riley

Thomas “Tom” Jesse Riley, 71, of Buckhannon, WV, a longtime trucker and owner of Riley Trucking and Repair, died December 19, 2025, and is survived by his wife Mary Ann, five children, grandchildren and siblings.

Michele Lynn Mellon

Michele Lynn Mellon, 78, of Buckhannon, West Virginia, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and Hallmark employee who loved faith, family and handwritten cards, died peacefully at home after an injury and subsequent stroke.

Leadership Upshur selects Appalachian Impact’s new interactive children’s museum on Main Street for its volunteer service project

Leadership Upshur is dedicating its volunteer service project to Appalachian Impact, helping prepare the group’s new Main Street children’s museum. The team plans to provide hands-on labor, raise funds for supplies and recruit business sponsors for interactive exhibits.

A small light can overcome great darkness: Buckhannon marks Hanukkah with menorah lighting ceremony

More than 100 people gathered Wednesday evening for a Hanukkah menorah lighting ceremony, with Mayor Robbie Skinner and organizer Daya Wright highlighting faith and perseverance. The night ended with the menorah lit in Jawbone Park, plus donuts, hot cider and dreidels.

Flame Detailing opens in Buckhannon just in time for winter salt season

Flame Detailing is officially open in Buckhannon, with owners Shane Jenkins and Blake Rasnake celebrating with a ribbon cutting Friday. The shop offers everything from quick hand washes to full details with ceramic coating to help protect vehicles this winter.

Shannon Danielle Marteney McDaniels

Shannon Danielle Marteney McDaniels, 55, of Buckhannon, died December 17, 2025, and is survived by her husband Brian McDaniels, mother Linda Rohr Marteney, three children, a granddaughter, close friend Maranda Marin, and her dogs, with a celebration of life set for December 27.

Robert Day Allman

Robert Day Allman, 99, a WWII Navy veteran, longtime postal service leader and Buckhannon community member, died December 17, 2025, and is survived by his wife Samueline, children, grandchildren and extended family.

Key to Adam debuts new original West Virginia Christmas song ‘Snowflakes Are Falling’

Buckhannon-based instrumental duo Key to Adam has released a new Christmas song titled ‘Snowflakes Are Falling,’ marking the first time they have added vocals to one of their original projects.

WVU Medicine names Forest Hannah vice president of finance for Central Region critical access hospitals

Forest Hannah will oversee financial strategy and operations for St. Joseph’s Hospital, Summersville Regional Medical Center and Braxton County Memorial Hospital.