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

Robert “Bob” Linville Chaney

Robert “Bob” Linville Chaney, 90, a retired oil and gas supply worker, Air Force veteran, devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather from Fairmont and formerly of Buckhannon, died December 9, 2025.

West Virginia Board of Education approves Rock Cave Elementary closure

The West Virginia Board of Education approved the closure of Rock Cave Elementary School on Wednesday, ending months of community efforts to save the southern Upshur County school. The closure was one of several school consolidations approved across the state.

WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital opens mental health program for older adults

WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital has partnered with Senior Life Solutions to help older adults experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety or other mental health challenges often associated with aging.

Basketball ‘Cats fall on the road to Pitt-Johnston, 113-84

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. — West Virginia Wesleyan put five players in double figures and shot a solid 41% from the field,…

Deputies: Teen driver left baby in Jeep that rolled into apartment during dispute

Deputies say an 18-year-old is charged with child neglect, DUI and underage consumption after leaving his 3-month-old in a Jeep that rolled into a Buckhannon apartment during a dispute, then running off.

Special Olympics of Upshur County competes at state bowling tournament

Twenty-two athletes from Special Olympics of Upshur County competed in the Special Olympics West Virginia state bowling tournament in Charleston, winning gold, silver and bronze medals.

Upshur Parish House and Chapel Hill UMC to host free Christmas Day dinner

The annual community meal will be served December 25 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., with carryout and home delivery available.

Upshur County Commission Agenda: December 11, 2025

The Upshur County Commission will hold a meeting December 11, 2025, with an agenda outlining items to be considered by commissioners.

Buckhannon City Council opts not to fill Thomas vacancy ahead of 2026 election

Buckhannon City Council will leave Dave Thomas’s vacant seat unfilled and let voters choose his successor in the May 12, 2026, municipal election. Candidates can file Jan. 12-31 to run for city recorder and two at-large council seats.