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

New exhibit coming to WVWC’s Sleeth Gallery looks at labor from unique perspective

Photo courtesy WVWC

BUCKHANNON – West Virginia Wesleyan College’s Sleeth Gallery will host an exhibit by Matthew Fields Nov. 2-Dec. 2, 2023. A reception for the solo exhibition, entitled “Self-Awareness: An Introduction to Labor,” will be held Thursday, Nov. 2 from 4:30-6 p.m. with Fields giving an artist talk at 6 p.m. Sleeth Gallery is located in McCuskey Hall.

Fields, an assistant professor of art at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB), earned his Master of Fine Arts degree from the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts in 2021, and his Bachelor of Science in visual arts from UAPB in 2019. In 2020, between his time in Pine Bluff, he returned to his hometown of St. Louis where he worked as an interior and exterior painter while finishing up his graduate studies.

“The work created in conversation with my written thesis, ‘The Labor of the African American Experience,’ is a contemporary installation including both traditional approaches to art making as well as three-dimensional structures to frame the work in the context highlighted by the writing,” Fields said.

“During my time working as an interior/exterior painter, I came to realize the symbolism embedded in the practice of transforming a space,” Fields continued. “The largest being how the United States is founded on the recreation of a space that already existed, and consequentially how the formerly enslaved had to work for the space to evolve in this country.”

For more information about Fields and to view more of his work, visit his website unartistikcreations.myportfolio.com.

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Upshur County Relay for Life aims to raise $35,000 for cancer research on July 19

The Upshur County Relay for Life will host its annual event July 19 at Jawbone Park, aiming to raise $35,000 for cancer research while celebrating survivors and bringing the community together through activities and remembrance ceremonies.

WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital team members engage in statewide healthcare leadership program

Two WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital employees were honored by the West Virginia Hospital Association Leadership Academy, with Paula Cutright graduating and Matthew Scott selected for future participation in the statewide healthcare leadership program.

Post 7 drops outings to Doddridge and Morgantown

Buckhannon Post 7 suffered consecutive road defeats, falling 10-2 to Doddridge County and 11-0 to Morgantown Post 2, dropping their season record to 2-15.

Summer basketball league begins week two

The Upshur County Summer Basketball League entered its second week with standout performances from top scorers including Cory Harper, Dalton Hamrick, Cordell Nicola, and Vinny Snuffer leading their teams across multiple games.

Buckhannon City Council Special Meeting Agenda: July 15, 2025

The Buckhannon City Council has released the agenda for its special meeting scheduled for July 15, 2025.

BCT to light up the stage with Mamma Mia starting this weekend

Buckhannon Community Theatre will present the musical Mamma Mia! at the Colonial Arts Center starting July 12, featuring ABBA hits, lively performances, and a cast assembled from across the region.

St. Joseph’s Hospital supports healthy habits with mile-long midday walks

WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital has launched a noon walk initiative, inviting staff and community members to join daily one-mile walks to promote physical activity and improve health outcomes.

John Paul Ingram

John Paul Ingram, 83, a beloved Buckhannon resident, ordained minister, and avid outdoorsman who shared his faith and kindness with many, died July 6, 2025, surrounded by his family.

Wesleyan finishes seventh in MEC Commissioners Cup standings

West Virginia Wesleyan finished seventh in the 2024-25 Mountain East Conference Commissioner’s Cup standings, while the University of Charleston captured its eighth consecutive and tenth overall title for all-around athletic excellence.