Charleston Art Galleries

(Charleston, West Virginia - WV, USA)

The visual arts scene in Charleston revolves around its local galleries, the West Virginia State Museum and the Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences.

Located in the heart of downtown Charleston, the Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences is a huge cultural attraction dedicated to the world of visual arts and various aspects of science. The center itself first opened its doors in the summer of 2003 and comprises a number of distractions. These include the Avampato Discovery Museum and its planetarium, the Maier Foundation Performance Hall, the smaller Walker Theater and the Douglas V. Reynolds Intermezzo Cafe.

Held once a month between May and December (usually on the third Thursday), the Charleston Art Walk brings together the city's art galleries and related downtown businesses. Between the hours of 17:00 and 20:00, crowds of locals and visitors stroll around the venues, meeting artists and photographers, enjoying some tasty nibbles and generally socializing. As well as the Clay Center, other participating venues include the Art Emporium, Delfine's Jewelry, Gallery Eleven, the Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation, the House of Luxe, the Purple Moon, Taylor's Annex and Stray Dog Antiques.

Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences

Address: 1 Clay Square, Charleston, West Virginia (WV), 25301, USA
Tel: +1 304 561 3570
The permanent collection of art on display at the Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences is an extensive one, being displayed in a gallery slightly larger than 9,000 square feet / 840 square meters and incorporating everything from abstract canvasses and pop art, to more traditional landscape paintings and oil portraits of historical scenes. With high ceilings and a clever system of movable walls, it is also possible to accommodate some huge sculptures and works of art.
Open hours: Wednesday to Saturday - 10:00 to 17:00, Sunday - 12:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for children and seniors

The Art Store

Address: 1013 Bridge Road, Charleston, West Virginia (WV), 25314, USA
Tel: +1 304 345 1038
Lying on the southern side of Charleston and just across the Kanawha River, the Art Store stands on Bridge Street, roughly opposite Husson's Pizza Restaurant. The store was established in the early years of the 1970s and prides itself on being dedicated to showcasing genuine 20th-century contemporary art works, which are often created by artists from around West Virginia. On display are paintings, sculptures and ceramics, along with arty photographs and sketches. Everything on display is offered for sale, meaning that you may be able to purchase the perfect vacation souvenir. There is also a framing service, various functional handicraft gifts and the occasional workshop thrown in for good measure.
Open hours: Tuesday to Friday - 10:00 to 17:30, Saturday - 10:00 to 17:00, or by appointment
Admission: free

Purple Moon - Over the Moon Gallery

Address: 906 Quarrier Street, Charleston, West Virginia (WV), 25301, USA
Tel: +1 304 345 0123
The Over the Moon Gallery stands in the very heart of downtown Charleston, close to the South Side Bridge, where it serves as a popular commercial exhibition space. The gallery manages to attract some highly respected artists from throughout North America, as well as local artists who live or once lived in West Virginia's capital itself, such as Felix Krasyk, Hank Keeling and William D. Goebel. Vintage art from the 20th century adds another dimension to the pieces for sale and is often surprisingly affordable.
Open hours: Tuesday to Friday - 11:00 to 17:00, Saturday - 10:00 to 16:00, or by appointment
Admission: free

Gallery Eleven

Address: 1025 Quarrier Street, Charleston, West Virginia (WV), 25301, USA
Tel: +1 304 342 0083
Gallery Eleven resides within the city center, being close to the Purple Moon, St. John's Episcopal Church and the Sacred Heart Co-Cathedral. Many award-winning, established artists from the state of West Virginia regularly exhibit their creations here. Accompanying an assortment of paintings and some sculptures are a variety of handicraft goodies for sale, such as ceramics, jewelry, stained-glass items and textiles.
Open hours: Monday to Saturday - 11:00 to 17:00
Admission: free