HAMPSHIRE COUNTY ARTS COUNCIL
November at HCAC
Supporting, celebrating and connecting artists, artisans, musicians, writers and arts lovers throughout Hampshire County, West Virginia.
November brings opportunities to create, connect and celebrate the arts. Meet local authors, take a class, enjoy live music, explore exhibitions and discover handmade holiday gifts from our creative community.
November 14: Celebrate Our Local Writers!
HCAC Book Fair
Saturday, November 14, 2026
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Brannon Building, WVSDB Campus, Romney, WV
Free admission – Open to the public
Join us to meet local writers, enjoy readings and creative workshops, and celebrate Hampshire County’s libraries. Browse books for winter reading and holiday gifts, and bring gently used books to support the libraries’ fundraising sale.
Book Fair Readings & Workshops
Two studios in the Brannon Building will host presentations throughout the day. Times below are for Saturday, November 14.
Studio 201
- 11:15 am – Jane Ellen Freeman
Reading from her children’s and young adult books. - 12:00 pm – Daniel Dorsch
Workshop: Turning your personal history into poetry. - 12:45 pm – V Lynn Moore
Drawing workshop based on her book. - 1:30 pm – Jane Ellen Freeman
A second book reading.
Studio 206
- 10:45 am – John Berry
Poetry readings from his books. - 11:30 am – Stan Galloway & Nicole Yurcaba
Poetry readings. - 12:15 pm – Mary Kuykendall
Short stories from a writer whose family has deep roots in the area. - 1:00 pm – Elizabeth Podsiadlo
Fiction readings. - 1:45 pm – R. Randolph Underwood
Selections from his memoir and mystery writing. - 2:30 pm – Paul Vecchiet
Science fiction and thriller readings to close the afternoon.
More Writers & Book Art
Additional writers attending the fair include Linda Hill, Len McMaster, Dan Oates, TJ O’Connor, Mike Robinson, Rick Schneider, Kristen Tesdall, Robin Ayers and Bruce Waldron.
Deborah Stoll will also display the books she creates as art.
Bring Gently Used Books to Support Our Libraries
Visitors are invited to donate gently used books for a sale benefiting local libraries. Other fundraising opportunities are also being planned.
Join the fun at the Brannon Building on the West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind (WVSDB) Campus in Romney.
For more information, email info@HampshireArts.org or call 304-834-8369. Visit HampshireArts.org for updates.
November Classes & Workshops
November 10: Bits and Pieces of the Landscape
Watercolor with Kristen Colebank
Tuesday, November 10, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Studio 203, Brannon Building, WVSDB Campus
Fee: $40
Learn to simplify landscape painting by exploring skies, trees, grasses, stone and other elements one piece at a time. Please bring lunch.
November 18: Drawing with Chris Madden
Wednesday, November 18, 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Studio 203, Brannon Building, WVSDB Campus
Fee: $35
Beginners through advanced artists are invited to explore still-life composition, light, shadow and optional figure drawing with mannequins. Bring charcoal, graphite pencils, drawing paper, a kneadable eraser and a drawing board.
November 27 & 28: Paint a Winter Gift Box
With Nancy Judd
Friday, November 27, 5:00 – 7:00 pm
OR Saturday, November 28, 1:00 – 3:00 pm
Studio 203, Brannon Building, WVSDB Campus
Fee: $25
Paint a winter scene on a small metal box to keep or give as a handmade holiday gift.
For registration or information, email
classes@HampshireArts.org
or call 304-834-8369.
November 29: Tiny Studio Concert
LIVE MUSIC AT HCAC
The Tuesday Night Trio
Sunday, November 29, 2026 – 3:00 pm
Studio 206, Brannon Building, WVSDB Campus, Romney
Free admission
Elizabeth Podsiadlo presents Andy Agnew, Noah Cline and Ed Myers, performing a lively mix of old-time music and folk rock featuring vocals, guitar, mandolin and clawhammer banjo.
Donations for the performing artists are welcome, and a free reception follows.
To reserve a seat, call or text Elizabeth at
858-547-8620
or email info@HampshireArts.org.
Art in Public Places
The Painting Ladies at FNB Bank
Enjoy a colorful exhibition of mixed-media paintings by The Painting Ladies, a group of artists who gather weekly to paint together in Capon Bridge.
On display during November
FNB Bank, 105 N. High Street, Romney
Many works are available for purchase. Contact Mary O’Malley at
304-856-2042
for purchasing information.
Shop Local Art This Holiday Season
Discover unique gifts, support local makers and celebrate Hampshire County’s creative community. Visit upcoming markets for handmade crafts, fiber arts, original artwork and one-of-a-kind holiday gifts.
Looking Ahead: 2027 Spring Fine Arts Show
Artists, start creating now! The Spring Fine Arts Show returns to the Hampshire County Public Library in Romney.
- March 6: Artist load-in
- March 8-26: Exhibition
- March 13: Reception
- March 27: Artwork pickup
Additional entry requirements and submission details will be announced as they become available.
Member Spotlight: Jelise Ballon’s First Solo Exhibition
We’re delighted to celebrate HCAC member
Jelise Ballon of
That’s the Point Fiber Arts,
whose remarkable hand-embroidered artwork
will be featured in her first solo exhibition
at the MAC Ice House in Berkeley Springs.
Using needle and thread, Jelise creates richly
detailed works that transform traditional
embroidery into expressive fine art.
We’re proud to see one of our local fiber artists
recognized with this exciting exhibition!
Opening Reception:
Saturday, November 21, 2026 at 6:30 p.m.
Location:
MAC Ice House, Berkeley Springs, WV
Holiday Cards Supporting a Hampshire County Artist Archive
This series of three holiday cards has been created
to raise funds for a new
Hampshire County Artist Archive,
specifically to pay a video editor.
The archive will feature videos of local Hampshire
County artists, their works, and what inspires them.
Supported by the Hampshire County Arts Council,
the archive will be available to view through
the HCAC website.
The project was conceived by
Elizabeth Podsiadlo.
Artwork was created by Nancy Judd.
Local poet Georgetta Hughes
wrote the Halloween and Christmas poems,
while the Thanksgiving card features a poem
by James Whitcomb Riley.
The holiday cards can be purchased at
the Artists’ Co-op in Romney.
More Arts Around Hampshire County
The Hampshire County Arts Council is part of a vibrant creative community. Explore activities, classes, music, handmade goods and events with these local organizations.
- Hampshire County Co-op & Heritage Marketplace: Local art, artisan goods, classes and jam sessions. Visit Facebook Group
- The River House: Concerts, workshops, clubs and creative gatherings in Capon Bridge. Visit The River House
- The Cat and the Fiddle: Old Time Jams, music, dances and classes. Visit Website
Stay Connected with HCAC
Become a member, volunteer, attend a class, visit an exhibition or share your creativity. Your involvement helps keep the arts thriving in Hampshire County.
HCAC Board meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month at 4:30 pm in Studio 203 of the Brannon Building.