Hampshire County Arts Council
Supporting, celebrating, and connecting the arts across Hampshire County, West Virginia.
Explore current classes, public art exhibits, studio activities, music, literary arts, and community arts opportunities.
Happy Independence Day!
Summer fun continues with art classes, festivals, and celebrations everywhere across the region!
While HCAC will not be hosting the Hampshire Highlands Art & Music Festival this season, there are wonderful regional events happening for America 250. Keep an eye on the Hampshire Review and local community pages for schedules!
Featured Class: Drawing the Still Life
Join instructor Chris Madden on Thursday, July 16 (5:00–8:00 PM) to explore light, shadow, composition, and core drawing mechanics. Open to all skill levels.
Watercolor Series: Let Your Skills Bloom
A comprehensive 5-part series taught by Kristen Colebank starting Tuesday, July 7. Focus on wash techniques, color mixing, and observational painting structures.
Current Highlights
Classes & Workshops
July offerings feature focused still-life drawing with Chris Madden and a multi-week technical watercolor series with Kristen Colebank.
Registration required; space is limited. Visit the classes section for materials lists, dynamic schedules, and scholarships.
Art in Public Places
HCAC’s ongoing AIPP program installs curated works by local fine artists directly into regional business storefronts.
Current Exhibit: Don’t miss Nick Korolev’s compelling mixed media paintings on display at FNB Bank from June 26 through August 7.
Studio Sessions
Work alongside other artists in a collaborative space! Regular informal painting and craft blocks occur on the second floor of Romney’s Brannon Building.
Sessions are often scheduled organically. To join our active email notice roster, reach out to Dale directly.
Music, Art, Dance & More Nearby
Hampshire County has a lively arts community, including music, classes, jams, book clubs, gallery spaces, and events at local venues.
Hampshire County Co-op
First Friday Jams, Ukulele Club, specialized art classes, and local artisan craft marketplace displays.
The River House
Active Writers Club, monthly Photography Club meetings, open mics, community jams, and live music calendar options.
The Cat and the Fiddle
Traditional Old Time Jams, square dances, instrument instruction, and community master workshops.
Book Clubs & Literary Arts
Explore local library summer reading challenges for kids and connect with active local book clubs meeting throughout the season:
- “Books & Beyond” — Hampshire County Public Library (Romney): Meets the fourth Tuesday of each month at 1:30 PM.
Upcoming List: July: Home Before Morning (Linda Van Devanter) | August: Canada (Richard Ford) | September: The Jackal’s Mistress
- Romney Brew Station Book Club: Typically gathers on the final Monday of each month at 6:00 PM.
- Capon Bridge Public Library: Active community reading programs and event posts.
Artist & Artisan Opportunities
Regional Summer 2026 exhibitions and vendor craft networks are actively booking booths. Please contact event directors directly via their web structures:
- Summer Harvest Festival (July 31, Aug 1 & 2, 2026): summerharvestfestival.com
- WV Peach Festival (August 7, 8 & 9, 2026): wvpeachfest.com
- Heritage Days Festival (September 12 & 13, 2026): heritagedaysfestival.com
Stay Connected with HCAC
Join our email list, become an active member, volunteer, or follow HCAC on Facebook for current arts news and community opportunities.