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Allied Artists of West Virginia

Allied Artists of West Virginia is a statewide nonprofit organization of painters, sculptors, print makers, and creative craftspeople. The group’s purpose is to encourage artists to hold exhibits, to foster art in general, and to further interest in art. Active membership is open to professional and amateur artists who are residents of West Virginia. Acceptance into the group is through jurying of the prospective member’s work, which takes place twice a year. Former members who now reside outside the state are members-at-large.

Charleston lawyer Arthur Dayton began the Charleston Art Association in 1930, and the group exhibited that year in the Charleston library. The next year, Dayton changed the name to Allied Artists of West Virginia. The group’s 1938 exhibit was its first to be juried. Today, Allied Artists of West Virginia has more than 50 members and hosts and promotes exhibits throughout the state, including the Frankenberger Gallery at the University of Charleston. Members of the Allied Artists frequently exhibit their work outside West Virginia, as well.