Artists for the Environment event set for Saturday in Charleston

 CHARLESTON — The West Virginia Environmental Council (WVEC) will hold the 2nd annual "Artists for the Environment" at the organization's office location (2206 Washington Street East, Charleston) from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.  Saturday, May 24..

In celebration of the arts, Vandalia, and in support of WVEC's environmental efforts, the event will feature visual art, live music, a live totem pole carving demonstration, art & environmental booths, silent auction, refreshments, wine tasting and much more by West Virginia artists and regional sustainable businesses. 

"This is an on-going project for WVEC, born out of the tremendous support our organization has had through the years from the art community" said Denise Poole, the project creator, and Program Coordinator.  "Many of the pieces are displayed year round in our office building.  Once a year we feature new works, celebrate our achievements and showcase artists." Poole added.

 Art pieces large and small will be for sale, with many of the participating artists on hand to answer questions.

Some of the highlights include:  A live totem pole carving exhibition: 11 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. by Charleston artist Steve Thompson.  Steve was introduced to the city in a Charleston Gazette article by Sandy Wells in March of 2006 and is currently mentioned in the West Virginia Executive Planner, Green Edition 2008 as part of the WVEC "Artists for the Environment" article.  This activity is co-sponsored by the state Credit Union.

Raffle drawing:  A sculpture entitled "Un-frayed" donated to WVEC by Mark Blumenstein, a well-known regional sculptor living and working outside Lewisburg, will be drawn at 5 p.m.

Booths:  A variety of booths featuring art pieces (jewelry, pottery, natural candles, paintings, drawings, prints, photography, collage, mixed media, baskets, fabrics), antiques, collectibles, environmental issues, and edible creations.

Live Music:  Throughout the day by Robin Godfrey, Steve Himes and others.

Participating artists:  Kim Baker, Myra Bonhage-Hale, Mark Blumenstein, Michel Davis, Lynn Goleman, Steve Gormazano, Charly Hamilton, Kay Jarrett, Hank Keeling, Susan Maslowski, Debby McHenry, Mark Tobin Moore, Leisa Null, JPOwens, Mike Plybon, Denise Poole, Barbara Smith, Steve Thompson, Donna Whitten, Laura Wolfe, Chuck Wyrostok, Becky Young.

More information about the West Virginia Environmental Council (WVEC) and the "Artists for the Environment" project can be viewed at the organization's website:  www.wvecouncil.org.