October is National Arts and Humanities Month
From the First Lady’s Desk
A Monthly Message by First Lady Gayle C. Manchin
Charleston, WV (HNN) -- West Virginia is a state of incredible beauty and there is probably not more a breathtaking time of year than during the month of October when the leaves change, the mornings and evenings are cooler, and the fog and mist lift over the mountains. During this time, the entire state is like a fresh painted canvas. It also accentuates the fact that the people of West Virginia are full of creativity, individuality and promise.
Our state’s cultural heritage as demonstrated by our many heritage artisans, musicians and re-enactors, is proud and accomplished. The energetic groups like the arts and cultural organizations that have thrived for generations, and newer faces like Create WV, showcase West Virginia’s creative strengths and successes.
Businesses such as Fenton, Blenko and Homer Laughlin, whose products are world-renowned and collected, certainly deserve full recognition in a month like this. The skill and art of glass blowers and designers are as old as our state, and unfortunately, only a few continue to survive in our world of competition and mass production. However, there are a few newer businesses that are successfully reviving and rejuvenating arts heritage.
For example, Ron Hinkle, who began his company “Hinkle's Dying Art Glass Factory,” sought to revive specialty hand-blown glass. Hinkle, whose own creativity has brought new life to his pieces of art, changed his company’s name to “Hinkle’s Art Glass.”
In addition, consider the “History Alive!” program of the West Virginia Humanities Council that encourages and promotes the understanding of our state’s fascinating history. “History Alive!” provides character actors who authentically portray some of our state’s most colorful residents. Back home in Marion County, a new program is being launched at Prickett’s Fort, giving schoolchildren the opportunity to jointly learn the value of art and heritage. This is a specialized program that will come directly to area schools.
Artisans and artists are working together more than ever, developing cooperatives such as Frog Valley Artisans in the Eastern Panhandle. Also, partnerships are being established, like that between Tamarack Foundation's Artisan Resource Center and Mountain State University, offering marketing and development counseling for artisans.
These a rtists and artisans are working with schools and developing programs that encourage the arts as important and invaluable education components, not just specialized subjects. County school systems like Tucker County now offer dance programs. Greenbrier County is ensuring that all children enjoy the benefits of Carnegie Hall programs that encourage artistic talents and teach students that art is a part of life, not a sidebar activity.
We know that we have a wealth of beauty in our state -- both in our landscape and in the talent of our citizens. It is important that we continue to recognize the treasures in every community and never take them for granted. It is our duty to maintain a positive legacy of who we are in West Virginia.