Hello friends! A few exciting things have happened since our Fall newsletter went out—we couldn’t wait until winter to share the news with you!

South Side Studios is a "Best of WV" Finalist - Cast Your Vote!

We’re honored (and honestly a little stunned!) to share that South Side Studios WV has been nominated for Best Art Gallery in WV Living magazine’s Best of West Virginia Awards.

Voting is open now—and you can cast a vote once per day HERE. Navigate to the "Arts" section and vote for South Side Studios. Every vote makes a difference, and we’d be so grateful for your support!

As a young, volunteer-run community arts space, we know we’re still just getting started and have a lot of growing to do. That’s why being recognized alongside so many established and inspiring West Virginia galleries feels especially meaningful.

This nomination really belongs to everyone who has joined us—whether you’ve visited an exhibition, taken a class, made art with us, or cheered us on from near or far. Thank you for helping us get here, and for believing in the power of small-town creativity.

PS: While you are in the "Arts" section of the ballot, vote for our very own - Kelson Thorne - as best artist!

Update to The Art of Cozy Workshop Series 

Unfortunately we weren’t able to move forward with our embroidery workshop as originally scheduled. With an instructor traveling in, we need to ensure there are enough participants to make it worthwhile, and sadly the numbers just weren’t there this time. That said — we’re excited to share that the workshop has been rescheduled and we hope the new dates (below) work better for everyone! Please share about these exciting upcoming workshops. We want to be able to continue to attract these high-quality artists to our area!

• Rug Hooking & “Make Do” Footstools with Susan Feller – November 1
  Dive into a time-honored Appalachian tradition and then take it up a notch by crafting your very own functional fiber art footstool.
• Intro to Hand Embroidery with Jelise Ballon – (NEW DATES!) November 6 & 13 Learn the art of storytelling through stitches with Jelise, whose embroidery blends fine art and craft into something truly magical.
• Intro to Needle Felting with Emily Banocy-Newman – November 15 & 16
  Discover how to transform wool into whimsical, textured creations—perfect for gifts or cozy keepsakes.

Don’t forget: anyone who participates in a workshop can exhibit their creations in our Art of Cozy Exhibition this December!

South Side Speaks: Poetry Open Mic Filling Up Fast!

Our very first poetry open mic is happening Friday, October 10th—and we are thrilled to let you know that reading slots are already filling up! If you want to share your words, sign up soon to reserve your place on stage. Of course, you’re welcome to just come and listen, too—it’ll be a night full of creative voices.

Doors will open at 6:30 PM for book signings. This event is “pay what you can”. Your contributions help keep creative activities alive at South Side Studios WV, but no one will be turned away. We believe art should be for everyone, without barriers.

Inspiring Minds Exhibition — On View Through Thanksgiving

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the opening of Inspiring Minds—it was such a beautiful celebration of our local educators. Couldn’t make it to opening night? No worries—the show is up through Thanksgiving. Stop by, see the incredible work, and consider purchasing a piece to directly support our area’s teachers.

 

 

Hello friends! Fall is in full swing in Petersburg, and things are bustling at South Side Studios. From gallery shows to workshops, poetry nights to shopping local, we’ve packed the season with ways to get cozy, creative, and connected.

Happening This Weekend: Inspiring Minds Gallery Opening

We’re kicking off the season with the opening of Inspiring Minds, our exhibition featuring incredible works by art educators from Grant, Hardy, Hampshire, and Pendleton Counties! These talented educators inspire the next generation every day, and now it’s their turn to shine in the spotlight. Join us for the opening reception this Friday to celebrate them and their work!

The Art of Cozy Workshop Series – Register Now!

We kicked off our Art of Cozy fiber art workshop series last weekend with an incredible weaving workshop led by Kiki Alba—and wow, what an experience! Students learned traditional weaving techniques, explored new creative approaches, and left with beautiful pieces (and big smiles). But don’t worry if you missed it—there are still plenty of opportunities to get cozy and creative this fall!

• Intro to Hand Embroidery with Jelise Ballon – October 3, 17, & 18
  Learn the art of storytelling through stitches with Jelise, whose embroidery blends fine art and craft into something truly magical.
• Rug Hooking & “Make Do” Footstools with Susan Feller – November 1
  Dive into a time-honored Appalachian tradition and then take it up a notch by crafting your very own functional fiber art footstool.
• Intro to Needle Felting with Emily Banocy-Newman – November 15 & 16
  Discover how to transform wool into whimsical, textured creations—perfect for gifts or cozy keepsakes.

These workshops aren’t just classes—they’re a chance to learn directly from extraordinary Appalachian artists who bring history, culture, and innovation to their craft. And don’t forget: anyone who participates in a workshop can exhibit their creations in our Art of Cozy Exhibition this December!

South Side Speaks: Poetry Open Mic Night

We’re thrilled to be launching South Side Speaks, our brand-new poetry open mic series! This is your chance to share your voice—or simply sit back and enjoy the words of others—in a welcoming, creative space.

Our featured poet for the evening is Tucker Riggleman, an Appalachian writer and musician whose poetry captures the grit and beauty of everyday life in the Mountain State, weaving together themes of place, resilience, and the human condition. His performances are known for being heartfelt, unflinching, and deeply rooted in Appalachian experience.

👉 Want to read? Open mic spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so click here to sign up early and grab your slot! 

This evening is all about community, creativity, and connection. Whether you’re a seasoned writer, a first-time reader, or a supportive listener, you’ll leave inspired.

Doors will open at 6:30 PM for book signings. This event is “pay what you can”. Your contributions help keep creative activities alive at South Side Studios WV, but no one will be turned away. We believe art should be for everyone, without barriers.

Welcome Our Newest Artist-in-Residence: Kristian Yeager

We’re excited to welcome Kristian Yeager as the newest artist to join our studios! He now joins resident artists Jenny Nielsen, Kelson Thorne, and Robb Shobe, making our creative community even stronger.

Kristian may not call himself a “full-time” artist, but he always finds time to create—and to share that creativity with others. By day, he teaches elementary art in Hardy County, where he inspires young artists with the belief that anyone can make art. He applies the same philosophy in his own practice:

“Art is a language and even though we all speak with different dialects and accents, we can use our own art to love one another across all barriers.”

Kristian enjoys working in pointillism with pen and ink and making fun illustrations of creatures and cryptids. He draws constant inspiration from his students, the natural world, and the music he loves.

Stop by his studio to say hello—we’re thrilled to have him as part of the South Side Studios family!

Save the Date: Art of Cozy Exhibition Opening Reception

Mark your calendars and plan to join us for a very special evening as we celebrate the culmination of our Art of Cozy workshop series with the opening of the exhibition! The show will feature fiber art by our extraordinary fiber artist instructors—Kiki Alba, Jelise Ballon, Susan Feller, and Emily Banocy-Newman—as well as work created by the students who participated in their classes. This is truly a one-of-a-kind opportunity to see the range of creativity and talent flourishing in our community.

Adding to the atmosphere, we’re delighted to welcome Cassidy Dickens for a live performance. Her Appalachian-inspired folk sound, described by Honk Magazine as a “unique fusion of vulnerability, resilience, unguarded sincerity, and soul-stirring melodies”, will make this evening unforgettable.

December 5th | 6–8 PM
South Side Studios WV, 126 S. Main Street, 2nd Floor, Petersburg, WV

✨ Come for the art, stay for the music, and help us celebrate the beauty of Appalachian fiber traditions reimagined for today.

Free to attend - snacks and wine tasting provided!

Holiday Shopping: December 6th

Mark your calendars for our Holiday Shopping Extravaganza the very next day! From 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM visit South Side Studios and South Side Depot where you will find:

• A cozy artisan market in the gallery
• Fiber art from The Art of Cozy exhibition (all for sale!)
• Resident artist studios open to shop directly from the artists of South Side Studios
• A curated selection of creative gifts in our retail space

This is the perfect chance to shop small, shop special, and shop local for the holidays. After you shop with us, plan to attend the Hometown Christmas celebration that evening at the City Park!

Final Week to Support Us through Run For It!

Most importantly—this is it—the last chance to support South Side Studios through the Run For It campaign, and we need your help!

Every dollar raised through the race goes directly toward helping us grow, thrive, and make South Side Studios a place that truly belongs to everyone. Right now, one of our biggest goals is to make our second-floor space fully accessible by the end of 2026. Because if people can’t get through the door, they can’t share in the joy, healing, and inspiration that the arts bring.

Your gift makes it possible for us to:

• Welcome neighbors of all ages and abilities to exhibitions, workshops, and performances.
• Support Appalachian artists with real opportunities to teach, create, and exhibit.
• Help us keep costs low (or free!) for the cultural programming we bring to our small town.

We’ve accomplished so much together already, but we can’t do this without you. This is about more than funding programs—it’s about making sure that art, community, and culture remain open to everyone, no matter what.

Click here to give generously before the finish line! Donations close on race day - September 27th and your support will carry us forward into a more inclusive, vibrant, and artistic future.

 

 

 

It is officially spring and things are starting to wake up at South Side Studios. Check out what's been happening and what's coming up next... We hope to see you at the Studios soon!

 

South Side Studios WV represented Petersburg at the annual Arts in our Communities conference earlier in March. They gathered at the Culture Center in Charleston with other artists and arts organization representatives from all over West Virginia. The conference was designed to highlight and edify all of those amazing people who make up the arts community in our state. Lots of wonderful connections were made and we can't wait to share them with our community!

 

STUDIO NEWS

KEEPING YOU UP-TO-DATE ON WHAT'S HAPPENING AT SOUTH SIDE STUDIOS

Nov. 2024                                                                  

This Thanksgiving, we at South Side Studios have so much to be grateful for. This year, we've turned vacant rooms into busy studios, showed stunning gallery exhibitions, and opened our classroom doors to share our love of creativity. And none of this would have been possible without your support. Whether you've attended a show, signed up for a class, volunteered your time, or simply shared about us with a friend—you're not just supporters—you're the heart of our creative community. We raise a paintbrush (and a slice of pumpkin pie) in heartfelt thanks. Happy Thanksgiving!

Up next in the Gallery, "To the Point", a show featuring regional artists who use pencil as their primary medium. Join us for the opening reception on Friday, December 6th from 6:00 - 8:00 PM. You won't want to miss the work of Ralph Cale, Joe Gainer, and Dan Morro!

 

 

Don't miss this special creative class on Paper Quilling with Holly Landes.
Click here to register!

 

Creative Classes at South Side Studios are inclusive of all kinds of creative activities...  Including cooking! Join us for the first in our Creative Cooking Series!
Click here to register!

 

Melanie Ours is joining us once again in the Studios, this time to lead a class making a Holiday Succulent Centerpiece. 
Click here to register!

 

There is still time to view the "Create The Mon" art exhibition, which is on display in the Gallery until November 30th. South Side Studios is very proud to have partnered with West Virginians for Public Lands and WV Rivers Coalition on this project; a wonderful collection from artists all across WV who use the Mon Forest as their muse!

 

 

The holiday shopping season is upon us, and while we might be a little partial, we truly believe that art is the most extraordinary and heartfelt gift you can give to your loved ones. Not only does it bring joy to the recipient, but it also champions the talents of local artists. Trust us, there's nothing more thrilling than seeing a piece of art find its perfect home! Gifting art is the ultimate win-win scenario! Our Studios are brimming with stunning art and art-inspired gifts. Join us for a unique and creative shopping experience, and stay tuned to our social media for exclusive promotions coming your way!

 

 

You may remember that South Side Studios participated in the Tucker County Community Foundation's "Run For It" campaign. The funds were dispersed to us this month and we were blown away by the support! Special thanks to The Tucker County Community Foundation for awarding us the "New Feet on the Course" award and to the Bernard McDonough Foundation and the Grant County Commission for giving us bonuses that added to our total. During the fundraising campaign, South Side Studios put together a gift basket of artsy goods to go to one lucky donor. Congratulations to L. Boyd and Debra Lucas, the winners of the gift basket. We appreciate your donation and ALL of your support! 

 

 

As we grow, we could use your help. Share this newsletter and/or our website and our social media with your friends. (You can use the links below.) Help us connect to more artists and people who are interested in the arts in our region - refer them to our sign up form at the "connect with us" button above!

South Side Studios is proud to partner with West Virginians for Public Lands and WV Rivers Coalition on the "Create The Mon" art exhibition.

After an open call for art, more than 25 artists from across the state have been selected and notified. Artists in a variety of mediums including painting, photography, printmaking, pottery, poetry, and more will be represented in the show.

Join us for the opening night, October 25th from 6 - 8:30 PM at the Studios.

This event is free to attend. Food and drinks will be provided!

The show will be up in the gallery until November 30th.

Come meet the artists of South Side Studios and see what they are working on. The studio doors will be open and you can see the artists' processes, ask questions, and learn more about how they work.

This event is free to attend!

On October 26th, West Virginia Rivers Coalition will be in the Studios will be in the Studios to share information about their work and view the current exhibition, "Create the Mon", in the gallery.

West Virginia Artist, Nevada Tribble, will also be there, providing a demonstration of how she makes drawings using her sewing bicycle!

There will be music; local musicians will be providing entertainment. Visitors can also learn more about the progress of South Side Studios' community space, upcoming classes, projects, and opportunities to engage!

Creative Classes at South Side Studios are ramping up. Check out our events page for the full line up. In November, to coincide with the show in our gallery, we will celebrate WV rivers with our classes as well!

• On Friday, November 1st from 6 - 8 PM, join us for "The Art Of Fly Tying" with our instructor, Danny Hartman.
• On Saturday, November 2nd from 1:00 - 2:30 PM, join us as WV artist, Nevada Tribble, leads us in an art class during which you will learn to make your own pigments with river rocks and create paintings in earth tones.
• On Saturday, November 9th from 9:00 - 11:00 AM, Eli Whetzel, from Three Rivers Guiding, will lead a class on the basics of Fly Fishing.

All classes take place at 126 S. Main Street, Petersburg, WV. Keep your eye on our schedule as we add more classes, including an oil painting series with Shade Black, embroidery, fiber arts, and more are coming soon!

There is still time to check out the show in our gallery with our featured artist, Shade Black. Shade was born in St. Petersburg, Russia and immigrated to Israel with her family at the age of 11. She began drawing at a very early age and went on to study animation at the Bezalel National Academy of Art and Design in Jerusalem. While there, she discovered a love for watercolor and oil paint and chose to pivot away from animation towards painting. She met her husband, chainsaw carver Kevin Black, in 2017. They live near Petersburg, WV with their two kids. She can be found painting en plein air or at her home studio, cycling in the area, or visiting chainsaw carving events all over the country with her husband.

She is such an amazing talent, and we are so happy to call her a friend and colleague. Make sure to check out her show it will be up in the gallery until October 20th!

As we grow, we could use your help. Share this blog and/or our website and our social media with your friends. (You can use the links below.)

Help us connect to more artists and people who are interested in the arts in our region - refer them to our sign up form at the "connect with us" button above!

Calling all artists and creatives in Petersburg,WV and the surrounding area!

We were so excited and touched to be featured as the front-page story of our home-town paper, the Grant County Press last week! The article covered the three artists working at South Side Studios to bring more art to the community (and community to the art!)  

But we know there are SO many more artists and creatives out there - and we want to know about you!

Are you a potter, a weaver, a carver, a painter, a singer, a dancer, or a musician of any sort? Are you a writer, a knitter, a wood-worker, or a collage/multi-media artist? Are you a filmmaker, an illustrator, or a digital artist? Are you an actor, a story-teller, or an aspiring comedian? Are you a baker, a chef, a maker, or just a crafter-extraordinaire?

Are you all of these things? Are you none of these things but want to be? Whatever your creative outlet is - Let us know!

Whether professional or hobbyist, we want to surface all of the wonderful artists and creatives in our community so that we can better support one another, work together, learn from and be inspired by each other and, build a vibrant and creative community together! Networks are crucial for artists, especially for artists in rural areas like ours where it’s easy to feel isolated. We hope you will fill out our contact form to introduce yourself and stay in touch!

(Hey - also, don’t forget - Art Walk in Petersburg on July 20th from 1- 4 PM followed by South Side Studios Grand Opening from 4 - 6. Be there!!)

How we got here: 

It started with a Ripple. Quite literally - when Petersburg was selected as a participant for the Tamarack Foundation for the Arts (TFA) Ripple program. Ripple is a community and economic development pilot program for artists and their communities which includes coaching, technical assistance, and $10,000 in mini-grant funds to design and implement two projects that pay local artists for services and bridge the gap between business and arts.

After a series of community-listening meetings with TFA, a design team formed to implement projects related to the main takeaway from the community meetings: the desire for more accessible arts opportunities in Petersburg. This took shape as two distinct but related projects: A community art space, and a large-scale public art installation.

The Community Art Space:

The Ripple design team dreamed up a new community art space for Petersburg - one that supports creative people, community vitality, and joyful creative practice. A space that includes working artist studios, a community arts education classroom, a gallery space, and more! 

The Grant County Convention and Visitor Bureau board of directors believed in this vision and agreed to provide space for the endeavor; allowing use of the second floor of the Visitors Center (the South Side Depot.) And with that gift, the vision for South Side Studios became a reality. Local artist (and Tamarack Emerging Artist Fellow) Robb Shobe, who recently relocated to his home-town of Petersburg and brings with him years of experience in visual merchandising and interior design, has been at the helm of the team transforming the second floor space into working studios, community classroom and gallery space. 

As the team welcomes the community into the space, they are also building out a schedule of events which will provide opportunities for artists and creative community members to showcase their work, learn new creative skills, collaborate with other artists and arts organizations, and engage with the community. 

The Public Art Installation:

The Ripple design team toured potential sites for public art in the downtown area and settled on a space provided by the Petersburg Volunteer Fire Department. Because of its central and high-traffic area, along with its connection to an invaluable community resource, it seemed to be a logical location for a public art installation. Local muralist, Kelson Thorne, an integral part of the Ripple design team, proposed a concept for the piece inspired by the heroic efforts of our volunteer firefighters in response to the wildfires which spread in our region in March of 2024. Kelson completed the mural entitled “Wildfire” in May of 2024. He says while the mural is intended to honor our brave firefighters, it also serves as a metaphor for regrowth and rejuvenation. “As devastating as a wildfire is, it is also nature’s way of providing an opportunity for regrowth.” He was inspired by how sometimes the most devastating events can be the times that our community comes together to really grow and thrive.

And where we’re going:

Coming up for the Community Art Space at South Side Studios: 

• Open Studios: The community is invited to visit the Studios from 11 AM - 4 PM on June 22, July 27, August 31, September 28, October 26, and November 9th. Come meet the artists of South Side Studios and see what they are working on, learn more about upcoming activities, and participate in a “make and take” art activity.
• Community Art Walk and South Side Studios Grand Opening: Save the date and plan to join us for a vibrant celebration of arts and culture in Petersburg on July 20, 2024. From 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM, the community art walk will showcase our town's unique artistic points of interest. The walk will wrap up at South Side Studios, where participants can visit Petersburg's newest community art space, and join our grand opening celebration from 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
• A Call for Artists: South Side Studios will soon be putting out a “Call for Artists.” We want to know who the artists in our community are so we can begin to connect them to opportunities to show their work, teach their skills, and network with other artists.
• Community Art Classes: We are currently building out a calendar of community art classes in the classroom space. We are working towards offering two classes a month. Details about these class offerings will be coming soon!
• Gallery Shows: Keep your eye out for upcoming shows in the gallery. An opening with the South Side Studios resident-artists, as well as a collaborative show with the West Virginia Rivers Coalition are currently in the planning stages.
• A Collaboration with the South Branch Career and Technical Center: South Side Studios is collaborating with SBCTC to help them offer community craft classes. The team at South Side Studios doesn’t plan to confine their community arts activities to the new studio space alone. We are actively looking for more partnerships and ways to infuse our entire community with creative activity!
• Partnering with other arts & culture organizations within the Mon-Forest Collaborative region to strengthen and amplify the message around our region’s creative and cultural amenities alongside our wonderful outdoor recreation resources!

And future steps for public art:

• A film about the creation of and the story behind the public art piece “Wildfire” is being created. Produced by local film-maker, Hunter Sites of Illusive Studios, the short documentary will make its debut during the community art walk on July 20th.
• There is currently a phase-two of the public art project “Wildfire” planned for the Fall of 2024. 
  • Local artist, Robb Shobe is designing a build-out of three dimensional elements to add to the completed mural work. 
  • Gabriel Mongold from the Petersburg beautification project will provide new colorful plantings in the bed in front of the mural to incorporate more living elements that compliment the work. 
• Expect to have more budding muralists in Petersburg soon! Kelson Thorne will be facilitating an inaugural Mural Apprentice Program this summer thanks to a grant from the US Wind Force Foundation to the Grant County Chamber of Commerce, who sponsored this project. Jeremy Hall is currently constructing walls for the project and the mural instruction is anticipated to take place this August.
• The artists of South Side Studios will continue to identify and develop more opportunities for public art throughout Grant County.

While we’ve accomplished a lot in just a few short months, we are only at the very beginning. We can’t wait to see where these tiny ripples will take us, and we invite you to follow along.

Special thanks to the following supporters and fellow ripple creators!

For financial support and in-kind donations:

• Tamarack Foundation for the Arts - for empowering WV artists, for seeing Petersburg’s potential, and for starting the Ripple!
• Grant County Convention & Visitors Bureau Board & Staff - for supporting local artists, believing in our vision, and providing us with space, infrastructure, and kindness!
• Robert Spanswick & Sarah Moomau - for your electrical work in the Studios and for being unwavering champions!
• Central Tie & Lumber - for a generous donation of supplies that helped us transform the studios and create public art!
• Judy’s Drug Store - for pitching in when our ends didn’t quite meet!
• Jenny Nielsen - for all of your fundraising, communications, & admin support and for trying to keep us organized!
• Robb Shobe - for your countless hours spent making South Side Studios special and welcoming!
• Kelson Thorne - for being so giving of your talents AND your supplies to the effort. 
• Gil Nielsen - for always being willing to jump in on a project (and make sure it’s sturdy!) and Carolyn Nielsen for making sure everyone working is well-nourished.

And special thanks to the entire Petersburg Ripple Design Team - your time, your input, and your patience are valued immensely!

• Erin Camp 
• Joe Crites
• Carla Kaposy
• Gabriel Mongold
• Sarah Moomau
• Jenny Nielsen
• Domenica Queen (TFA)
• Robb Shobe
• Kelson Thorne

“I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.” (Mother Teresa)

Written and posted by Jenny Nielsen on 6/12/24.

At South Side Studios, we believe that artists play a vital role in shaping the cultural fabric of our community, and we aim to create an environment where they can fully express themselves and their creativity.

We offer opportunities for artists and creative community members to showcase their work, collaborate with other artists and arts organizations, learn new creative skills, and engage with the community. We provide studio space, workshops, and educational programs to help artists, at all stages, to develop their skills and expand their artistic horizons. By empowering local artists, we believe that we can contribute to the growth and vitality of our community's creative economy.

We care about:

• Supporting Creatives: Supporting a vibrant community of artists and creators, collaborating and supporting one another in a nurturing and inspiring environment.
• Community Vitality: Contributing to the growth of a creative economy which can foster sustainable development and prosperity in our region by leveraging artists and arts activities.
• Joyful Creativity: Helping others to discover the joy of creative practice, unlocking artistic potential, and encourage artistic expression.

This project started as a ripple. Quite literally, the Ripple grant through the Tamarack Foundation for the arts provided us with the seed money to get started. And the Grant County CVB provides us with key supports as we move forward, grow, and create more ripples!

We hope that you will follow along with us as we build out our programs and offerings. And we hope to see you at the Studios soon!

Written and posted by Jenny Nielsen on 05/25/24