Latest Exhibit

“Artists Everywhere: Dwight ‘Joe’ Bell and Valley Artists”

Once again, the Augusta County Historical Society brings to life an art exhibit with a delightful twist of history, focusing on some of the more unique art that has arisen in the area through its newest exhibit: “Artists Everywhere: Dwight ‘Joe’ Bell and Valley Artists.”

Art and artists come in many forms, with different mediums and techniques. Given the same palette of colors, no two artists will come up with the same creation. And so it is with the art that you will see in this exhibit featuring the work of Joe Bell and complemented with other pieces that channel an inner vision and raw creativity rather than intensive art training.

Dwight “Joe” Bell (1918-2004) was known for his hand-carved whirligigs and simple but vibrant colored pencil drawings, many of which are on display in the new exhibit. In addition, visitors will have the opportunity to explore the art of other Valley artists, who channeled their inner creativity rather than sitting in art class, including folks such as Grandma Moses and Willy Ferguson. The former, who lived with her farm family for two decades in Augusta, became a national sensation because of her primitive folk art paintings, while the latter gained renown for his giant steel sculptures such as the watering can at Staunton’s underpass.