The annual Best of West Virginia Open Juried Exhibition is our most prestigious and highly anticipated show of the year. As our only award-based exhibition, it holds a special place on our calendar. It’s the only show open to all West Virginia residents, not just our Tamarack Marketplace juried artisans. This inclusive opportunity invites artists from across the Mountain State to exhibit their work in the acclaimed David L. Dickirson Fine Arts Gallery, celebrating the rich and diverse talent of our region!  

Now in its 17th year, the Best of West Virginia continues to thrive, with Gallery Manager Gretchen Carr leading the exhibition for her second year with fresh perspective and a passion for showcasing West Virginia’s finest artists! With over two hundred submissions, the artwork was thoughtfully juried by distinguished guest jurors from surrounding states. These guest jurors included:  

• Bernadette Moore, Director of Exhibitions and Marketing at Piedmont Arts in Martinsville, VA 
• Brent Webb, Associate Professor of Art, Radford University, Radford, VA
• Nieko McDaniel, Assistant Professor of Painting & Drawing, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA 

Each piece submitted for this exhibition was scored based on its own merit before being accepted into the show. Those same jurors would go on to visit the exhibit once installed to choose their top three works to be named as this year’s winners! 

Jamie Lester with his winning piece, ‘Poseidon’

Coming in first place this year, winning the title of ‘Best in Show’ and a $2,000 cash prize, was none other than Jamie Lester with his piece Poseidon. Jamie is a resident of Monongalia County, WV. A nationally recognized sculptor and artist, he is known for his figurative works and public monuments, including the West Virginia State Quarter, the Jerry West and Don Knotts statues, and the Brooklyn Wall of Remembrance. With over 25 years as a professional artist, Lester continues to push creative boundaries through sculpture, painting, and digital art.

‘Out, In, and Around’ by Vernon Howell

Coming in second place and receiving a $1,000 prize was Vernon Howell with his piece Out, In and Around. A lifelong resident of Huntington, WV, Vernon is a seasoned artist and retired educator with over 30 years of teaching experience. He holds degrees from Syracuse University and Marshall University, with additional study at the National Gallery of Art. Since retiring in 1999, he has focused on painting, wood sculpture, and mixed media, earning over 40 awards and exhibiting nationally, including at the Smithsonian Institution. 

‘First’ by Michael Teel

Taking third place with his piece First was Michael Teel, earning a $500 prize. An award-winning artist based in West Virginia, Michael specializes in oil and multimedia paintings that explore life in Appalachia. With over 30 years of experience as a graphic designer, he now runs Teel Design Group, offering creative services to businesses, nonprofits, and associations. 

This year’s exhibition features work from 68 talented artisans, representing a wide range of mediums, styles, and voices from across the state, each contributing to a vibrant celebration of West Virginia’s creative spirit! We’re incredibly grateful to showcase such a remarkable group of talented artists whose passion and dedication continue to inspire. It’s an honor to uplift their work and share it with our community. Year after year, this show is a true testament to the power and diversity of creative expression in the Mountain State.