Beauty Runs Free: A Rooted Rhapsody

DECEMBER 19, 2024 – MARCH 30, 2025

Beauty Runs Free: A Rooted Rhapsody is a vibrant celebration of art and identity, showcasing a dynamic selection of works from the Clay Center’s permanent collection. This exhibition is thoughtfully curated by students from Roanoke College, under the guidance of Professor Julia A. Sienkewicz, in a collaborative effort that bridges academic insight with creative expression.

Through the eyes of emerging scholars and the hands of talented West Virginia artists, the exhibition weaves a rich tapestry of stories that explore the interplay between identity, culture, and the breathtaking natural beauty of the Mountain State. Each piece selected resonates with the unique spirit of West Virginia, offering visitors an opportunity to reflect on the profound connection between art and place. This exhibition is a testament to the enduring beauty of West Virginia and its people, reminding us that art has the ability to transcend boundaries, spark conversations, and foster a deeper understanding of the landscapes and cultures that shape our lives.

Beauty Runs Deep: A Rooted Rhapsody is presented with support from the Bernard H. & Blanche E. Jacobson Foundation, Daywood Foundation, Elliot Family Foundation, Fund for the Arts, and Herscher Foundation, Inc. The Clay Center’s performing and visual arts offerings are presented with financial assistance from the West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture, and History, and the National Endowment for the Arts, with approval from the West Virginia Commission on the Arts.