Communities

Civil War Art Show planned

BEVERLY -- See original 19th century art in the historic Laura Jackson Arnold house during Beverly Heritage Day, on July 22. This special exhibit features Civil War art related to West Virginia and the First Campaign, events that took place in this region.

"This exhibit will be a rare opportunity to see original Civil War art displayed in a significant home from the period," said Rick Wolfe, president of Rich Mountain Battlefield Foundation, who curated the exhibit along with author Hunter Lesser.

The exhibit includes original sketches, prints, paintings and three-dimensional art by soldiers, civilians, and noted artists of the Civil War period to late 19th century.

Among the items on display will be a field sketch of the Battle of Rich Mountain by Henri Lovie for Frank Leslie’s Illustrated, a hand-colored West Virginia soldiers' memorial, a rare Stonewall Jackson print, an 1862 map of the Battle of Greenbrier River, lithographs from Nep Roesler’s “New River Album,” period hair art, and soldier-carved objects.

The art show also includes the opportunity to tour the historic Arnold house in Beverly, home to Laura Jackson Arnold, sister of General "Stonewall" Jackson. Laura, a Union sympathizer, opened her home to wounded soldiers during the war.

The Beverly Heritage Day -- Centuries of History annual event will also feature this year "The Circus Comes to Beverly." Vintage circus performers and carnival games will liven up the town, in addition to living history camps and demonstrations from frontier times, Civil War, through World War II and mid-20th century. Starting with a Parade of History at 10 am, activities for children and adults, music, and food will be available throughout the day.

Beverly Heritage Day is sponsored by the Beverly Heritage Center, and runs from 10 a.m. through 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 22. For more information, see www.beverlyheritagecenter.org, email info@beverlyheritagecenter.org or call 304-637-7424.