Delighting, enlightening and inspiring thousands of travelers and state residents annually, Tamarack’s David L. Dickirson Fine Arts Gallery represents more than 500 juried West Virginia artists daily at its distinctive Raleigh County location.
Every six to eight weeks through the year, the Dickirson Gallery hosts a new exhibition, each of them showcasing the works of state artists, be they painters, sculptors, craftspeople, woodworkers, or other creatives.
Tamarack’s “Small Packages†exhibition concluded the 2024 run on Dec. 28.
The second-time event earned its name by featuring artwork that measures 12 inches by 12 inches (or less), with each artist determining the theme of his or her contribution.
Now that the calendar has turned to 2025, the following exhibitions are scheduled throughout the year. (Later exhibitions will have submission deadlines for interested exhibitors, referenced below where applicable.)
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“Chromotosis†will present artworks dominated by the basic hues of reds, blues, yellows, and greens, from monochromatic to lush and brilliantly vibrant mixtures.
The “Chromotosis†exhibition opened on Friday, Jan. 10, and it will remain on display through Saturday, Feb. 15, at Tamarack.
‘Appalachian Artistry’
The “Appalachian Artistry†exhibition is designed expressly to honor and celebrate West Virginia’s natural beauty, crafts and longstanding traditions. Quilting, basket weaving and carving are among the traditional art sought to adorn the gallery.
“Appalachian Artistry†will run from Friday, Feb. 21, through Saturday, April 12. An opening reception will be held on Saturday, Feb. 22.
Saturday, Jan. 18, is the deadline for image submissions for exhibition consideration. Notifications will be emailed to applicants on Thursday, Jan. 23.
‘Impressions of Spring’
To mark the arrival of spring in 2025, the “Impressions of Spring†exhibition will open at Tamarack on Friday, April 18, (with an opening reception the following day) and close on Saturday, May 24. Potential contributors can submit images of their works by Saturday, March 22, and they will receive email notifications on Thursday, March 27.
‘Best of West Virginia’
Tamarack’s 17th annual Best of West Virginia Open Juried Exhibition will differentiate itself from other exhibits during the year, as it is the only one that invites all West Virginia residents, not just Tamarack’s stable of juried artists, an opportunity to show — and showcase — their talent and work in the Dickirson Gallery.
Gallery guests will be given ballots and they can cast their votes for the People’s Choice Award that will be announced at the close of the show on Saturday, July 19.
“The Best of West Virginia†Non-Juried Exhibition Run will open on Friday, May 30, with a next-day opening reception for artists and guests. Saturday, May 3, is the image submission deadline, with notifications emailed to all applicants on Thursday, May 8.
‘Bright Lights in the City’
The common denominator of the pieces sought for Tamarack’s “Bright Lights in the City†summer exhibition is the urban landscape, revealing towering buildings, neon lights and other examples of city architecture and frenetic lifestyles of urban populations.
“Bright Lights in the City†opens Friday, July 25, and continues its run until Saturday, Sept. 13. Images can be submitted for exhibition consideration through Saturday, June 28, with notifications sent to artists on Thursday, July 3.
‘Simple Folk’
This coming fall’s “Simple Folk†exhibition far exceeds art found on a canvas or created in a kiln or on a loom. It will center on West Virginia’s oral storytelling tradition, often laden with supernatural themes or down-home wit and wisdom that have been preserved and recounted for generations in and beyond the hills and hollers of Appalachia.
Thus, storytellers are invited to weave their best folk tales for “Simple Folk,†which will get underway on Friday, Sept. 19, and remain open through Saturday, Nov. 8, at the Dickirson Gallery.
Those interested have through Saturday, Aug. 23, to apply for this unique exhibition. Judges’ decision results will be emailed to applicants on Thursday, Aug. 28.
‘Small Packages 2025’
For those who missed the 2024 iteration of “Small Packages,†the next Tamarack signature edition will commence on Friday, Nov. 14, and conclude on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. The “Small Packages†items exhibited are offered during this time frame for visitors to peruse and purchase as holiday gifts.
“Small Packages†artwork submissions should be two- or three-dimensional miniature pieces, no larger than 12 inches by 12 inches (or up to 144 square inches). Any theme (within the gallery’s overall guidelines) is acceptable. Image submissions will be taken through Saturday, Oct. 18, with email notifications ensuing on Thursday, Oct. 23.
Also on tap at Tamarack
Named WV Living magazine readers as the “Best of West Virginia†Best Local Place to Buy West Virginia-Made Products and Art Gallery for 2024, Tamarack is located at 1 Tamarack Drive in Beckley, just off the West Virginia Turnpike.
Inquiries about art exhibitions — including submission — can be directed to
General information regarding Tamarack Marketplace is available at www.tamarackwv.com or by calling 304-256-6843.
