WWHS art students partnered with BEX to create local artwork of Appalachian folklore

BECKLEY, WV (WVNS) – Walk down the Short N’ Sweet Trail near the YMCA in Beckley and you’ll find something interesting.

Fourteen different metal plates, each with their own unique design and artwork.

The artwork poses an interesting question: how did they get there? For those answers, you have to turn your attention to BEX.

“From the first year, we kind of had an idea of doing public art projects that were heavily community based, so the community had a hand in creating them as well. So, we met up with Lynsi and she has the Woodrow Wilson Art Club.”

Saja Montague, President of BEX

From there, art students at Woodrow Wilson High School got to work making the art pieces.

The pieces blend reality, imagination, and Appalachian folklore. Woodrow Wilson High School art teacher Lynsi Boyd said she was happy with the results.

“I gave them the prompt of being dreamlike fairy tale, as you know, kind of ethereal, magical. And they interpreted that as they did, and each one interpreted it differently.”

Lynsi Boyd, Art Teacher with Woodrow Wilson High School

The goal of the project was simple: creating artwork the whole community can enjoy.

If you find yourself along the trail, stop by and take in the wonders of the mountain state.

“If they end up leaving this area later in life, if that piece is still there, they still have ownership of this place that they grew up in. I think that’s really cool.”

Lynsi Boyd, Art Teacher with Woodrow Wilson High School

“There are so many different ways that you can put art out into the world. So I mean, the possibilities are endless.”

Saja Montague, President of BEX

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS.