GLENVILLE, WV — Community leaders, elected officials, students, and residents gathered in downtown Glenville to celebrate the completion and dedication of Gilmer County’s official America250 mural, a vibrant work of art commemorating both local heritage and the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony brought together WV State Senator Ben Queen, WV Delegate Lori Dittman, members of the Gilmer County Commission, Glenville City Council, representatives from Â鶹ÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø, and community members from across the county to mark the completion of the project.
The mural is a collaborative effort between the City of Glenville, Â鶹ÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø, the West Virginia State Folk Festival, and the America250 Mural Project. The statewide initiative provided funding for new and original works of public art in each of West Virginia’s 55 counties, encouraging communities to celebrate their unique histories while honoring America’s semiquincentennial.
Created by mural artist Joel Dugan, the Glenville mural reflects the spirit, culture, and pride of Gilmer County. Dugan was assisted by Salem Nichols, Gabriela Reyna, and Hannah Sprout throughout the creation of the project.
The America250 Mural Project was established to create hand-painted murals across the state that celebrate West Virginia’s rich heritage and vibrant communities through public art. As part of this historic initiative, each county received funding to develop a mural that highlights local pride while connecting to the broader story of America’s 250th anniversary.
Organizers hope the mural will serve as both a community landmark and a source of inspiration for residents and visitors alike, showcasing the creativity, resilience, and heritage that define Gilmer County.