Our Mission
To support the creative economy through grants and services, build future audiences through arts education, and ensure every West Virginian has access to quality, impactful arts in their community.
Our Vision
We envision a State where the Arts are thriving and celebrated; where vibrant, creative communities are inspiring to surrounding cities and towns; where the Arts are fully accessible to all, and are fully recognized for educational, economic and cultural impact by policymakers, stakeholders, and the public at large.
West Virginia Commission on the Arts
Members
Zachary Abraham, Chair – Triadelphia
Amanda Bridgette – Poca
Dr. Peter Chirico – Huntington
Caleb David – Charleston
Becky Deem-McGinnis – Vienna
Charles Friddle, III – Elkins
Susan Hogan – Wheeling
Michael Knepper – Inwood
Margaret Mary Layne – Huntington
Charles Mathena – Princeton
Danielle McCracken, Vice Chair – Wheeling
Cindy McGhee – Charleston
Randall Reid-Smith, Cabinet Secretary, – Barboursville
Brooke Smolder – Scott Depot
Matthew Umstead – Martinsburg
Shir Wooton – Beckley
NON VOTING MEMBER
Jenna Green, Director of Arts
Core Values of the Commission
- Transparency
- Equity, Access, & Inclusion
- Integrity
- Financial Responsibility
- Adaptability
- Quality
Contact Us
The Arts Office is located in the Culture Center on the Capitol Complex. Contact us by phone at 304-558-0220, or contact individual staff by using the email links with each name in the staff list.
West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History
1900 Kanawha Boulevard East
Charleston, WV 25305
Arts Navigation
Arts Staff
Jenna Green
Director of Arts
Jenna is responsible for administering the division’s arts programs, including overseeing all state and federal grants for West Virginia’s arts organizations, individual artists, schools, and communities. Jenna also currently administers the Cultural Facilities and Capital Resources Grant and Fast Track Grant programs.
Elizabeth Yeager
Deputy Director of the Arts
Elizabeth provides support to the director of arts and offers technical assistance to artists and arts organizations. She coordinates the America 250 grant program, and serves as the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) Coordinator and editor of the Department’s ArtWorks magazine.
Barbie Smoot
Grants Officer & Budget Manager
Barbie maintains the database and financial records for all grant applications and is responsible for compliance with all state and federal rules, regulations, and policies.
Jim Wolfe
Program Coordinator
Jim administers the Arts in Education grant programs and is the state coordinator for Poetry Out Loud, a national recitation contest for high school students. He oversees the STEAM Power WV grant program and is also the host of the ArtWorks television show.
Cedrick Farmer
Program Coordinator
Cedrick oversees the grant programs for Community Arts Project Support (CAPS), General Operating Support, and CAPS mini-grants.
Cynthia McComas
Program Coordinator
Cynthia administers the department’s Professional Development for Artists, Training & Travel, and Folk Arts grant programs.
Paul R. Neil
Office Manager
Paul assists the director of arts and all the coordinators with grant programs and activities. He also provides creative input and clerical support.