Established in 1979, the Benedum Gallery is named for the Benedum Foundation which graciously donated seed money. It was the first commercial gallery in the region and the first community-controlled gallery of its type to allow artists submissions. It remained the only full-time commercial gallery for several decades and periodically is alone in this endeavor. By December of 2008, the Benedum Gallery had hosted over 354 exhibitions. Currently the gallery hosts a new exhibit every month. Local, regional, national and international artists have been exhibited in its long history.

The Morgantown Arts Association (MAA) managed the Benedum Gallery until 2001, when the MAA moved to the Mountaineer Mall to accommodate the changing needs of their members. This transition gave birth to a new vision for the exhibition schedule. Since 2004 the Benedum Gallery is managed in-house by MAC's Gallery Committee and curated by John Javins, in cooperation with Executive Director Ro Brooks.

The lighting system was overhauled in 2006 giving new flexibility to the space and allowing for more contemporary exhibition styles. Monongalia Arts Center strives to be on the forefront of contemporary Arts while also tending to the individual needs of our region's unique Arts and Culture.

No arts-forms are over looked. The Benedum Gallery is only limited by its physical dimensions and the visions of the artists who exhibit in it. Installation, electronic media, sculpture, ceramic, painting, fiber arts and much more can be found in our exhibition schedule.

Benedum Gallery Specifications:

16 feet wide
30 feet long
10 foot white wall height
8 feet of hanging height
15 feet true ceiling height

Electricity can only be dropped from the track lighting system or transferred via extension cords. No outlets are currently present along the gallery walls.

The Robert M. Davis Gallery was established in 2004 as a grassroots effort between WVU Visual Arts BFA graduates and members of the Morgantown community. Over 160 volunteer hours were logged patching, sanding and painting. This exhibition space more than doubled the total exhibit area for Monongalia Arts Center, allowing for more complex and in-depth exhibitions. In 2007, a new lighting system was installed as well as an inconspicuous picture rail system thanks to grants from the Hazel Ruby McQuain Foundation.

Unfortunately this area is not accessible to those with certain types of mobility impairments. However a monitor in the Lobby area does have a slide show of the current exhibit and if possible an internet slide show of the exhibits are available through this website under Exhibitions.

Robert M. Davis Gallery Specifications:
Studio 2
16 ft wide
24 ft deep
10 ft ceiling height

Studio 3
14 ft wide
24 ft deep
10 ft ceiling height

Second Floor Hall
10 ft wide
60 ft long
10 ft ceiling height

If you wish to exhibit or have an idea for an exhibition call or email:
Monongalia Arts Center
at (304) 292-3325
or
info@monartscenter.com

An artist bio/statement and three to six digital images are appreciated, accompanied by dimensions and materials.