Our exhibition/presentation schedule for 2026
Pottery Exhibition
Sunday, June 14
Doors open at 6 p.m.
Aurora General Store
Four prominent West Virginia potters will display their work: Lisa Giuliani, Lori Halderman, Forest Boyland Pityo, Anna Bonito.
Their work includes functional vessels, sculpture and fine art pieces.
This exhibition will be open on weekends, generally 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Leaf and the Cloud: A recital of the Mary Oliver poem
Sunday, June 14
Doors open at 6 p.m.
The Thomas, W.Va., theatre group led by Juli Kimbrell will present this recitation.
Enjoy the stirring words of The Leaf and the Cloud
When loneliness comes stalking, go into the fields, consider
the orderliness of the world. Notice
something you have never noticed before,
like the tambourine sound of the snow-cricket
whose pale green body is no longer than your thumb.
Stare hard at the hummingbird, in the summer rain,
shaking the water-sparks from its wings.
Let grief be your sister, she will wither or not.
Rise up from the stump of sorrow, and be green also,
like the diligent leaves.
A lifetime isn’t long enough for the beauty of this world
and the responsibilities of your life. . . .
–Mary Oliver, from The Leaf And The Cloud: A Poem
John Ryan Brubaker, Photography
Opening reception: Sunday, July 12, 5 p.m.
Aurora General Store
John Brubaker is a West Virginia-based experimental photographer who uses the tools of visual arts to instigate new perspectives and views on our surroundings. His art invites us to experience the overlooked and consider the less obvious.
Troy Paolantonio with Brittany Blair: Flute & Harp Concert, Pendulum Art
Sunday, July 26, 6 p.m.
Aurora General Store
Dr. Paolantonio has been a musician for the U.S. Army for 15 years and serves in the Army Field Band. Brittany Blair is an instructor of harp and music theory at WVU.
Dr. Paloantonio also is an abstract pendulum artist and demonstrate during this program.
Elizabeth Wotring Nelson: Vocal performance, French jazz and pop songs
Sunday, Aug. 9, 7 p.m.
Aurora Genera Store
Elizabeth is a Preston County native, professional actor, singer and theatre professor at Fairmont State University. This will be a program of French jazz and pop songs in the traditions of Edith Piaf and Madeline Peyroux.
Doug VanGundy: Eyes Glowing at the Edge of the Woods, poetry reading
Sunday, Aug. 23, 5 to 7 p.m.
Aurora General Store
Excerpts from an anthology of Fiction and Poetry by West Virginia writers and edited by Laura Long and Doug VanGundy. This collection focuses on living in modern Appalachia and covers topics such as environmental beauty, class, family, sexual identity and the many “senses of place.”
25th Anniversary Exhibition: Lewis Stemple
Opening reception Sunday, September `13, 5 to 7 p.m.
Aurora General Store
Stemple was a self-taught artist and solitary man who wandered the hills and ridges of West Virginia. He captured natural landscapes and intimate, small-town scenes of everyday life in his native Aurora.
Lewis Stemple lived in Aurora and developed his art through his association with artists in the Youghiogheny Forest Colony of the 1930s.
Run for It! Tour of Davis 2K Walk and 5K Run
Saturday, September 26 (register before 9 a.m.)
Support the arts in Appalachia by running, walking, playing with our string band or making a donation to the Aurora Project. Register online at www.tuckerfoundation.net. Want to play in the string band? Contact Alice.
Aurora Barn Dance 2026!
Sunday, Oct. 4, 2-6 p.m.
Fint Barn, Route 50, Aurora
Our traditional square dance with caller returns to the historical Fint Barn. Music will be provided by Born Old and Aurora Celtic. There will be a silent auction to raise funds for the Aurora Project. Enjoy chili, Italian sausage and beverage all for the $15 admission. There will be art exhibits and a quilt display, as well.
Children are welcome, and those under 10 get in free!