Charleston Invitational Pop-Up Art Show
A Curated Exhibition by Jose L. Rizo & Tighe Bullock
Bringing Art to Charleston
The Charleston Invitational Pop-Up Art Show brought together some of West Virginia's most accomplished contemporary artists for a four-night exhibition unlike any traditional gallery experience. Curated by Jose L. Rizo in collaboration with Tighe Bullock, the exhibition transformed a space in Charleston's Elk City District into a vibrant destination where fine art, live music, and community came together.
Following a series of successful exhibitions throughout southern West Virginia, the Charleston Invitational marked Jose's first major curatorial project in the state's capital city. Alongside the work of ten invited artists, visitors experienced more than thirty historic works from The Rizo Collection, creating a dialogue between American artistic heritage and today's West Virginia creative community.
The Vision Behind the Charleston Invitational
Celebrating West Virginia Artists
The Charleston Invitational featured a carefully selected group of artists whose work represented the diversity and strength of West Virginia's creative community.
Featured artists included:
- Fred Hays
- Sharon Harms
- Michael Teel
- Henry Riffe
- Lynn Payne
- Ellie Schaul
- Barrie Kaufman
- Anthony Peyton Young
- Vivian Reynolds
- Dick Allowatt
Together, these artists showcased a wide range of styles, techniques, and perspectives while highlighting the exceptional talent found throughout the Mountain State. By bringing these artists together under one roof, the exhibition celebrated both individual artistic voices and the broader story of contemporary West Virginia art.
Historic Works from The Rizo Collection
In addition to the invited artists, the Charleston Invitational featured more than thirty historic works from The Rizo Collection. These pieces connected contemporary West Virginia artists with important examples of American art, allowing visitors to experience both historical and modern works within a single exhibition. The combination reflected The Rizo Collection's mission of preserving America's artistic heritage while supporting today's artists and expanding opportunities for public engagement. The result was an exhibition that encouraged visitors to see the lasting influence of American art across generations.
A Community Built Around Art
The Charleston Invitational Pop-Up Art Show was designed to be more than an exhibition. Every evening featured live music, food, drinks, and opportunities for conversation between artists, collectors, and the public.
The event was made possible through partnerships with Aronfield Agency, Bullock Distillery, Folklore Music Exchange, El Mariachi Mexican Restaurant, and Tighe Bullock, whose support helped transform the Elk City venue into a temporary cultural gathering place.
By combining visual art with music and community partnerships, the Charleston Invitational created an experience that welcomed longtime collectors and first-time gallery visitors alike.
Continuing the Mission of The Rizo Collection
The Charleston Invitational Pop-Up Art Show represents the ongoing mission of The Rizo Collection to preserve artistic heritage while creating meaningful opportunities for contemporary artists.
Through thoughtful curation, community collaboration, and a commitment to making art more accessible, Jose L. Rizo continues to create exhibitions that celebrate both the history of American art and the future of West Virginia's creative community. The Charleston Invitational stands as another example of how art can bring people together, strengthen communities, and inspire lasting appreciation for the artists who shape our cultural landscape.