World of Watercolor
A celebration of watercolor masters, regional artists, and one of America's most enduring artistic traditions.
Celebrating the Art of Watercolor
World of Watercolor was a four-night exhibition that explored the beauty, versatility, and history of watercolor painting. Curated by José Rizo as part of the Rizo/Bickey Pop-Up Series, the exhibition paired more than fifty watercolor works from The Rizo Collection with original paintings by regional West Virginia artists. Together, the exhibition highlighted both nationally recognized watercolor traditions and the thriving creative community found throughout Appalachia.
A Unique Exhibition
Unlike previous mixed-media exhibitions, World of Watercolor concentrated entirely on one artistic medium. Featuring landscapes, city scenes, wildlife, portraits, winter imagery, and everyday Appalachian life, the exhibition demonstrated the remarkable range that watercolor can achieve. Works from members of the prestigious American Watercolor Society were displayed alongside contemporary regional artists, creating a dialogue between historic excellence and modern creativity.
Supporting Artists and Community
Each exhibition evening followed a consistent format of fine art, live music, local food, and community fellowship. Sponsored by local businesses, every event directed a portion of ticket proceeds to a different nonprofit organization, allowing the exhibition to support both local artists and charitable causes. The series became a model for combining cultural programming with meaningful community impact throughout southern West Virginia.
A Platform for Regional Artists
Alongside selections from The Rizo Collection, fifteen West Virginia artists displayed their own watercolor paintings, offering visitors the opportunity to discover new regional talent. By limiting the number of participating artists, the exhibition gave each exhibitor greater visibility while encouraging conversations between artists, collectors, and visitors. The intimate gallery setting helped strengthen connections within Beckley's growing arts community.
Building a Creative Community
Beyond displaying exceptional artwork, World of Watercolor created an experience that encouraged people to slow down and engage with both the art and one another. Live music, storytelling, and guided discussions transformed each evening into a welcoming cultural gathering. The exhibition reflected José Rizo's ongoing mission to revitalize downtown Beckley by creating accessible opportunities for artists and the public to connect through fine art.
Lasting Legacy
World of Watercolor celebrated one of America's oldest artistic traditions while demonstrating its continued relevance today. By bringing together nationally recognized works, regional artists, nonprofit organizations, and the local community, the exhibition honored the enduring power of watercolor painting and reinforced The Rizo Collection's commitment to preserving artistic heritage while inspiring future generations.