I Heart NY/WV Exhibition
Bridging the Artistic Spirit of New York City and West Virginia Through Curated Exhibitions
Bringing New York and West Virginia Together
The I Heart NY/WV Exhibition explored an unexpected connection between two places separated by geography but united through artistic inspiration. Curated by Jose L. Rizo, the exhibition paired nearly fifty historic works depicting New York City with artwork from fifteen contemporary West Virginia artists, creating a conversation between one of America's most recognizable cities and the Mountain State.
Hosted at The Grant Building in Beckley, the exhibition invited visitors to experience paintings, etchings, watercolors, and contemporary works that celebrated architecture, landscapes, industry, and everyday life. The result was a unique exhibition that encouraged guests to discover new similarities between two very different artistic traditions.
The Vision Behind the Exhibition
For Jose Rizo, New York has long been a source of artistic inspiration. Years spent visiting museums, studying architecture, and exploring the city's rich artistic history sparked a deep appreciation for the artists who documented New York during the early twentieth century.
Rather than presenting these historic works on their own, Jose chose to pair them with a carefully curated selection of West Virginia artists. His goal was to demonstrate that meaningful art can emerge from both bustling city streets and quiet mountain communities, encouraging visitors to appreciate the creative spirit shared by each region.
The exhibition reflected Jose's belief that art should educate as much as it inspires, giving visitors both beautiful works to enjoy and the stories behind them.
Historic New York Through The Rizo Collection
At the heart of the exhibition were nearly fifty paintings, etchings, and watercolors from The Rizo Collection depicting New York City during the early decades of the twentieth century.
These works captured the architecture, neighborhoods, streets, and energy that helped establish New York as one of the world's great artistic centers. Featuring scenes familiar to generations through history, film, and literature, the collection offered visitors a rare opportunity to experience historic images of the city through original works of art.
By sharing these pieces publicly, Jose continued The Rizo Collection's mission of preserving important American artwork while making it accessible to new audiences.
Celebrating West Virginia Artists
Complementing the historic New York collection was an exhibition featuring fifteen contemporary West Virginia artists personally selected by Jose Rizo.
Featured artists included:
- Fred Hays
- John Coffey
- Tom Acosta
- Robert Walker
- Ruth Yang
- Laura Williamson
- Jamal Hoskins
- Gary Vaughan
- Debbie Lester
- Suzanne Wiseman
- Richard Shrewsbury
- Rita Montrosse
- Linda Elmer
- Drew Shinhearts
- Shelby Lynn Oreolt
Together, their work celebrated the landscapes, industries, communities, and people that define West Virginia. By presenting these artists alongside historic American works, the exhibition highlighted the continued strength of artistic talent throughout the state while encouraging greater appreciation for local creativity.
Art in Service of the Community
Like many exhibitions presented by Jose Rizo, the I Heart NY/WV Exhibition was designed to extend beyond the gallery walls.
Each weekend featured live music, food, and community gathering while also supporting local charitable organizations through special benefit evenings. Visitors experienced an exhibition that blended education, entertainment, and philanthropy, reinforcing Jose's belief that art can serve as a catalyst for bringing communities together.
The exhibition also reflected the collaborative spirit behind The Rizo Collection, made possible through partnerships with local artists, businesses, sponsors, and community organizations that shared a commitment to strengthening Southern West Virginia's cultural landscape.
Continuing the Mission of The Rizo Collection
The I Heart NY/WV Exhibition represents The Rizo Collection's ongoing mission to preserve American art while creating opportunities for education, collaboration, and community engagement.
By bringing together historic New York artwork and contemporary West Virginia artists, Jose L. Rizo created an exhibition that encouraged visitors to see familiar places from new perspectives while celebrating the enduring power of American art. The exhibition serves as another example of The Rizo Collection's commitment to connecting people through meaningful artistic experiences that inspire curiosity, conversation, and appreciation for our shared cultural heritage.