Joshua Miller’s wood sculpture, “Freel,” will be one of the art pieces on display in the War Memorial Building this weekend. Courtesy photo

SHEPHERDSTOWN — The Mountain Valley Artists Art Show will be held for the first time this weekend, in the War Memorial Building.

The show was organized by Joshua Miller, a wood worker from Hardy County. He decided to hold an art show and asked some of his fellow artists if they would be interested in joining him.

“It’s about bringing together regional artists for a lovely art show,” Miller said. “Artists get to talk with each other about their art and talk with their customers.”

Many artists agreed to participate in the art show, including Thom Davis from Third Eye Images, Bruce Fransen from Bruce Fransen Creations, Elizabeth Goins from Liz Paper Arts, Lois McManus from Evitts Creek Arts, Ashley Sauder Miller from The Little Black Studio, Sue Ryan from Sue Ryan Art and Audrey Taucher from Audrey Taucher Pottery. Each of these artists will show their work to the community and be on hand to talk about their pieces with visitors.

“Having an event like this helps validate us as artists,” Miller said. “We get to have conversations about our art, which really feeds the soul of the artist. And hopefully we can make some sales as well.”

Miller has been in the woodworking business for more than 30 years. He helps design and build houses, furniture and wood sculptures. Like the other artists at the show, he is passionate about his work and enjoys creating art.

“I did a series of apprenticeships when I was younger,” Miller said. “I helped build furniture and a bunch of other stuff. I’ve wanted to be a studio artist since I was 16. I’ve been working toward that since then.”

According to Miller, art is an important part of someone’s culture and reflects the people who created it.

“I believe that art and design define what we are as a society,” Miller said. “I believe it’s very important that we keep that as a part of the culture and who we are.”

The Mountain Valley Artists Art Show will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday in the War Memorial Building. Members of the community can come to support local artists, learn more about what they do and enjoy the beautiful pieces they’ve created.