The Over the Mountain Studio Tour and the Old Opera House Heiler Gallery pair up during the 15th annual New Voice Play Festival to host an exhibit of work by members of the popular Jefferson County studio tour. The exhibit will be in the Old Opera House Heiler Gallery on all three days of the festival, and docents from the studio tour will be present both before and after performances, as well as during intermissions, to talk about the artisans, their work, and studio tour. The New Voice Play Festival runs June 19, 20 and 21, and plays are at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 2:30 p.m. on Sunday. The gallery will be open one hour before showtime for early viewing and ticket sales.

Playgoers attending the New Voice Play Festival will experience a larger connection with the visual arts community, combining new theater and an exhibit of studio tour handmade wares in one place.

“You will see first-hand why this community is a haven for gifted artists of all varieties,” says Tara Bell, colored pencil artist and eighth year tour member.

The Over the Mountain Studio Tour is best known for its annual fall tour during the second weekend of November, where visitors are invited to see first-hand how and where artists make their wares. They also host a Summer Show in July in Shepherdstown, with work from all artisans under one roof, and an introduction of the year’s newest juried members. This year, the Summer Show will be held July 24-26 at the Shepherdstown Community Club, and the complete fall Studio Tour will be November 14 and 15 including 25 makers and nine stops in Jefferson County.

The New Voice Play Festival includes four new plays during each performance, and playgoers are encouraged to vote for their favorite play after each performance, with the winning play announced after the final performance. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for students, and can be purchased at the Old Opera House, or by calling 304.725.4420.