Certified Arts Towns: Bluefield
The massive mural and painted trains in Chicory Square showcase Bluefield’s artistic flair, but they’re only a hint the rich heritage that earned it a distinction as a Certified Arts Town.
The square comes alive weekly in the summer, with a First Friday concert series. It’s one of many, many performances you can uncover around town.
The restored Bluefield Area Arts Center, is on the National Register of Historic Places. A theater troupe has also sprung up in the theater: Four PALS Productions, with performances by local playwrights in addition to beloved classics.
The Blue Mountain Performing Arts organization brings big productions to town, using the local universities and community spaces to offer affordable tickets to the public. Bluefield State College and Bluefield College also put on their own shows, with jazz ensembles, theater, and other fine arts.
The state-of-the-art Blue field High School Performing Arts Center also serves as a venue, and a home base for the volunteer-run orchestra, the East River Mountain Town Band.
Have you discovered Bluefield’s arts scene?
More Certified Arts Towns: Mercer County, Lewisburg