I AM WILD: A Charley Harper Exhibit in West Virginia Makes Premiere at the Clay Center
Charleston, WV (August 15, 2026) - I AM WILD: A Charley Harper Exhibit in West Virginia, inspired by the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh’s 2025 exhibition, I AM WILD: A Charley Harper Exhibit, opens at the Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences of West Virginia on August 15, 2026, and runs through January 3, 2027.
Supported by generous funding from the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation, this traveling exhibit celebrates the artistic and ecological contributions of West Virginia native Charley Harper. By bringing Harper’s work back to his home state, the exhibition strengthens cultural and educational connections across the region while inspiring new generations to explore the natural world.
This hands-on exhibit highlights Harper’s signature artistic style of “minimal realism” and invites visitors to discover the diversity and interdependency of life in the natural world. Visitors will also have the opportunity to view a curated collection of Harper’s artwork, showcasing his favorite subjects and printmaking methods he used during his career.
“Charley Harper had an extraordinary ability to spark curiosity about the natural world through art, and there’s something especially meaningful about sharing that legacy here in his home state,” said Zack Merritt, Director of Education at the Clay Center. “I AM WILD invites children and families to explore biodiversity, creativity, and the beauty of our environment together through hands-on experiences inspired by Harper’s unique vision. We’re excited to offer West Virginians this special opportunity for a limited time and hope it inspires visitors of all ages to see nature—and their connection to it—in a whole new way.”
Visitors can interact with the colorful birds, animals, and insects through hands-on activities, including:
Creating your own natural soundscape with a musical machine of different bird calls
Acting like your favorite creatures or “be wild” in your own way in our interpretation of Charley Harper’s habitats
Exploring art-making in Harper’s style of minimal realism
The exhibit was developed by Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh in partnership with Charley Harper Art Studio and will tour to venues across West Virginia through January 2028. This initiative is designed to engage families and visitors at partner museums, educators and teachers across West Virginia, students of all ages, and community stakeholders invested in arts, ecology, and education.
For more information about the Clay Center, visit theclaycenter.org.
For questions about your visit, please call (304) 561-3570 or email boxoffice@theclaycenter.org.
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About Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh
Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh provides innovative and inclusive museum experiences that inspire kindness, joy, creativity and curiosity for all learners. We forge connections with artists, community partners and neighbors to work on behalf of children, youth and families. Permanent hands-on, interactive exhibit areas include The Studio, Garage, Waterplay, Kindness Gallery, Backyard and MAKESHOP®. The Museum is located on Pittsburgh’s historic North Side at 10 Children’s Way, Pittsburgh, PA 15212. For more information, please call (412) 322-5058 or visit the Museum website, www.pittsburghkids.org.
About the Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences of West Virginia
The Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences of West Virginia, a not-for-profit located in Charleston, WV, is a 240,000-square-foot structure that houses performing arts, visual arts, and sciences all under one roof—one of the few of its kind in the country. At the Clay Center, we’re on a mission to ignite the imaginations of all who visit, offering a multitude of experiences that captivate, educate, and entertain.
About Charley Harper
Charley Harper (1922 - 2007) found his love for nature and wildlife as a child growing up on a small farm in West Virginia. He began drawing creatures from his backyard creek in the fourth grade, and this passion eventually led him to Ohio to attend the Art Academy of Cincinnati - meeting his wife and eventual collaborator, Edie, on the very first day. Harper spent the majority of his adult life living and working in Cincinnati, creating a vast collection of iconic and treasured works, and left behind a legacy of clever artistry and a deep commitment to conservation.
About Charley Harper Art Studio
The Charley Harper Art Studio, founded in 1947 by Charley himself, is dedicated to preserving and promoting his legacy through a small but passionate team. The studio collaborates with brands and organizations worldwide, showcasing Harper's iconic work, renowned for its distinctive minimalistic style and vibrant depiction of nature. In doing so, and in reaching very diverse audiences, these partnerships support his lifelong commitment to conservation and advance environmental awareness and education initiatives in line with Harper’s vision.
About Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation
The Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation is dedicated to advancing human development in West Virginia and Southwestern Pennsylvania. Established in 1944 by Michael and Sarah Benedum, the Foundation supports initiatives in education, health, and community and economic development. Through strategic grantmaking grounded in the philosophy of “helping people help themselves,” its investments strengthen communities, expand opportunity, and improve quality of life across the region. For more information, visit https://benedum.org/.