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All the United States West Virginia Gary Bowling's House of Art

Gary Bowling's House of Art

A once-abandoned school building converted into a fantastical multi-level art installation and haven for Appalachian artists.

Bluefield, West Virginia

Added By
Mariel Hamer
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Working in progress in the wood shop   mhamertime / Atlas Obscura User
Working in progress in the wood shop   mhamertime / Atlas Obscura User
Circus themed landing off the main stair   mhamertime / Atlas Obscura User
Conference Room   mhamertime / Atlas Obscura User
One of the school corridors converted into an apartment   mhamertime / Atlas Obscura User
Abandoned classroom   mhamertime / Atlas Obscura User
Private corridor   mhamertime / Atlas Obscura User
Haunted house in the old auditorium   mhamertime / Atlas Obscura User
Circus items  
Double outhouse 😂  
Native American area, large arrowhead collection  
Local & famous artists on display  
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About

The Ramsey School, a historic Romanesque Revival building in downtown Bluefield, West Virginia, has undergone a fascinating transformation. From its origins as a main elementary school in 1926, it served various purposes before finding new life as Gary Bowling's House of Art. With the tagline "Art, History, Magic, Mystery," the former school now houses a public gallery showcasing eclectic art, while its seven levels have been imaginatively converted into themed art studios and apartments.

Gary Bowling and partners Jody and Vicki Queen have turned neglected corridors into fantastical spaces adorned with peculiar sculptures made from found objects, embracing the building's history in a phantasmagoric display of creativity.

The gallery spaces are filled with the work of Appalachian artists. It's an eclectic mix of sculpture, painting, and interactive art. In addition to showcasing completed works, GBHA also puts on events and art classes across different mediums.

Related Tags

Art Gallery Appalachia Outsider Art Art Schools

Know Before You Go

The upper floors of the building are typically not open to the public. You need to call ahead of your visit to ask for a personal tour. 

Every October, they have a haunted house fundraiser where you can walkthrough the building. 

Community Contributors

Added By

mhamertime

Edited By

BE, kimberlygrif

  • BE
  • kimberlygrif

Published

March 5, 2024

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Sources
  • https://www.wvva.com/2023/05/12/gary-bowlings-house-art-unveils-its-circus-landing-all-together-arts-week/
  • https://visitmercercounty.com/company/gary-bowlings-house-of-art/
  • https://npgallery.nps.gov/GetAsset/3313128c-0f26-4ba2-a064-e5187e409bad
  • https://visitmercercounty.com/from-trash-to-treasure-at-gary-bowlings-house-of-art-2/
  • https://sah-archipedia.org/buildings/WV-01-ME13
  • https://www.bdtonline.com/news/paranormal-investigators-explore-ramsey-school/article_44ea657c-dc70-11e6-b926-bff92230d682.html
  • https://www.bdtonline.com/news/whisky-returns-to-his-roots/article_9b1c8250-a0ea-11e8-b508-132fe5199454.html
Gary Bowling's House of Art
300 Ramsey St
Bluefield, West Virginia, 24701
United States
37.267529, -81.223542
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Nearby Places

Pocahontas Exhibition Coal Mine

Pocahontas, Virginia

miles away

Lake Shawnee Amusement Park

Rock, West Virginia

miles away

Big Walker Lookout

Wytheville, Virginia

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of West Virginia

West Virginia

United States

Places 112
Stories 10

Nearby Places

Pocahontas Exhibition Coal Mine

Pocahontas, Virginia

miles away

Lake Shawnee Amusement Park

Rock, West Virginia

miles away

Big Walker Lookout

Wytheville, Virginia

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of West Virginia

West Virginia

United States

Places 112
Stories 10

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