Places near me Random place
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
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)
What’s happening  
Double outhouse 😂  
Circus items  
Local & famous artists on display  
Native American area, large arrowhead collection  
Been Here
Want to go
Added to list

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

kimberlygrif

Published

March 5, 2024

Edit this listing

Make an Edit
Add Photos
Sources

Nearby Places

Related Places

  • Kyoto, Japan

    Chaos Room

    A nondescript building is home to a one-room museum filled with an overwhelming array of art and objects.

  • Gene Frankel Theater

    New York, New York

    'Dreams of Hyperion'

    A unique collection of figures perform down the facade of the Gene Frankel Theatre.

  • The north side is a wonder to behold.

    Seattle, Washington

    Wall of Misfit Art

    A mesmerizing amount of crazy art is attached to the side of this house on Seattle's Phinney Ridge, bringing smiles to those who venture down the driveway to take a look.

  • The Glowquarium

    Grapevine, Texas

    The Real Unreal

    Fall through a crack in the seams of reality at this immersive art installation.

  •

    Jacksonville, Florida

    African Jew Museum

    Tucked away in Jacksonville's oldest neighborhood, this museum stands as a repository and celebration of outsider art.

  • T.C. Steele House

    Nashville, Indiana

    House of the Singing Winds

    In the hills of southern Indiana is the idyllic studio and museum of legendary artist T.C. Steele.

  • 'In-the-Loop'

    Des Moines, Iowa

    'In-the-Loop'

    A unique work of outsider art sourced from scrap metals and signifies conservation.

Aerial image of Vietnam, displaying the picturesque rice terraces, characterized by their layered, verdant fields.
Atlas Obscura Membership

See Fewer Ads

Become an Atlas Obscura member and experience far fewer ads

Become a Member