BUCKHANNON, West Virginia –  Applications are now open for the third year of Governor’s School for the Arts on the campus of West Virginia Wesleyan College. The College previously hosted GSA from 2014-2016. Dates for Summer 2026 are June 21-July 11.

The 2026 Governor’s School for the Arts is shining the spotlight on theatre arts including acting, directing and stage design. Digital media/art, creative writing, dance, instrumental music, studio art and vocal music make up the other disciplines. 

Digital media/art is a growing track in the GSA line-up that exposes students to design theory and principles with real-world applications. 

Students in GSA’s digital media program will apply art theory, such as color, typography, cinematography, and Gestalt principles, across a wide breadth of media, including logo design, animation, video production, photography, web design, and promotional posters. 

Throughout the GSA experience, this process is guided by an industry expert with 25 years of experience and will culminate in a complete, portfolio-ready brand identity system for each student. 

Dean of the West Virginia Governor’s School for the Arts Dr. Alexis de Coning said, “We are excited to welcome more students to GSA 2026. Programs like GSA create space for young artists to develop their craft while learning how creative work can foster connection, empathy, and shared understanding.”

There are opportunities for students to learn from guest artists and professionals in their fields, explore downtown Buckhannon and participate in arts field trips. Students also learn from published authors who will be on campus as part of the Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing summer residency. 

Students who attended the 2025 Governor Schools for the Arts shared their thoughts: 

“Students find their calling here . . . This was the best experience of my life, and I’m leaving with great new knowledge on my art.”

“It was one of the best experiences to learn more art and meet amazing new friends. I love this program because it’s helping keep the arts alive and shows off all the amazing talented artists of WV.”

“It’s an amazing experience for a young artist to show what art school is like and to make some friends who are like you.”

“The feedback, experience, people, and knowledge gained are so valuable. This is a very essential experience if you would like to continue to improve in your art form.”

Current sophomores can apply now at https://govschools.wv.gov/ before the March 6 deadline. GSA is funded by the State of West Virginia at no cost to families.

ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE
West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts and sciences college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for more than 130 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2025 Best Colleges in the Mid-Atlantic Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan ninth in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students nearly 60 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, nursing and clinical mental health counseling; 20 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 50 organizations. Founded in 1890, the College is closely affiliated with the United Methodist Church and abides by the Wesley doctrine that emphasizes service to others. For more information, visit https://wvde.us/academics/middle-secondary-education/student-events-programs-initiatives/governors-schools-west-virginia