Hip Hop: A Black Tie Affair - Where Ya At? presented by YWCA Wheeling

Where Ya At?

Three words that insist a call to arms & demand a stance be taken. With the current state of our geopolitical landscape; we need someone, somewhere, to stand up to be heard. Often, it has been artists who unflinchingly answer that call. The YWCA Wheeling’s event, Hip-Hop: A Black-Tie Affair, is a mixture of gala, Art exhibit, Film screening, and old school House party. The focus is to celebrate the art form of Hip-Hop and the culture associated with it.

In that spirit, the YWCA Wheeling, in partnership with Oglebay Institute’s Stifel Fine Arts Center, are proud to present the 5th annual Hip Hop: A Black Tie Affair event. This pop-up exhibition to run Monday Feb. 16th through Saturday Feb. 21st at the Stifel Fine Arts Center. A closing reception for artists and guests will be held on Saturday Feb. 21st from 6:30-8:30pm.

The awards will be:

1st prize: $250

2nd prize: $150

3rd prize: $100

Entry fee: Free for up to 2 pieces

Where Ya At?

Three words that insist a call to arms & demand a stance be taken. With the current state of our geopolitical landscape; we need someone somewhere to stand up to be heard. Often, it has been artists who unflinchingly answer the call. The YWCA Wheeling’s event, Hip-Hop: A Black-Tie Affair, is a mixture of a gala, Art exhibit, Film screening, and old school House party. The focus is to celebrate the art form of Hip-Hop and the culture associated with it.

Where Ya At? invites artists to create their own visual and conceptual blends, bringing together elements of hip-hop culture through their chosen medium. Whether it's the lyrics of the verses, the beats of the music, the creativity of fashion, the bold statements of graffiti - this exhibit will showcase the far-reaching influence of hip-hop as a genre and its imprint on our overall culture.  

The YWCA of Wheeling and Oglebay Institute’s Stifel Fine Arts Center invite artists of all levels residing in OH, PA, and WV to submit their work. All visual mediums will be considered. 

The awards will be:

1st prize: $250

2nd prize: $150

3rd prize: $100

Entry fee: is free and artists may submit up to two images.

Important dates:

• Exhibition dates: February 16 - February 21, 2026
• Deadline for entries: February 2, 2026 (11:59 p.m. EST)
• Juror’s Notification emailed the week of: February 2
• Closing Reception: February 21, 2026 (6:30-8:30pm)
• Hand delivered drop off accepted works dates: February 3 - February 14, 2026
• Shipped works accepted through February 14 (Shipping is at the cost of the artist; return shipping label must be included, Ship to: Stifel Fine Arts Center | Oglebay Institute, Where Ya At, 1330 National Road, Wheeling WV 26003)
• Pick up dates after the close of the exhibit: Feb. 23-28 (unsold work that was originally shipped, will be shipped back to the artist at this time)
   

All entries must be completed online by 11:59 EST on February 2, 2026 through CaFÈ. You will need to set up a free account at callforentry.org  (Questions? Contact Kevin Clancy, Curator at kclancy@oionline.com or call 304-242-7700.

Procedures & Requirements:

• All entries must be completed online by 11:59 EST on February 2, 2026 through CaFÈ. You will need to set up a free account at callforentry.org (Questions? contact Kevin Clancy at kclancy@oionline.com or 304-242-7700.)
• All works must be the original work of the artist. 

• Artists may submit up to 2 works. You must submit high-resolution images (300 dpi) for the jury process. The Stifel Fine Arts Center will use submitted images of accepted works for concurrent online exhibit, documentation, the exhibit catalog, and promotional materials for this exhibit where applicable. 

• Please no shipping peanuts! Shipping materials will be kept for returning work. Only boxes, crates and bins with proper labels including the artist’s contact information and the name of the piece will be kept for repackaging of hand delivered works.

Ship accepted works to: Stifel Fine Arts Center | Oglebay Institute, Where Ya At, 1330 National Road, Wheeling WV 26003) Shipped works will be returned to the artist at the artist‘s expense. A return shipping label must be included when originally shipped for the exhibit. We strongly encourage you to insure shipping your work both ways. Stifel Fine Arts Center is only responsible for damage to work while it is here on our property not while in transit.

• Works left at Stifel Fine Arts Center more than 60 days past the Pick-up Dates (Feb. 23-28) become the property of Stifel Fine Arts Center and will not be stored. Written proof of charitable contribution will be issued for its stated value.

• Open to visual artists 18 years and older residing in OH, PA, and WV.

Works must have been completed within the last two calendar years and not been previously exhibited at the Stifel Fine Arts Center. 

• All works must be for sale. Stifel Fine Arts Center will retain a 30% commission on the sale price. Set price accordingly.

• Questions? contact Kevin Clancy at kclancy@oionline.com or 304-242-7700

Open to visual artists 18 years and older residing and working in OH, PA, and WV.

All works must be the original work of the artist. 

Artists may submit up to 2 works.

All works must be for sale. Stifel Fine Arts Center will retain a 30% commission on the sales price. Price work accordingly. WV state sales tax will be applied.