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WEIRTON - The Summit Art Gallery will host an upcoming exhibition featuring the artwork of longtime Weirton resident Dr. Eli Dragisich, whose artistic journey began decades ago with snow sculptures and has more recently evolved into a passion for painting.
The exhibition will begin Tuesday, with an opening reception held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Summit Art Gallery, located within the Top of West Virginia Convention and Visitors Bureau at 243 Three Springs Drive, Suite 17, Weirton, and will remain on display until Sept. 28.
The reception is open to the public, and there is no cost to attend. Light refreshments will be available.
While Dragisich is known throughout the community for his career in optometry, many may also remember his snow sculptures. His journey as a sculptor began during the Blizzard of 1976, when his then 3-year-old daughter, Jennifer, asked him to build a snow sculpture. What began as a family project became a 30-year tradition, with Dragisich creating snow sculptures depicting famous fictional characters each winter.
At the age of 79, Dragisich discovered another creative outlet: painting. Painting has become much more than a new hobby for him. He describes the experience as one that has brought additional meaning and purpose to his life, providing an opportunity to temporarily step away from the negative aspects of reality. While painting, he says, time seems to pass quickly, yet each session offers a therapeutic experience.
"Everyone should become involved in the arts and experience the inherent value they can bring to our lives," he encourages.
The show is on display during regular gallery hours, Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For more information about the show or other gallery events, contact the Top of WV at 304-797-7001 or email info@topofwv.com.
The Summit Art Gallery is managed by the Top of West Virginia Arts Council, which works under the umbrella of the CVB. New exhibitions open at the gallery every two months.