Wheeling Heritage Announces Seven Partnership Grant Recipients

WHEELING, W.Va. – February 18, 2026 – Wheeling Heritage has awarded Partnership Grants to seven local organizations and businesses to support projects that advance historic preservation, community development, and the arts in Wheeling.

Wheeling Heritage’s Partnership Grant Program provides funding for initiatives that align with its mission to serve as a catalyst for the revitalization of Wheeling. Grants are awarded across five categories: Education & Interpretation, Small Business Development, Arts, Recreation, and Fairs & Festivals.

“These Partnership Grant recipients reflect the full spectrum of creativity and momentum happening across Wheeling,” said Riley Carpenter, director of programming for Wheeling Heritage. “From entrepreneurial growth and community celebrations to recreation, meaningful interpretation, and inspiring artistic work, this cycle truly spans all five of our grant categories. Some projects will begin taking shape right away, while others will unfold in the months ahead. Each one of them is contributing to the vitality of our community. We’re proud to support these efforts and look forward to sharing more about them. Keep your eyes on Weelunk for upcoming features highlighting the stories behind the projects.”

The 2026 Partnership Grant recipients include:

● ARK Photography (Anna Fonner): The SOULSHINE Free Portrait Project. The initiative provides free children’s portraits, digital downloads, and framed prints to families regardless of their circumstances. The project previously partnered with the Ohio County Public Library Children’s Department and has served 84 families and 116 children.

●Capitol Theatre: Artist Mural – Dressing Rooms. Local artist Monica Duymich of IKAROS ART LLC will create a mural in the green room hospitality space of the dressing room area at the historic Capitol Theatre, depicting the theatre’s musical legacy and Wheeling’s history. The mural will welcome nationally touring artists who perform at the venue.

●The Cheese Melt Grill and Bar (Thomas Gilson): Dining Room Expansion. The Warwood restaurant will expand its dining room and prep area to better accommodate customers and improve efficiency. The project includes construction by QCR Construction, a new kitchen floor installed by Bigfoot’s Concrete Coating, and interior finishing work completed by Gibson and business partner Leslie Liedel, including painting and décor updates to the new space.

●Fort Henry Chapter, NSSAR: Main Street to Mountains: A Wheeling Portrait — Where Local Landscapes Meet the Spirit of a Nation. Facilitated by Mindi Yarbrough and Greg Swiegert, this plein air and juried art exhibit invites artists to interpret Wheeling’s landscapes in observance of America’s 250th anniversary, resulting in a public exhibition at the Wheeling Artisan Center in July.

●Sport Your Colors LLC (Michael Haney): Strategic Marketing Expansion. Grant funds will support expanded marketing efforts for the local apparel business, enhancing its on-site presence at school and community fundraising events.

●Wheeling Arts & Cultural Commission: Wheeling Arts Fest 2026. The commission will produce the annual arts festival at Wheeling Park in August, featuring an artist market, poetry and prose readings, live music, and food vendors, highlighting the region’s creative community.

●Wheeling Watersports (Joseph Bonds): Marina Recreation Launch. A new, locally owned business launching at the Wheeling Island Marina will offer pontoon boat and kayak rentals, youth kayaking, and related amenities to activate the marina and increase access to the Ohio River.

The next Partnership Grant application cycle will open on April 1 and close on April 30. For more information, visit wheelingheritage.org/grants or call 304-232-3087.

About Wheeling Heritage:

Wheeling Heritage is a catalyst for the revitalization of Wheeling. Through historic preservation, community development, and the arts, we help to tell Wheeling’s story and shape its future. We seek to improve the quality of life in Wheeling by preserving and investing in our city, collaborating with others, and engaging the citizens of Wheeling in our work.