Mural Unveiled as Part of Statewide West Virginia Tourism Initiative

CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — A new public art installation now welcomes visitors and residents in downtown Clarksburg as part of a statewide effort to highlight local culture and history through murals.

Community members gathered Friday to celebrate the completion of Future Through the Glass of Time, Harrison County’s featured stop on the West Virginia Mural Trail, a 2026 initiative led by West Virginia Tourism.

Located on the side of the historic James & Law Building, the mural was created by West Virginia artist Amber Penland and incorporates recognizable elements of local identity and heritage. Among the imagery featured are nods to the region’s industrial history, community traditions, and well known symbols of North Central West Virginia.

Penland said her inspiration came from her own connections to West Virginia and a desire to capture both the past and future of the communities represented in the piece.

The project was coordinated locally through the Clarksburg History Museum, which helped organize planning, partnerships, and installation efforts. Museum leaders noted that dozens of volunteers and supporters contributed throughout the process to help bring the mural from concept to completion.

Organizers said the mural was designed not only as a visual landmark but also as a reflection of the stories, traditions, and people who helped shape Harrison County.

The mural is now complete and available for public viewing in downtown Clarksburg, adding a new destination to both the city and the growing West Virginia Mural Trail.