WHEELING, W.Va. — Oglebay Institute has announced that Keen Owen will become the new Director of the Stifel Fine Arts Center/Visual Arts, officially stepping into the role on June 8, 2026.
For Owen, the opportunity is more than a professional milestone — it’s a homecoming. A native of West Virginia’s Northern Panhandle, Owen says he is excited to return to the Ohio Valley and join one of Wheeling’s most respected arts institutions.
“I feel very excited,” Owen said in information released by Oglebay Institute. “This organization, this institution is a major part of Wheeling and has been for a long time. It produces so many different and interesting art exhibits and art classes. It’s such an important part of the community, and I’m excited to join the legacy.”
According to Oglebay Institute, Owen brings extensive experience in museum leadership, curatorial work, and community arts programming. Most recently, he served as Acting Curator and Collections Manager at the West Virginia State Museum, where he helped lead exhibition development, collections stewardship, and public engagement initiatives.
Owen also holds a Master’s degree in Public History from Duquesne University and has previously worked with the Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, as well as contributing to arts programming with The Frick Pittsburgh and the August Wilson House.
An accomplished visual artist, Owen says he values creating connections between art, education, and community through exhibitions, outreach, and public programming.
“We are thrilled to welcome Keen to the Oglebay Institute team,” said Danielle Cross McCracken in the release. “His thoughtful, community-focused approach and strong background in exhibitions and arts and education initiatives will build upon the Stifel Fine Arts Center’s legacy of artistic excellence and accessibility.”
In his new role, Owen will help guide the future vision of the Stifel Fine Arts Center while continuing its long-standing mission of expanding arts access throughout the Ohio Valley.
