FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 24, 2023

Riverfront Receives “You Are Beautiful” Art Installation 

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. - The City of Morgantown recently installed a new public art piece along the riverfront, directly underneath the Westover bridge. The “You Are Beautiful” installation (YAB) is one of hundreds placed around the United States.

"This program has such a positive message and it's a joy to get to share this kind of art with our beautiful city," said Vincent Kitch, Director of the Arts and Cultural Development Department. 

The project was originally created in 2002 by Chicago artist Matthew Hoffman as stickers with the same message. Over the years, the goal evolved to bring an installation to all 50 states, at no cost, thanks to a successful Kickstarter campaign. Due to the covid-19 pandemic, West Virginia, among other states had their installations postponed until recently. 

Morgantown secured the art piece in thanks to the Arts and Cultural Development Department, Engineering and Public Works, and Adventure West Virginia Program Coordinator, Marcedes Minana. 

"Here we are after almost two years of this just being a vision. I knew after seeing West Virginia's name still on the list of available locations that I would do everything I could to try and secure the piece for Morgantown," said Marcedes Minana. "The simple message stands ready, on the banks of the Monongahela River, to hearten those who read it. It is for everyone." 

To learn more about the You Are Beautiful public art program visit this link https://you-are-beautiful.com/pages/about 

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