John Heatwole

John Heatwole was known as an artist, historian, and storyteller, particularly of Virginia and West Virginia folktales. He was discharged from the marines at age 19 and worked in a copyright office in Washington before turning to art as a career. Working primarily in wood, Heatwole was the first artist from Virginia to display their work in the Capitol Rotunda. Heatwole was also published several books and booklets on Civil War history, a topic that fascinated him throughout his life, and served on multiple Virginia-based art and historical preservation committees. He was also known for his Christmas displays in the windows of department store Neiman-Marcus.