Wheeling Heritage’s Show of Hands: Meet the Four Finalists

WHEELING, W.Va. – August 26, 2025– Wheeling Heritage’s Show of Hands, sponsored by Orrick, returns Sept. 24, 2025, from 6 to 8 p.m. on the third floor of the Wheeling Artisan Center, 1400 Main St.

This high-energy crowdfunding event gives the community a direct way to support local entrepreneurs. For just $5 at the door, attendees hear pitches from four business owners, vote for their favorite project, and play a direct role in deciding which business receives the funding raised that evening, along with contributions from community partners.

Now in its 11th year, Show of Hands has raised more than $150,000 since its inception to help launch and grow thriving local businesses.

Meet the finalists:

D23 Digital Creatives (Danny Schultz): A web design and digital media business that helps small businesses with affordable websites, logos, and marketing. Funding will be used to upgrade equipment, support paid ad campaigns, and offer workshops in Wheeling to help local businesses strengthen their online presence.
LC Learning Services (Carly Wilson): A student-centered learning environment providing Orton-Gillingham-based reading instruction, math intervention, and nature-based learning through the Tiny Taste Makers program. Funding will support raised garden beds, new instructional and enrichment resources, a professional website, and classroom furniture to expand hands-on learning and increase accessibility for families.
Mel’s Alternative Images (Melody Petras): An analog photography studio specializing in the vintage wet plate process, offering tintype and wet plate photoshoots in-studio and through a traveling photo booth at festivals and events. Mel also provides film photography sessions and VHS videography. Funding will help launch film development services for local photographers, upgrade studio and booth lighting, and add a business sign.
Unique Miniatures (Wendy Barbeau): A 50-year-old business specializing in handcrafted resin-cast architectural miniatures. Unique Miniatures plans to open The Itty Bitty Bungalow, a retail store at 1128 National Road. Funding will support inventory through resin-casting materials and wholesale crafting supplies for miniature enthusiasts.

“We’re really excited about this group of finalists. Each one brings something unique to the stage, from creative services to education to longtime local craftsmanship. Show of Hands is about more than just funding; it’s about celebrating the diversity of ideas that make Wheeling stronger, and we can’t wait for the community to hear their stories that evening! Mark your calendar.” Riley Carpenter, director of programming at Wheeling Heritage.

Attendees can enjoy food, drinks, and an evening filled with energy as they cast their votes to back the next big idea in Wheeling.

Follow Wheeling Heritage on Facebook to see videos showcasing the finalists’ businesses and projects before the event. For sponsorship opportunities or more information, contact Riley Carpenter at rcarpenter@wheelingheritage.orgor visit wheelingheritage.org/show-of-hands.

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.

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