Barbour County Bookstore Opens

Artefaktual, Barbour County’s only bookstore, opened with a ribbon-cutting recently. 

Located off the parking lot opposite the Grand Theater at 47 South Main Street in Philippi, the humble but thriving business contains a surprising amount of comics, books, games, accessories, art supplies, and oddities, while inventory displays change weekly, says owner Gretch Corley.  The store is open Wednesdays through Sundays from noon to 8:00 p.m.

Corley holds an Associate in Arts degree in liberal studies from Fairmont State University.  She is the former Marketing Manager of Amazing Spiral Comics & Games, a Visual Event Merchandiser for Under Armour, and Purchasing Adminisrator - then Graphic Designer for Diamond Comic Distributors.

Artefaktual may be telephoned at (304) 460-5754, or E-mailed at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  Their website is www.artefaktualcomics.com  The store carries a wide selection of best-selling prose and graphic novels “for every age and interest,” Corley says.  “We carry a wide range of art supplies, prints and stickers from independent artists, trading cards, tabletop games, toys, mineral specimens, unique snacks, and more.  We also offer educational discounts and resources for educators, special orders from our vendors, and free appraisals of vintage pop cultural items.  Be curious,” she says, “not judgmental.” 

Wellwishers from the city, county, region, and local Chamber of Commerce were on hand for the ribbon-cutting, including Susie Cvechko, Tammy Stemple, Traci Rexrode, Shana Frey, Katie Wolpert, Michael White, Amber Higgins, Liz Phares, Alannah and Laurieann Jones, John Boskovic, Megan Reed, Hannah Thome, Amaris Zirkle, and friends.