Founded in 1938 by members of the Parkersburg WV Woman’s Club, the Art Center is the oldest arts organization in WV in continuous operation! Now in its fifth home, the Art Center is located on a busy corner right downtown.
The facility houses six separate gallery areas (including one just for kids!) that can be used individually or in tandem, and those galleries hold an average of 16 exhibits each year. Shows range from the works of internationally known artists though art by area schoolchildren, and there is ALWAYS something interesting to see.
The Art Center is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and admission is just $2. Wednesdays are “get in for free” days, and there is never a charge for kids under 12.
Want to come for free ALL the time? Check out a membership. It’s easy and affordable.
Donations
Children exposed to arts programming from an early age do better in school, and in life. Invest in your community! Make a donation today and help us stretch young minds. Your gifts also bring exciting talent and events to our community. Please consider donating today.
“Creative, problem-solving individuals do not appear overnight. They are the products of an education that consistently affords its students an environment of creativity and inquiry…..the arts are essential to igniting our children’s imaginations and learning in other school subjects.”
- Susan Saxbe,
The Columbus Dispatch
Birthday Parties
The Art Factory is a great, safe, play-party space. Our friendly staff will advise on your theme, help with set up, and provide a take-home project for your guests. AND, WE CLEAN UP AFTER THE PARTY!!!
Facility Rental
From a small gathering to a huge reception, the Art Center has a space to fill your needs. Please contact us at 304-485-3859 for a consultation.
Membership
It’s easy, it’s affordable, and it’s an investment in your community. Art Center members receive discounts on classes, free admission to openings, to the galleries at all times and free use of the reference library, as well as discounts on framing and facility rentals.
Tours
School tours are available! A variety of fun and exciting art exhibits can be toured throughout the school year. Tours are lead by our Docent staff . High-Quality Arts Education can prepare students for the future! Learning through the arts helps students understand to value diverse perspectives and cultures!
Library
More than 800 volumes are available for loan to our members, or for on-site reading and research to the public. While the books and media are all art-relate, the subjects range from “how-to’s” at every level to biographies to histories. The Art Center Library is the perfect place to spend a rainy day. We also accept donations of Art Books and digital media.
Volunteer
A strong volunteer staff has always been crucial to the operations of the Parkersburg Art Center. Not only do the volunteers provide invaluable service in daily management of programs and functions, but they also serve as the “face” of the Art Center.
