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The Parkersburg Art Center (PAC) is located at the corner of Eighth and Market Streets, in downtown Parkersburg, in a building that was formerly a Montgomery Wards Store. The Art Center was chartered in 1938, making it West Virginia’s oldest cultural agency in continuous operation.
Five gallery spaces are available to display works of artists and crafters from this region and beyond. Artists also offer their work for sale in our gift shop, The Market at the Parkersburg Art Center.
Integral to the Art Center is the education department. We offer year-round art training for students of all ages in a wide variety of disciplines from yoga to oil painting to photography.
Among the most consistently popular classes are those offered in the PAC’s Clay Studio. This three-room facility offers experiential learning at its best and is also the home of an active group of Studio Members who use our space as their studio. This is a co-operative venture that has grown over the years.
In addition to the schedule of public programs, the PAC houses the ArtStart Preschool which was established in 2006. This program is a school-year program focused on nurturing the development of young children in a developmentally appropriate and creative way.
During the summer, the Art Center offers ten, week-long sessions of Camp Creativity for students between the ages of 4 and 17.
The PAC is also an events venue for weddings, receptions, showers, trade-shows and lectures.
And, let’s not forget our custom framing shop, The Framing Gallery, with all frames made and assembled in-house to your specifications.
We hope that you will join us!
PLAN YOUR VISIT
Location: The Parkersburg Art Center is located at 725 Market Street in Downtown Parkersburg.
Hours: The Art Center is opened Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm.
Admission: Admission to the Art Center is FREE thanks to our admissions sponsor WVU Medicine CCMC, but donations are always gratefully accepted.
Parking: Our parking lot is located along 8th Street between Market and Juliana (adjacent to the PCES playground) and has 50 spaces for you and your guests. Additional parking is at meters on the street but is free from Friday at 5 pm-Monday 6 am. There is also very reasonable municipal parking behind our building a block over (approximately 210 steps from our front door).
Out-of-town guests: There are many local hotels that are within walking distance of the PAC!
TOURS
Trained volunteers will lead your class or organization on an informative tour of the works on display and will answer questions.
Please email info@parkersburgartcenter.org or call 304-485-3859 at least two weeks in advance for your tour to be arranged.
Hands-on Art Program
Participate in a hands-on project relevant to the exhibit. Have your group or class tour our current art exhibits and become Art Makers.
Inspire the imagination in each child with the Art Center’s hands-on program. Open to all ages. Price vary depending on the art activity. Please call Jessie at 304-485-3859.
Membership
It’s easy, it’s affordable, and it’s an investment in your community.
Individual Membership benefits include:
Free admission to the galleries Tuesday - Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Free admission to exhibit opening reception parties
20% discount on classes for the member
E-newsletters, event postcards and annual magazine
Eligibility to join the Pottery Studio at the PAC (requires membership)
10% discount on custom framing at The Framing Gallery
Family Membership includes all of the above plus:
An extra 10% discount on custom framing at The Framing Gallery (20% total)
20% discount on classes for your entire household
20% discount on Camp Creativity
When you become a member, you are not only supporting ART in our community, you are supporting a community CENTER, as well. A family place. A place to meet and bring friends. A place where your civic group might hold a big event. A place where you, your kids and grandkids can learn and explore your creativity in a safe, nurturing environment.
Donate
YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
DONATE TO THE PARKERSBURG ART CENTER AND CREATE A LEGACY OF ART EXPLORATION IN YOUR COMMUNITY!
Your donation allows us to offer art classes to individuals and families that cannot afford them. Click on the button below to donate today!
Accessibility
The Parkersburg Art Center has always been committed to the principles of equal access Barrier-Free Art Zones.
Please call to schedule a visit today at 304-485-3859.
Parking
Accessible parking is available for visitors with a valid special registration plate or removable windshield placard (also known as an accessible or handicap parking permit). This is located directly in front of our main entrance on Market Street. If you have a valid special registration plate or an accessible or handicap parking permit hang-tag or placard, there is one accessible parking place right by the Art Center’s front door. There are also two reserved and marked spaces across 8th street, to the right side of the Art Center’s Market Street facility.
Accessible Drinking Fountains
Street Level: An accessible drinking fountain is located toward the right and rear of the main gallery, near the hallway to the elevator.
Classroom (Lower) Level: An accessible drinking fountain is located at the end of the classroom hallway near the elevator.
Entrance
The Main entrance is on the ground floor directly on street level. The elevator is available for easy access to all floors of the galleries and classrooms.
Restrooms
An accessible family restroom is available in the Esbanshade Studio off of the Main Galleries. Restrooms on the Lower Level, Main/First Floor, Mezzanine and Ballroom Floors are all handicap accessible.
Wheelchairs
Adult size is available.
Available upon request: Large print Gallery Labels
Sign Language interpreted or audio described tours
To request one of these free services, please call the PAC at (304) 485-3859 at least one week in advance of your visit.
Support
The West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History and the West Virginia Commission on the Arts are proud to work with artists, arts organizations, schools and community groups across the Mountain State to help provide a thriving environment for creative expression and appreciation for the arts.
Through grants and technical services funded by the West Virginia Legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts, we collaborate with artists, schools and nonprofit organizations to help provide cultural activities that improve the quality of life in West Virginia, help provide a complete education to our children and boost economic development in communities throughout the state.
