The former Convention and Visitors Bureau building, located at 350 Seventh St., will now be the new home for Artsbridge Inc. A grand opening and ribbon cutting event will be announced at a later date. (Photo by Douglass Huxley)

PARKERSBURG — Artsbridge has announced it has purchased the former Convention and Visitors Bureau building located at 350 Seventh St. to be its new headquarters.

“A new location still in downtown Parkersburg means Artsbridge continues its long partnership with other arts, entertainment and service organizations in the Mid-Ohio Valley,” Karen Waller, Artsbridge board member, said in a press release regarding the purchase.

“Owning this new home shows our permanent commitment to being a home for artists, art lovers of all ages, and community members who work to advance the arts in our lives. Our board can’t wait to welcome the MOV to our new home,” she said.

The release said for 38 years, Artsbridge has operated from various temporary spaces, each one a stepping stone on its mission to educate, entertain, and enrich. These beginnings laid the groundwork for the meaningful relationships that have been built, the lives that have been touched and the progress that has been made, the release said.

“This moment is not just a transaction; it is a testament to the dedication, resilience, and unwavering support of our organization from the communities we serve,” said Lyndsay Dennis, Artsbridge’s executive director. “Now, as we turn the page, we are not just acquiring a physical space, we are growing roots that will allow us to continue connecting communities through creativity.”

Artsbridge Executive Director, Lyndsay Dennis and Greater Parkersburg Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director, Mark Lewis shake hands on the sale of the building previously operating as the Visitor Center that will now be the new headquarters of Artsbridge Inc. (Photo Provided)

The new facility represents an investment not only in the organization but in the very fabric of the community, the release said. With this building, Artsbridge will have the capacity to enhance its programs, host more events and create a welcoming space for collaboration and support.

“It will serve as a hub to Educate, Entertain, and Enrich — a place where individuals and families can come together to access resources, share stories and find the encouragement they need to thrive,” Dennis said.

The release said the organization recognizes that its success is intricately tied to the well-being of the community. By establishing a permanent home Artsbridge is signaling its commitment to being here for the long haul. It is dedicated to building on the foundations it has laid through years of service, advocacy and partnership.

Artsbridge will continue to address the challenges it faces while celebrating the strengths that make the community unique, the release said.

“We are thrilled to take this step forward and deeply appreciate the support of our donors who believed in this vision,” Dennis said. “Living, working, and playing in this extraordinary community, we recognize that it is the unwavering support from our community members, local businesses and organizations that has made this milestone possible. Thank you for being an integral part of our journey!”

Dennis said support and involvement have been instrumental in helping the organization reach this moment, and they are excited to share their growth and progress with the community.

“As we open the doors to our new home, we look forward to what lies ahead,” Dennis said. “Thank you for being part of our story.”

The release said a grand opening and ribbon cutting event will be announced at a later date.