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Parkersburg Art Center to exhibit works by Virginia Killian

Photo Provided “Ballston Beach, Cape Cod,” an oil painting on board by Virginia Killian.

PARKERSBURG — Over 60 pieces of artwork created by local artist Virginia Killian will go on exhibit at the Parkersburg Art Center on Sunday and remain on display through March 16.

The opening for this exhibit is Sunday from 1 to 3 p.m.

Killian is a local artist, art instructor and founding member of Riverside Artists’ Cooperative. She is retired from Wood County Schools.

She is always experimenting with new materials and fresh ideas.

“It is hard to believe that she has created almost all of these pieces in such diverse styles and mediums in the relatively short timespan of the past two to three years,” said Abby Hayhurst, artistic director for the Parkersburg Art Center. “This show really has something for everyone, from seaside landscapes to three-dimensional pieces that incorporate doll heads.”

Photo Provided “Dreamscape,” an acrylic gouache on paste paper, by Virginia Killian.

When asked about the process of getting this show together, Killian said, “For me, art is life. Art is breath. This process was exhilarating. I love to make but sometimes I stop myself because I don’t have reason to make, and my garage is getting very full. This exhibit gave me a reason. I often dreamed about the pieces before I started making them.”

This opening has an interactive element. During the exhibit reception, guests will have the opportunity to create a community mural. The Art Center will provide aprons and rubber gloves, but come dressed and ready to paint. “These panels are basically paint-by-number so no great artistic skills are necessary to be a part of this project,” said Hayhurst.

Thanks to the exhibit sponsor, Tellus Consulting Group, this opening reception is free to the public, whether they are members of the Art Center or not. “Because we are going to be painting panels that will become public art, we wanted everyone interested in helping to be able to participate. Of course, we hope that they will become members of the Art Center in the future,” said Jessie Siefert, managing director of the Parkersburg Art Center.

If you would like to take a class with Killian, she is offering a Sunday workshop series starting in March. “Calling All Makers” is a four-part series for artists who want to “go their own way” but may need a little help with selecting materials, honing painting or drawing techniques, forming compelling compositions, expanding their ideas or just want to spend some time working in a room with fellow makers.

Killian and the other class members will offer assistance and support to one another. This class will meet Sundays, March 17 to April 7 from 2-4 p.m. For more information on this class, go to parkersburgartcenter.org/adult-and-teen-classes.

Photo Provided “Dreamscape with Wire,” oil painting on canvas by Virginia Killian.

The Parkersburg Art Center, 725 Market St., is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Cost is $2 for non-members but always free for Art Center members and children 12 and under.

Wednesdays are free days. Find out more about the Art Center on Facebook or its website parkersburgartcenter.org.

Photo Provided “Dreamscape; Deep Roots,” acrylic on paper, by Virginia Killian.

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