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Parkersburg Art Center offers virtual art exhibit

Before the stay-at-home order, ArtStart preschool teacher April Jenkins showed her students some of the pieces created by the Artbeat Studio of Parkersburg and Passion Works Studio of Athens. (Photo Provided)

PARKERSBURG — In support of local artists, the Parkersburg Arts Center is now offering a virtual art exhibit titled “The Shared Visions: The Passion of the Human Spirit.”

The exhibit opened at the center March 13, but shortly thereafter, Gov. Jim Justice issued a stay-at-home order.

“Though we absolutely understand the necessity for closing our gallery, we were saddened by the fact that this wonderful show would not get an audience and that the artists would not be able to sell their work,” said Jessie Siefert, Art Center Managing Director.

The exhibit highlights artwork from the Artbeat Studio of Parkersburg and Passion Works Studio of Athens.

“The backbone of each studio is a group of talented artists with developmental differences creating masterpieces from up-cycled materials, “ said Abby Hayhurst, Artistic Director of the Art Center. “These collaborative processes help create an environment that fosters accessibility, inclusion, abundance and compassion to ensure communities are united and live their best lives, and the artwork is fabulous!”

The owner of the Revolve Agency and friend of the Arts Center helped to create the virtual exhibit.

“He volunteered his time and expertise to create a virtual tour of the exhibit that is now featured on the Art Center’s Website, Facebook and Instagram,” the press release said.

Not only will art lovers be able to view the pieces, they have the opportunity to purchase them online. One hundred percent of the proceeds will go towards supporting the arts in the community and the studios who provided the work.

“The Parkersburg Art Center and their collaborations have brought forth a digital format that allows the entire community to experience joy, satisfaction and fulfillment, all core values of our mission at Wood County Society. We encourage everyone to support the Shared Passion exhibit, purchase a piece of artwork and support our Artbeat Studio Artists and the Parkersburg Art Center,” Brandon Gress, Wood County Society executive director, said.

Upon purchase, arrangements will be made for the artwork to be picked up or delivered to homes.

To view or purchase artwork, visit www.parkersburgartscenter.org or the Parkersburg Arts Center Facebook and Instagram pages.

“The Mid-Ohio Valley is blessed with an arts community and we are excited to be a small part of such a wonderful community,” Gress said.

Candice Black can be reached at cblack@newsandsentinel.com.

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