PARKERSBURG — ArtCart, a mobile art program with lessons focusing on the artistic process, will be expanding its programs into Nicholas and Jackson counties.

According to a press release, ArtCart is excited to announce the expansion to new elementary schools for the 2023-2024 school year.

The program will also renew its Wood County Schools program, which serves third through fifth graders in 15 schools. It will also expand to second-graders in Wetzel County’s four elementary schools.

The release said Nicholas County will bring ArtCart to six schools for fourth and fifth grade classrooms and that Jackson County will be providing ArtCart instruction in second grade classrooms at Henry J Kaiser Elementary School starting in the fall. The release said this was possible thanks to a generous donation from the Doug and Judy Ritchie Fund for Ravenswood.

The release said ArtCart started in just one school in one county but over the past eight years it has grown to encompass 26 schools in four counties. ArtCart’s beginnings started with just 100 students being served but now has over 10,000 students being impacted by the program. ArtCart encourages students to problem-solve, use their imagination, and be innovative while making artwork based on foundational art techniques, the release said.

The release said the overall goal of ArtCart was to bring art education back to West Virginia elementary schools.

Those wishing to see ArtCart in their community can reach out to katehushion@artcart.com. It also said you can get more information by visiting www.artcart.com or find them on Linkedin or Facebook.