Western Pine by Virginia Killian (Image Provided)

PARKERSBURG — The Parkersburg Art Center is set to celebrate regional artists with a reception for the newest exhibit, “The River,” from 1-3 p.m. Sunday.

“The River” is a biennial exhibit, taking place at the Parkersburg Art Center on even-numbered years. The exhibit is open to professional and semi-professional artists from all over West Virginia and Ohio.

“The River” is a juried show. Artists may submit up to five works. Two jurors – one from each state – chose the very best works to be presented. This year marks the seventh “River” and jurors Ardine Nelson (emeritus art faculty at Ohio State University) and Alison Helm (emeritus art faculty at West Virginia University) chose 67 pieces, of the 175 submissions, to make up the collection.

Cash prizes will be awarded for Best-in-Show, Best Two-Dimensional, Three-Dimensional, Best Photo/Digital, and Best in this year’s theme, “Commitment.” The exhibit will be open to the public from Sunday through July 27 and will feature the best examples of artwork in all mediums, including painting, photography, drawing, sculpture, woodworking, fiber arts, mixed media and the ceramic arts.

“This will be the seventh time we’ve done ‘The River’ show. The name was chosen to reflect the liquid highway connecting our two states, but it is also an exemplar for the variety, depth, and breadth of the creative talent in our states. We are fortunate to have supporters who make it possible for us to recognize and reward this talent with prizes for excellence,” said Abby Hayhurst, Artistic Director.

Sleeping Beauty’s Apple by Larry Weese, Jr. (Image Provided)

Sponsors for the exhibit are WVU Medicine Camden Clark Medical Center and United Bank. Prizes are also sponsored by Jose Rizo and by the Tepley Fund at the Parkersburg Area Community Foundation.

The opening reception is free for exhibiting artists plus a guest, PAC members, and children 12 and under. The cost for others is $10, which helps support PAC operations.

Following the reception, the public can visit the exhibit during regular hours, Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at no cost thanks to the sponsorship of WVU Medicine Camden Clark.

For more information on all that is happening at the PAC, visit parkersburgartcenter.org or call 304-485-3859.

You Can’t Leave by Ann Grimes (Image Provided)