The Parkersburg Art Center will hold its PAC Portrait Artist Caper on April 26 at the center at Eighth and Market streets in downtown Parkersburg. (Photo Provided)

PARKERSBURG — The Parkersburg Art Center will be holding its PAC Portrait Artist Caper–an unpredictable, laugh-filled night where art and antics collide in the best possible way — Saturday, April 26, starting at 5 p.m.

The spotlight will be on 12 artists as they race the clock to complete live portraits of four notable sitters in just two hours.

While the artists focus on capturing likeness and personality, guests in the audience will stir the pot by purchasing “challenges” designed to throw a wrench into the creative process. Want to see an artist switch hands, add an unexpected prop, or work under a ridiculous constraint? You’ll have your chance.

“After participating last year, I’m excited to do it again and face more challenges! Painting an entire portrait in two hours was quite the accomplishment and I loved seeing everyone else’s work too,” said Morgan Otto, one of this year’s artists.

Other artists joining the fray for the 2025 Caper are Michael Church, Beth Nash, Virginia Killian, Kendall McGee, Tracy Love, Stephanie Merrill, Eryn Gray, Nicole Harris, Nathaniel Brown, Belinda Armstrong and Lavana Lemley.

Each sitter–Jake Eddy, Kathe Deitzler, Mike Seeley, and Torie Jackson–will be assigned three artists, and audience support can give them the upper hand. By donating in your favorite sitter’s name before the event, you’ll unlock special advantages for their artists. The more donations a sitter receives, the better the perk their painters get during the challenge. It’s your chance to influence the action–and help your team win.

Deitzler shares her reason for wanting to participate in this event.

“Supporting locally made art — whether it’s painting, theater, music, or any other form — helps us understand and empathize with one another. Local art helps cultivate a sense of cultural identity and fosters community pride. Being a participant in the PAC Portrait Artist Caper will be fun and I am excited to provide support!”

The evening will be lively from start to finish, with a variety of art mediums in play and artists generously sharing insights into their process (some profound, some purely for laughs). Guests can bid on original artwork in a silent auction, with all pieces priced at $100 or less. Work is provided by the artists as well as the judges, Chad Stevens, Abby Hayhurst and Linda Stonestreet.

Adding to the festive atmosphere will be food from Valley Catering and live music by David Traugh.

Admission is free for Parkersburg Art Center members and $10 for non-members. Thanks to the support of First Settlement Physical Therapy, this event is not only possible, it’s affordable, too.

Reserve tickets and cast sitter donations now at www.parkersburgartcenter.org.