Kaitlyn McDaniel, a Belpre sixth-grader, does an art project at the Parkersburg Art Center Tuesday as part of the Artsbridge annual Arts Encounter Day. Students got to experience different aspects of the arts through projects and more. (Photo by Brett Dunlap)

PARKERSBURG — Area students got a chance to experience a variety of hands-on art experiences Tuesday during Artsbridge’s annual Arts Encounter Day.

One hundred and twenty students from middle schools in Washington and Wood counties visited Artsbridge, the Actors Guild of Parkersburg, the Parkersburg Art Center and the Wood County Society that included workshops on pottery, drawing, acting, choreography, stage costumes/wigs and more, said Artsbridge Executive Director Lyndsay Dennis.

The goal is to introduce students to the area’s artistic and cultural offerings and actively engage them in the arts in a relaxed atmosphere, she said.

“I think it’s important for the students to get to experience art in a way that feels comfortable to them, and I hope it inspires them to keep coming back for more,” Dennis said.

Students attended from Belpre, Warren, Hamilton, Jackson, VanDevender, Williamstown and elsewhere. The students enjoyed the chance to be able to experience making different types of arts as well as doing a little performing on stage with their friends.

Students Grayson Stone and Ben Kiger perform an improv scene Tuesday at the Parkersburg Actors Guild Theater during the Artsbridge annual Arts Encounter Day. (Photo by Brett Dunlap)

Braelyn Waderker, a Belpre sixth-grader, said they had the chance to be able to walk around the Parkersburg Art Center to see what people have made and all of the art on display as well as the Actors Guild where they got to see the costumes and what goes into putting on a show.

“I think it is great to see the art that is displayed here (at the art center),” she said. “People are able to come here and see it and be able to enjoy the art.”

Wyatt Thomas, a Belpre sixth-grader, said they got a chance to walk through the art center and see the art that was on display as well as build with Legos and do other activities. They also got to see costumes at the Actors Guild Theater and do a bit of acting on stage where they made up a scene.

“It has really been fun,” he said.

Ben Kiger, a Williamstown sixth-grader, said he enjoyed the chance to make art and also do a little performing on stage at the Guild where he is involved in the upcoming production of “Oliver!”

Local students visited the Parkersburg Actors Guild on Tuesday as part of the Artsbridge annual Arts Encounter Day. Students got to look at costumes, learn about props and got to do some acting on stage. (Photo by Brett Dunlap)

“It was really fun doing a bunch of cool skits,” he said of the improv activity where participants were making up scenes on stage. “It was fun because a lot of crazy stuff would just pop in with everyone’s lines and we just did it.

“It was crazy and cool at the same time just watching everyone do whatever. There was somewhat of a storyline, but at the same time there wasn’t.”

Art Center Managing Director Jessie Siefert said she loved being able to have the middle school students at the center.

“It is so fun to hear their reactions to the artwork and all the projects and to see them happy and engaged,” she said.

Organizers were happy that these students got to see what is involved in the arts as well as what was available locally.

Braelyn Waderker and Keandre Currie, Belpre sixth-graders, do a watercolor painting project Tuesday at the Parkersburg Art Center as part of the Artsbridge annual Arts Encounter Day. Students got a chance to experience different forms of the arts at the center and at the Actors Guild Theater. (Photo by Brett Dunlap)

“It’s always a joy to see this group of young people happy and excited on a day out for hands-on experiences with the arts. It’s such a fun way for them to get to interact with our region’s arts opportunities.” said Christina Myer, Artsbridge Board President.

Funding for the Artsbridge Art Encounter Day was provided by The Oakland Foundation.