Puffer by Betsy Baxter (Image Provided)

PARKERSBURG — The Parkersburg Art Center will hold the opening reception of its next exhibit from 5-7p.m. Friday.

The reception is for “Art Is Life/Life Is Art,” an exhibit celebrating the work of artists aged 55 and up. The show is the result of two 12-session art series led by longtime educator and local artist Virginia Killian, and is made possible through funding from the West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History.

The program gave participants the chance to try their hand at different art mediums while building confidence and community in the studio.

“This class has introduced–or reintroduced–people to the joy of making art. Every single student created something they never thought they could,” Killian said.

At the reception, visitors will get to meet the artists, hear the stories behind their work, and enjoy a showcase that proves creativity doesn’t retire. Appetizers and a cash bar will be available, and the event is free and open to the public.

Oysters by Michael Hawthorn (Image Provided)

This celebration is also supported by the Ausenheimer Fund for Senior Arts through Artsbridge.

“The exhibit runs through Saturday, July 12. July 12 is also the date for the PAC summer fun-raiser Tastes and Tunes! This exhibit is so much fun and the perfect show to have up in our Main and Whitlatch Galleries during this event,” said PAC Artistic Director, Abby Hayhurst

The galleries are also open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free thanks to the sponsorship of WVU Medicine, Camden Clark Medical Center.

The Parkersburg Art Center is committed to supporting creativity and culture in the community through exhibitions, programs, educational opportunities, special events and more. For more information about the Art Is Life exhibit, Tastes and Tunes or other upcoming happening, visit www.parkersburgartcenter.org or email info@parkersburgartcenter.org.

Bee-utiful and Mylee My Love and Gail Long (Image Provided)

Quinn by Mary Wright (Image Provided)