The Parkersburg Art Center will be the location of the annual Parkersburg Piccalilli Artists Conference on Sept. 19. (Photo Provided)

PARKERSBURG — The Parkersburg Art Center, in collaboration with the Arts Collaborative of the Mid-Ohio Valley and West Virginia University at Parkersburg, has announced the “Parkersburg Piccalilli Artists’ Conference: Artists Take Over with Relish” on Sept. 19.

Organizers said the conference will transform Parkersburg’s arts and culture district into a hub of creativity and networking. Designed for working artists, art educators, college art students and arts organizations, the event includes a full day of workshops, hands-on art-making and networking opportunities.

But it’s not only for professionals. Organizers said Piccalilli is also a perfect “art spa day” for anyone who loves art and art-making.

Attendees will be able to choose from a lineup of workshops that range from decorative furniture painting and graphic design tips to an introduction to soft pastels, Huichol yarn painting, telling a story through video, financial planning for artists, making and using Instagram Reels and protecting art or design work.

Breakfast and a catered buffet lunch are included with registration.

“I love it when I see creative people bouncing ideas off of one another, talking about their craft and sharing techniques,” said Jessie Siefert, managing director/education director for the Parkersburg Art Center. “This conference provides an excellent opportunity to step out of the day-to-day and expand horizons.”

Piccalilli wraps up with a Friday evening street party, Meet Me on Market, and the Parkersburg Art Center’s HOT Arts Fest, a night of art, music, food, community and fun.

Attendees are also invited to share their artwork in a pop-up exhibit in the PAC gallery.

For those who want to extend their experience, optional add-on workshops are available on Thursday, including ink and watercolors on Blennerhassett Island, woodcarving, an after-hours museum tour and yoga with Weird Flex Yoga at the historic Oakland Estate.

This year’s conference features a lineup of presenters, from professional artists to marketers and more. Following lunch, the keynote address will be delivered by Pam Tanner Boll, an Academy Award-winning filmmaker known for “Who Does She Think She Is?” (2008), “Born Into Brothels: Calcutta’s Red Light Kids” (2004) and “In a Dream” (2008).

“For many, creative endeavors are a career or at least a side-hustle. As with any profession, it is important to network, to improve skills and take time to focus on the business side in addition to the creative side,” said Siefert. “Investing time in yourself and your artistic practice should not be a luxury. It is a necessity if you want to grow.”

Support for this year’s event has been provided by Peoples Bank, Downtown PKB and Clutch Collective. More information on presenters, the full conference schedule, housing and registration is available at https://tinyurl.com/y5kax3k5.

For further inquiries, contact the Parkersburg Art Center at info@parkersburgartcenter.org or call 304-485-3859.