Brenden Trojan recently performed for middle schoolers around the Mid-Ohio Valley as part of Artsbridge’s Artists on Tour series. (Photo Provided)

PARKERSBURG — Mid-Ohio Valley middle school students recently experienced a performance by magician, illusionist, and mentalist Brenden Trojan through the Artists on Tour program at Artsbridge.

Artsbridge is a nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting communities through creativity.

Trojan had students and staff in awe, gasping, laughing, and using critical thinking skills to try to figure out how he was able to do the things he was doing. He kept everyone on the edge of their seats and totally spellbound by his performances, officials said.

He not only provided magic, but also humor and encouragement to spread kindness to others. He expressed the uniqueness of each individual and the importance of following your dreams and finding a way to try to make at least one person smile each day, officials said.

Trojan models perseverance, a positive attitude, and encourages students to embrace their uniqueness. Each performance was a shared experience, a collaborative moment of wonder that lingered long after the lights faded.

Trojan grew up in Illinois and was homeschooled until the age of 14. It was a major adjustment for him to enter high school as a new student, having not previously been in public education. To make friends, he began doing card tricks. This was very beneficial for him, as he continued to perfect his tricks not only with cards, coins, and Rubik’s cubes, but he also formed vast friendships.

As his talents were perfected, it led him to an opportunity to perform for corporate events by the time he was 17 years old. He continued performing magic throughout college and began a professional career shortly after.

Artsbridge Arts Education Coordinator, Paula Oliverio commented “Positive reviews and high praise were given by students and staff at each performance. We are so fortunate to provide such quality educational opportunities. Arts education programs are made possible through funding provided by the West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History, Ohio Arts Council, National Endowment for the Arts, the McDonough Foundation, Fenton Foundation, WVCFCU, City of Vienna, City of Parkersburg, and by contributors to the Artsbridge Fall Fund Drive, GiveLocalMOV, and donations made throughout the year. We are so appreciative of all the help and assistance provided to Artsbridge.”