Patty Stewart takes part in a furniture painting workshop at the Parkersburg Art Center. (Photo Provided)

PARKERSBURG — The Parkersburg Art Center is offering a wide variety of classes this winter for kids, teens, adults, and seniors, with more options coming throughout the season.

From pottery and painting to photography, mixed media, and hands-on crafts, there’s something for every skill level and interest.

For adults and teens, beginning potters can sign up for a four-week Thursday evening course in pottery on the wheel, learning everything from centering clay to shaping functional forms. Private pottery lessons are also available and allow students ages 16 and up to explore wheel throwing in one-on-one sessions.

Other highlights include photography and lightroom courses, sketching and drawing sessions, vision board and junk journal workshops, seasonal gnome painting, candle making, and a variety of specialty painting and fabric art classes.

Several events, such as Vino et Vino painting parties, combine creativity with relaxation and community connection. A special FineTime Painting Party for your co-workers or friends can be created by contacting the art center at info@parkersburgartcenter.org.

A group from West Virginia University at Parkersburg glazes pottery during a Parkersburg Art Center class. (Photo Provided)

For kids and families, PAC offers engaging programs like Arty Parties, a free Saturday morning (10 a.m. to noon) arts-and-crafts series for children ages 4-10 starting on Jan. 3 and running through mid-March. Preschoolers can enjoy Mini Monet sessions for creative play with caregivers or Preschool Picassos, a drop-off program on Fridays.

Older children can explore clay techniques, 3D art foundations, and messy craft clubs. Individual pottery lessons for kids ages 10 and up are also available. Classes encourage experimentation, imagination, and hands-on learning in a supportive environment. Register early because many classes have a maximum class size of six in order to allow for plenty of individual attention for students.

Looking ahead, registration for the 2026-27 ArtStart Preschool program opens Feb. 2. Families can also take advantage of openings this spring in the two-day afternoon class as a way for little ones to explore creativity before the new school year begins.

In addition to classes, the PAC offers unique venues for gatherings of all sizes, from intimate meetings of three to celebrations of 300. These spaces are ideal for private parties, concerts, showers, weddings, corporate events, or community programs.

For a full list of winter classes and registration details visit www.parkersburgartcenter.org To learn more about venue rentals, private parties or preschool send a message at info@parkersburgartcenter.org.

Preschoolers can enjoy Mini Monet sessions for creative play with caregivers at the Parkersburg Art Center. (Photo Provided)

Founded in 1938, the nonprofit Parkersburg Art Center supports creativity and community through exhibitions, programs, educational opportunities, special events and more. Admission to the galleries is free thanks to the support of WVU Medicine CCMC. Hours are Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.