This course is an introduction to "throwing" clay vessels on a pottery wheel. Students will learn to center clay, create cylinders and produce small functional forms like bowls, saucers, and mugs. Students will also learn foot trimming, handle making, very simple decorative carving (chattering and chipping), and glaze application.
Class is for teens and adults. Each course is comprised of 4 classes meeting from 6-8:30 p.m. on Thursday evenings.
June: Thursdays, June 4, 11, 18, 25, 6-8:30 p.m. Sold Out!
July Session: July 2, 9, 16, 23, 6-8:30 p.m.
August Session: August 6, 13, 20, 27, 6-8:30 p.m.
September Session: September 3, 10, 17, 24, 6-8:30 p.m.
Cost: $150 (PAC Members receive 20% discount).
Explore the creative possibilities of gelli plate printing in this beginner-friendly workshop focused on masking and stencils. Learn how to build layers, create texture, and experiment with bold patterns to produce one-of-a-kind prints. Jessie Siefert is leading this class. All materials will be provided.
Date/Time: Saturday, June 20, 6-8 p.m.
Cost: $37.50 (PAC Members receive 20% discount).
Meet instructor Virginia Killian at the Point Park boat launch at 9:45 a.m. to take the 10 a.m. boat to Blennerhassett Island. In this class, students will create gem-like floral paintings using iridescent watercolor paints. Registration includes the boat ride and all class materials. Feel free to bring a picnic lunch and enjoy time on the island after class. Open to adults and teens.
Date/Time: Thursday, June 18, take the 10 am boat
Cost: $42 (no discount).
Meet instructor Virginia Killian at the Point Park boat launch at 9:45 a.m. to take the 10 a.m. boat to Blennerhassett Island. Learn to draw from observation and use ink and watercolor to enhance your work. This class is beginner friendly. Registration includes the boat ride and all class materials. Feel free to bring a picnic lunch and enjoy time on the island after class. Open to adults and teens.
Date/Time: Thursday, July 9, take the 10 am boat
Cost: $42 (no discount).
Learn the basic steps of two popular, classic Ballroom Dances: The Rumba and East Coast Swing. At the end of the 5 week session, couples will be able to dance at weddings or parties with confidence! You will also be invited to join a Ballroom Dance club or attend events to enjoy looking great on the dance floor! Ballroom Dance is a classic activity that can keep you physically and mentally sharp! Come meet new friends. This class is open to adults of all ages.
Instructor: John Polasko who has had 15 years experience teaching ballroom dance in the MOV
Questions/info: Kate McCarthy (740) 228-9905
Dates/Times: Thursdays, July 9, 16, 23, 30, and Aug 6, 7-8 pm (5 weeks)
Cost: $100/Couple (20% discount for PAC Members)
Select 1 for the quantity per couple.
This is one of Tracy’s most popular classes! Come create a pop-art version of your favorite pet! We will use paint markers and acrylics on plexi to make our pets come to life! Finished with an abstract squeegee and paint splatter background and a frame. Please email clear, color, up-close photos of your pet to thegallery614@yahoo.com by the Wednesday before the class. Adults and teens. 12 students.
Date/Time: Friday July 10th, 6pm-9pm
Cost: $45 (members receive 20% discount)
Art on the Island is back! Join Tracy for an artsy adventure painting this cool illustration style art of the Island Belle! This will be finished with matting and a frame and a fun water spray! Take the 11am boat. Your registration here includes your boat ride and they will have a list at check-in. Snacks welcome or purchase from the snack bar there. Afterwards, enjoy some time on the Island! Adults and teens. Ages 14+. Parents accompanying will need to purchase an additional Ferry Ticket at the Island Museum office prior to the class. 8 students.
Date/Time: Saturday July 18th 11:00 boat / 11:30 start
Cost: $42 (no discount)
Take a pause, reset, and reconnect at the Mid-Year Reset: Yoga and Art Retreat on Sunday, July 19 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. brought to you by Project Yoga in partnership with the PAC. This immersive, daylong experience blends mindful movement, creative exploration, and relaxation. Sessions include yoga, sound bath meditation, somatic breathwork, neurographic art, expressive painting, and creative journaling. Participants can move between yoga and art offerings throughout the day and enjoy a catered lunch thanks to our sponsors at Highmark West Virginia Foundation.
Designed for all experience levels, the retreat offers a welcoming space to recharge both body and mind. Guests can also participate in raffle drawings featuring yoga passes, art supplies, and more. Sliding scale registration is $50–$120. Proceeds support community programming through Project Yoga and the Parkersburg Art Center. Tell your friends and make plans to join us!
Date: Sunday, July 19th, 9 am - 3 pm
Cost: $50-$120 sliding scale registration (these rates are per person)
Meet instructor Virginia Killian at the Point Park boat launch at 9:45 a.m. to take the 10 a.m. boat to Blennerhassett Island. This beginner friendly watercolor class focuses on painting water and sky while working outdoors on the island. Registration includes the boat ride and all class materials. Feel free to bring a picnic lunch and enjoy time on the island after class. Open to adults and teens.
Date/Time: Thursday, July 30, take the 10 am boat
Cost: $42 (no discount).
Meet instructor Virginia Killian at the Point Park boat launch at 9:45 a.m. to take the 10 a.m. boat to Blennerhassett Island. This beginner friendly landscape painting class focuses on composition and using light and dark values. Registration includes the boat ride and all class materials. Feel free to bring a picnic lunch and enjoy time on the island after class. Open to adults and teens.
Date/Time: Thursday, August 20, take the 10 am boat
Cost: $42 (no discount).
This four-week class series is beginner friendly and open to adults and teens. Instructor Virginia Killian will guide students through observational drawing techniques while helping them become stronger observers of the visual world.
Dates/Times: Tuesdays from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., September 15 - October 6.
Cost: $85 (PAC Members receive 20% off).
Give the gift of creativity with a digital gift card, sent to you or the recipient of your choice. Digital gift cards are redeemable online for classes.
Private Painting and Pottery Parties
The Parkersburg Art Center offers private painting or pottery parties. These are perfect for team building, a staff retreat, gatherings with friends, celebratory events, and birthdays. With a minimum of five participants, we can bring your creative event to life—just email info@parkersburgartcenter.org with your request. Please start making those plans AT LEAST three weeks in advance so we can schedule an instructor!
Most classes require a minimum of 4 students in order to run and/or have maximum number limits so… PLEASE REGISTER IN ADVANCE TO ENSURE THAT YOU CAN GET INTO THE CLASS YOU WANT.
Refund policy: A $5 online processing fee will be applied to all refunds. No refunds will be given 48 hours before the start of any class.
PAC Current Members receive a 20% discount on most classes (some exclusions apply). Call or email for details.

Sign up now for Private Pottery with Judy Keith on Wednesday evenings. Judy will instruct adults and teens ages 16 and up in a private session in wheel throwing. Students will learn the basics of throwing pottery on the wheel, centering clay, opening up, raising the wall, and shaping a form. After registering and paying please call Judy at 304-299-0445 to set up a private lesson on Wednesday evenings.
Cost: $50 (no discount).