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.
Students will be asked to come in on their own time to glaze final projects. Class is for teens and adults. Each course is comprised of 4 classes meeting from 6-8:30 p.m. on Thursday evenings.
March: Thursdays, March 5, 12, 19, 26, 6-8:30 p.m.
April: Thursdays, April 2, 9, 16, 23, 6-8:30 p.m.
May: Thursdays, May 7, 14, 21, 28, 6-8:30 p.m.
June: Thursdays, June 4, 11, 18, 25, 6-8:30 p.m.
Cost: $150 (PAC Members receive 20% discount).
Back for 2026! Individuals 55 and up can again stretch their artistic muscles in this non-threatening, non-judgmental environment. This series is geared for everyone, from those new to art to the art pros. If you took the class before, feel free to register again because this year brings new creative adventures.
Projects will include printmaking, pottery, painting, drawing, upcycling and more. Participants will receive some materials to take home so they can keep on creating after the class is over!
Classes will meet in two, six-week sessions. Select the session that best fits your schedule. Each session will have twelve, two-hour class meetings on Tuesdays and Thursdays. On Tuesdays new projects and techniques are introduced while Thursdays will be work days. The full schedule will be outlined in the first class meeting.
The culminating event will combine artwork created in both sessions in a gallery show at the PAC opening on June 5th!
Program costs are subsidized by grant funding from the WV Department of Arts, Culture and History.
Session 1: February 17- March 26, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (Tuesdays and Thursdays)
Session 2: April 7 - May 14, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (Tuesdays and Thursdays)
Cost: $35 (no member discounts)
Adults can create an impressionistic bouquet of peonies done in a gestural and abstract style with local artist and instructor, Nicole Harris. You will create a pretty floral painting with the help of acrylic paints, palette knives, and brush work.
Session 1: Friday, March 20, 7-9pm
Session 2: Friday, April 3, 7-9pm
Cost: $45 (PAC Members receive 20% discount).
This 5-week class will introduce the tools and techniques of stained glass construction. Students will learn the Tiffany method, (the copper foil method), to create one or more projects that showcase the beauty of stained glass. Designs can be supplied, or students may wish to consult with the instructor about creating their own. Students who have no experience with stained glass are welcome, as well as students who have experience but wish to build upon that foundation. All supplies and materials for this class are included with registration. This class is open to those age 14 and older.
Session 1: Wednesdays, March 25-April 22, 6-8 p.m. (1 spot remaining)
Session 2: Wednesdays, April 29-May 27, 6-8 p.m. (SOLD OUT!)
Cost: $160 (price includes all supplies) (PAC members receive 20% discount).
Tracy will instruct you with acrylics to create a cute bunny face on canvas inspired by online artist Jesse Robertson. You will learn brush stroke techniques and have fun with this pastel color palette! Adults and teens.
Date/Time: Friday March 27th, 6pm-8pm
Cost: $37.50 (members receive 20% discount)
Tracy Love will instruct you with acrylics to create realistic raindrops on a window. This will be a 6x6 canvas and include a frame. Adults and teens. 12 students.
Date/Time: Friday April 10th, 6pm-8pm
Cost: $37.50 (members receive 20% discount)
This class will be an introduction to chip carving designed for adults and teens ages 14 and up. Wood carver, Fred Esker, will instruct students on how to carve a drink coaster. All materials and tools will be supplied. No experience required.
Date/Time: Thursday, April 16, 5:30-8:30 pm
Cost: $40 (PAC Members receive 20% discount).
Tracy Love will instruct you with acrylics to create an abstract colorful background with a silhouette butterfly. Make one on your own or bring a friend to create a full butterfly between the two canvases together. Adults and teens. 12 students.
Date/Time: Friday April 24th, 6pm-8pm
Cost: $37.50 (members receive 20% discount)
PAC is partnering with the MOV Paws for Prevention for a fun and colorful fundraiser benefitting the American Foundation for Suicide Awareness. Tracy will instruct you to create your very own watercolor rendering of your pet. Ages 10+. 16 students.
Please email a clear close-up photo of your pet by Thursday April 30th by noon to thegallery614@yahoo.com
Registration and spaces are limited/non-refundable.
Date/Time: Saturday, May 2nd, 5pm-8pm
Cost: $45
Hand building pottery will cover pinch, soft slab and coil construction, covering step-by-step instruction. Glazing included, 4-6 projects will be completed during this class.
Mondays, May 11, 18, 25 and June 1, 6:00-8:30 p.m.
Cost: $150 (PAC members 20% discount).
This class is a follow-up to the beginner chip carving. Students will carve a toothpick holder. All materials and tools will be supplied. Students should have attended the beginner class or have experience carving. If you’re not sure about experience required contact the art center. This class is for adults and teens 14 years and up.
Date/Time: Thursday, May 14, 5:30-8:30 pm
Cost: $40 (PAC Members receive 20% discount).
Learn the basic steps of two popular, classic Ballroom Dances: The Waltz and The Cha-Cha. The Cha-Cha has many moves in common with Line -Dancing too! At the end of the session, couples will be able to dance at weddings, 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, May 21, 28, June 4, and 11, 7-8 pm
Cost: $80/Couple (20% discount for PAC Members)
Select 1 for the quantity per couple.
In this three-part introductory workshop, adults and teens will use "Pique Assiette" (broken plates) to create a mosaic on a flower pot. You will learn the basics of cutting and breaking ceramic pieces, attaching them to the pot using thinset, and finishing the project with grout and sealer. You’ll leave with a decorated flower pot and the beginnings skills needed to start exploring mosaic art on your own.
Dates/Time: Saturdays, June 6-20th, 10:30-12:30 p.m.
Cost: $90 (PAC Members receive 20% discount).
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).