The Market Grand Re-Opening: Friday, May 16th, 5:00 p.m.
Join us for the party! The Market is the remodeled and refreshed gift shop at the Parkersburg Art Center. We will have refreshments, artist demonstrations, free craft activities, a prize basket raffle, and who knows what else!
This will also be the first night of Meet Me on Market events in downtown Parkersburg, so please make plans to celebrate with us!
Meet Me On Market: 3rd Fridays, May - September 2025
Meet Me on Market is a new series of downtown events happening on the third Friday of each month from May through September 2025 along Market Street in downtown Parkersburg. Each event is designed to bring the community downtown with live music, special promotions, themed activities, and extended business hours.
What to Expect Each Month
- Downtown businesses, nonprofits, and restaurants open late
- Live music, sidewalk activities, art demos, and gallery openings
- Special themed promotions and pop-ups
- Restaurant specials + PODA in effect (designated cups for outdoor beverages)
- Monthly BINGO game encouraging visitors to explore Market Street. Completed cards are dropped at that month’s designated business for a chance to win a prize bundle.
Visit our Meet Me on Market’s Facebook page for more details about May’s event.
CALL FOR ENTRIES: REGIONAL 2025
The Art Center and United Bank welcome WVU Medicine Camden Clark as the prize sponsor for this biennial exhibit, open to all artists who live within 100 miles of Parkersburg. WVU Medicine Camden Clark’s mission and vision are led by the standards of behavior called the “4 Cs:” COMPASSION, COMMUNICATION, COMMITMENT and COMPETENCE. They seek to share these four “Cs” with our creative community. COMPASSION is the select theme for this year. The theme for Regional 2025 is R.E.S.P.E.C.T.
Opening Reception & Awards: Friday, July 18, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Reception is free for artists and ONE guest. Additional guests, $10 per person. Children under 12, no charge.
Click on our REGIONAL 2025 PAGE to learn more about how to enter.
Tastes & Tunes: Saturday, July 12, 7-10 pm
Tastes and Tunes is back for another great night under the Edison lights on the 700 block of Market Street. This fundraiser for the Parkersburg Art Center will take place from 7-10 p.m. on Saturday July 12th and will happen rain or shine because the PAC is BIG and we can move this whole party indoors if we have to.
Your online reservation will get you a concert, a full catered meal, yard games, coffees and teas and other non-alcoholic beverages.
We are planning an evening of good food from Valley Catering, good music by Sour Mash String Band, two bars featuring curated wine and beer selections, and good company! This will be the fifth year for this event that combines the relaxation of a summer evening under the stars with a little fundraising to support our exhibits, public art projects and arts outreach programs.
ArtOberfest 2025: Saturday, October 11, 5-9 p.m.
ArtOberfest and Chalk the Block are coming to the Parkersburg Art Center on Saturday, October 11th, offering a day full of art, music, and activities. The events are centered on the 700 and 800 blocks of Market Street. The day kicks off with Chalk the Block, from 1-5 p.m., where artists will create temporary chalk artwork on the sidewalks. Attendees can walk through the block, watch the artists at work, and vote for their favorite pieces, with prizes awarded for the top creations.
From 5-9 p.m. that day the 700 block will come to life with local artists demonstrating their craft and selling their work. Come prepared to shop!
The evening also features live music with performances from several local musician. Food and drinks will be available from local favorites. Have your dinner under the Edison Lights!
The Parkersburg Art Center and PAC713 Market will be open throughout the event, allowing visitors to explore the Holly Cole exhibit and shop in the gift store. A Lego building station and a Discovery World-sponsored kids activity will also be available from 5-7 p.m.
If it rains, the event will move indoors to the Parkersburg Art Center because our building is big and designed for parties!
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!