The sale, which serves as a fundraiser for PAC and its programs, included a wide variety of items ranging from art supplies to finished works of art for people to purchase. (Photo by Madeline Scarborough)
PARKERSBURG — The Parkersburg Art Center was teeming with shoppers as they browsed the annual Y’art sale and let their kids do Valentine’s Day in the Arty Parties downstairs.
The sale, which serves as a fundraiser for PAC and its programs, included a wide variety of items ranging from art supplies to finished art.
“We have original works of art. We have fine art prints, some are even signed and numbered, we have picture frames, art books, beads, displays, holiday items and a whole load of other cool stuff for sale – cheap », said Jessie Siefert, the center’s chief executive.
Often, artists donate what they no longer use to the center, and they keep and use what works for their programs.
“We have received so many wonderful donations from our supporters as they downsized or renovated and now we have a wonderful abundance and it is time for us to share,” said Siefert.
Also on Saturday was the annual series of “Arty Evenings”which allow children to try their hand at a variety of arts and crafts activities every Saturday from January until March.
The Arty Parties are offered twice a day on Saturday (10am-10.45am and 11am-11.45am) and are completely free for any child who wishes to participate.
Due to the pandemic, places are limited and require registration. There are 12 spots available each hour and 12 take-out crafts available for pickup.
Saturday’s craft was to make Valentine’s Day. Children could be found making colorful beaded hearts with pictures or a handwritten note added to the project.
“I’m doing this one for my Grammy,” said Leah Kohler, 3.
Although examples are provided, however, children were free to do whatever they wanted with the art supplies they received.
The art center was also preparing its new exhibition on Saturday.
“Class 2060” and other works by Jim Trivett will be on view from February 18 to March 19.
According to an article provided by the art center, James Charles Trivett was born in Glen Ridge, New Jersey. He went to Essex College, where he majored in art, specializing in multimedia. His major influences at the time were the Cubists, Modernists and Impressionists whose work he saw exhibited in New York.
After graduating he went to Europe to study and was inspired by the stained glass windows he saw in great cathedrals. In the 1970s, he studied in Karlskoga, Sweden… and glass continued to influence him.
He moved to West Virginia, further developing his interest in stained glass, and worked in that medium for the next three decades, teaching classes and exhibiting his art.
“Our display of Jim’s work consists primarily of acrylic paintings on wooden panels, but you can see the strong influence of stained glass techniques at work in his colorful, delineated style.” the art center said in a post about the upcoming event. “You can also see Jim’s wry humor and sense of fun.”Class of 2060“is the perfect remedy for the winter doldrums.”
February 19: paper towel tube totem poles
* February 26: Collage of geometric shapes using tangrams
* March 5: Paintings of shapes and lines using oil pastels and paints
* March 12: Mask/headbands