Parkersburg Art Center readies ‘Celebration of Life’ | News, Sports, Jobs

“Summer Edition” by Patty Strewart. (Photo Provided)

PARKERSBURG — A group exhibit opening will be Sunday at the Parkersburg Art Center.

The opening reception for the Allied Artists of West Virginia group exhibit called “A Celebration of Life” will be 1-3 p.m. Sunday at the art center at Eighth and Market streets in downtown Parkersburg.

Normally, at this time of year the art center would be hosting the 56-member Allied Artists of WV in its biennial juried exhibition but after the July 2021 passing of one of the group’s mainstay members, Brenda Kincaid Beatty, the artists decided to do a show in honor of their friend.

Beatty worked in several mediums, but her favorite was watercolor. She painted all her life, and enjoyed sharing her love of art by teaching at Sunrise, the Charleston Art Gallery, and even a teaching gig in London, England. She also worked extensively in ecclesiastical art, designing vestments, banners and icons. Her sunny personality will be greatly missed by all who knew her. While Beatty was known as a watercolorist, the Allied Artist members work in all disciplines, including everything from textiles to jewelry, pottery to paintings. This exhibit is colorful, robust, and brimming with the joy of art-making.

Allied Artists of West Virginia is a non-profit, educational, and cultural association whose mission is to encourage, nurture and present the work of West Virginia artists to the community. AAWV has encouraged artists to show their work, fostered the development of new works, and furthered artistic interests in the community.

“Tiger Medallion” by Patricia Sutphin. (Photo Provided)

Admission to Sunday’s opening reception is $10 or free to art center members and children 12 and under. The show will remain on display through the month of December with regular art center hours being 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday through Dec. 23. During regular hours a $2 donation is requested at the door but PAC members and children are always free.

For more information on the art center, go to Facebook or the website www.parkersburgartcenter.org.