Press ReleaseThe Parkersburg Art Center will be celebrating children and the arts on Saturday, March 16 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. when they throw open their doors for Art-O-Rama.
This is the Parkersburg Art Center’s free community arts day. “We invite other non-profit arts agencies to join us. We want to highlight all of the creative opportunities available to families in the Mid-Ohio Valley,” said Jessie Siefert, Managing Director for the Art Center. “This year we are planning seven make-and-take crafting stations, along with face painting, clay demonstrations, natural science with Mountwood Park and a big Lego construction zone.”
Art-O-Rama will also feature several performances. The Smoot Youth Band will step onstage at 10:30 a.m.. Students from the Guild Builder’s production of Aladdin Jr. are on at 11:30 a.m., Schrader’s Youth Ballet will perform at 12:30 p.m. and the Smoot Barbershop Quartet will be strolling throughout the morning. In the Art Factory there will be drumming, guitar and songs with Mary Mary Gonot and Aaron Whited. “Aaron feels the same way I do,” said Mary Mary, ”we really look forward to this event every year. We love the PAC!”
Art Center Artistic Director, Abby Hayhurst, adds, “This is the most fun day of the year. Anyone and everyone is encouraged to come out and take advantage of the FREE–yes, I said free–morning of music, science, art and drama.”
Art-O-Rama is also the kick-off for Camp Creativity registration. When a child registers for camp during Art-O-Rama they get a $5 discount.
Camp Creativity provides campers with a variety of visual arts experiences. They explore art mediums, techniques, styles and learn about the work of famous, and not-so-famous, artists. Lesson plans for each week are different so children can sign-up for more than one and enjoy a fresh experience. EAch Friday there is a Gallery Show featuring that week’s creations. The Art Center has summer camp weeks designed for children ages 4-5 years, students entering 1-3rd grade, those entering 4-6th grade, and students entering 7th through 12th grades. Find out more on the website.
During Art-O-Rama there will be a drawing for a free week of Camp Creativity and, thanks to Felice Jorgensen of the Smoot Theater, there will also be a drawing for a free week of Camp Vaudeville.
“This special event is made possible by our many, many volunteers and funding from the Pars Brain and Spine Institute Charitable Fund,” said Siefert. “We could not provide all of the programs, classes, camps, exhibits and community outreach that we do without our dedicated team of workers and our sponsors.”
The Parkersburg Art Center is at the corner of Eighth and Market Streets in downtown Parkersburg. Call 304-485-3859 if you have any question.