Over 60 pieces of artwork created by local artist Virginia Killian went on exhibit at the Parkersburg Art Center this Sunday and will remain on display through March 16th.

Virginia Killian is a local artist, art instructor and founding member of Riverside Artists’ Cooperative. She is retired from Wood County Public Schools.

Virginia is always experimenting with new materials and fresh ideas. “It is hard to believe that she has created almost all of these pieces in such diverse styles and mediums in the relatively short timespan of the past two to three years,” said Abby Hayhurst, Artistic Director for the Parkersburg Art Center. “This show really has something for everyone, from seaside landscapes to three dimensional pieces that incorporate doll heads.”

When asked about the process of getting this show together, Virginia said, “For me, art is life. Art is breath. This process was exhilarating. I love to make but sometimes I stop myself because I don’t have reason to make, and my garage is getting very full. This exhibit gave me a reason. I often dreamed about the pieces before I started making them.”

This opening also has an interactive element. During the exhibit reception, guests will have the opportunity to create a community mural. The Art Center will provide aprons and rubber gloves, but come dressed and ready to paint. “These panels are basically paint-by-number so no great artistic skills are necessary to be a part of this project,” said Hayhurst.

Thanks to the exhibit sponsor, Tellus Consulting Group, this opening reception is free to the public, whether they are members of the Art Center or not. “Because we are going to be painting panels that will become public art, we wanted everyone interested in helping to be able to participate. Of course, we hope that they will become members of the Art Center in the future,” commented Jessie Siefert, Managing Director of the Parkersburg Art Center.

If you would like to take a class with Virginia Killian, she is offering a Sunday workshop series starting in March. “Calling All Makers” is a four-part series is for artists who want to ” go their own way” but may need a little help with selecting materials, honing painting or drawing techniques, forming compelling compositions, expanding their ideas or just want to spend some time working in a room with fellow makers. Virginia Killian and the other class members will offer assistance and support to one another. This class will meet Sundays, March 17 to April 7 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. For more information on this class, you can go to  http://www.parkersburgartcenter.org/adult-and-teen-classes.

The Parkersburg Art Center is located at 725 Market Street in downtown Parkersburg at the corner of Market and Eighth Streets. Hours are 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Cost is $2 for non-members but always free for Art Center members and children 12 and under. Wednesdays are free days. Find out more about the Art Center on Facebook or their website www.parkersburgartcenter.org.
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