The Parkersburg Piccalilli: An Artists’ Takeover will be Sept. 11-12 in downtown Parkersburg. (Photo provided)
PARKERSBURG — The Parkersburg Art Center, in collaboration with the Arts Collaborative of the Mid-Ohio Valley and West Virginia University at Parkersburg, has announced the Parkersburg Piccalilli: An Artists’ Takeover will take place Sept. 11-12.
Registration is open through Sept. 6.
The two-day arts conference will transform Parkersburg’s arts and culture district into a hub of creativity and networking. Designed for working artists, art educators, college art students, and arts organizations, the event features a program of workshops, hands-on art-making sessions, and networking opportunities.
At the Parkersburg Piccalilli: An Artists’ Takeover, attendees will have the opportunity to explore a diverse array of activities designed to inspire and educate.
Conference attendees can select courses from two distinct tracks to cater to different interests and needs. The Creative Entrepreneurship track will delve into the business aspects of being a working artist, offering practical advice and strategies to navigate the financial and managerial sides of the art world.
The Hands-On Art Making track will provide immersive workshops led by some of the region’s best artists, allowing participants to engage in creative processes and techniques.
Wednesday evening features a reception, where participants can enjoy a multi-venue experience. This reception will feature food, live music, and a pop-up exhibit showcasing the work of participating artists, creating an opportunity for networking and celebration.
The conference features an impressive lineup of presenters. On Thursday morning, the keynote address will be delivered by Lori McKinney, a songwriter and community development leader. McKinney, the co-founder and executive director of RiffRaff Arts Collective in Downtown Princeton, will share her insights and experiences gained from her diverse background in theater, global travel, and community-focused arts initiatives.
Additionally, attendees will be able to attend sessions led by regional experts like Beth Nash and Patty Stewart who will provide insights in, “Fairs and Festivals Set-Up Tips and Tricks,” helping artists navigate the logistics of these events. Another example is Jolene Powell, Abby Hayhurst, and Liz Simmons, experienced gallery and artistic directors, offering guidance on “Preparing Artwork for Exhibition AND How to Approach Galleries.”
Olivia Reeder and Brooke Buchanon from WVU-P will introduce participants to “AI Tools and How to Use Them,” exploring the intersection of technology and art. The conference will also feature representatives from the WV State Arts Office and the Ohio Arts Council, who will discuss various grant opportunities for artists and arts organizations and many more.
For those seeking a creative break, there will be hands-on sessions led by Lori Reidmiller in glass painting, Ginny Killian in foam printing, and Jeff Grubbs in bookbinding. The PAC pottery will also host a pottery introduction on Wednesday where participants can try wheel or hand-building to create bowls that will be donated to the Empty Bowls of the MOV program event.
Throughout the conference, attendees can enjoy breakfasts sponsored by Clutch Collective and Downtown PKB, as well as a catered lunch on Wednesday. Registered participants are also invited to display up to two pieces of their original art at the Wednesday night pop-up exhibit.
For more information on the presenters, conference schedule, housing and to register, visit piccalilli.org.
Discounted room rates at the TownePlace Suites by Marriott in downtown Parkersburg are available until Aug. 28. For further inquiries, contact the Parkersburg Art Center at info@parkersburgartcenter.org or call 304-485-3859.
