Lisa Kirgis performs her poetry during the 2025 Poetry and Art event hosted at the Parkersburg Art Center. (Photo Provided)
An audience looks on as poets read their work and artists present their pieces at the Poetry and Art event at the Parkersburg Art Center in 2025. (Photo Provided)
Paintings created based on poetry during the Poetry and Art event at the Parkersburg Art Center 2025. (Photo Provided)
Lisa Kirgis performs her poetry during the 2025 Poetry and Art event hosted at the Parkersburg Art Center. (Photo Provided)
PARKERSBURG — Poets and visual artists will come together in a collaborative showcase Saturday at the Parkersburg Art Center.
The Poetry and Art event is scheduled for 6 p.m. Saturday in the center’s Main Gallery and will feature original works created through a unique pairing process. Organizers said poets first submitted their work, and participating artists then selected poems that resonated with them and created artwork inspired by those pieces.
This year’s event includes 20 poets and 25 local artists, producing a range of works from small prints to large metal sculptures.
“Artwork of every style and medium is hidden until the event, so it is fun to see the public and poets’ reactions,” said organizer Jennifer Carpenter.
Many of the pieces will be available for purchase, each accompanied by the poem that inspired it.
An audience looks on as poets read their work and artists present their pieces at the Poetry and Art event at the Parkersburg Art Center in 2025. (Photo Provided)
During the event, selected poets will read their work aloud while artists present their pieces and discuss their creative process. Light refreshments and a cash bar will be available.
“The Art Center is all about celebrating creative expression in its many forms,” said Abby Hayhurst, artistic director. “This is a wonderful mix of written work and visual arts.”
Following the event, the exhibition will remain on display in the Whitlatch Gallery through April 18.
Paintings created based on poetry during the Poetry and Art event at the Parkersburg Art Center 2025. (Photo Provided)
