From left, Christa and Brian Raitz in the forefront attend the opening Kylie Lallemont show at the Parkersburg Art Center. The Art Center has adjusted its offerings because of the pandemic. (Photo Provided)

PARKERSBURG – The Parkersburg Art Center is thanking the health care workers at local hospitals for their service to the community with free memberships.

The memberships, which also cover members of the family, are for the staff at WVU Medicine Camden Clark Medical Center and Memorial Health System who are at the front lines of health care during the pandemic, according to Jessie Siefert, managing director of the Art Center.

“We think art is healing,” she said. “They need healing, too.”

Memberships are good for a year, she said. They include free admission to the galleries and exhibit receptions, a 20 percent discount on classes, custom framing and Camp Creativity, eligibility to join the Pottery Studio and the use of the Esbenshade Art-Makers Studio.

“We felt we needed to give something back in some way,” Siefert said.

Scott Miller talks with the parents of Kylie Lallemont, Dee and Brian Lallemont, at the exhibit of her work at the Parkersburg Art Center. The Art Center is offering workers at the Parkersburg and Marietta hospitals with free one-year memberships. (Photo Provided)

The memberships are appreciated.

“WVU Medicine Camden Clark is proud to support the Parkersburg Art Center and we were honored when they made available these free family memberships to our team members and front line healthcare workers,” the hospital said. “Their generous offering was well received and appreciated by nearly 100 of our employee families who can now take advantage of all the creative and art related activities that the Art Center has to offer.”

The next opening reception at the Art Center is Aug. 28.

The Art Center is open, with restrictions according to the latest pandemic guidelines, 10-5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

In keeping with the efforts to stop the pandemic, some classes have been moved outdoors and in small groups, she said. The Art Center also is developing a pre-school program for later this year, Siefert said.

Artist Kylie Lallemont speaks with Avery Beha, whose back is to the camera, at her show at the Parkersburg Art Center. (Photo Provided)

Led by Siefert, among outdoor classes is a session 7-9 p.m. Friday on Zentangle in Melissa’s Garden next to the Blue Cross Building on Eighth Street. Participants will use markers and watercolor pencils on a canvas panel to create a fantasy floral image similar.

The class is open to adults and teens and those over 21 are welcome to BYOB. In the event of rain, the class, which costs $30 but with a 20 percent discount for members, will be moved indoors.

An outdoor class on watercolor techniques will be held on Blennerhassett Island. Participants, who must register by today, will meet Samantha Roberts at the dock at Point Park at 1 p.m. Satuday for the ride to the island. No experience is necessary and cost is $40, which inclyudes all materials and snacks. Children under 12 must be accompanied with an adult.

The gift shop also is available for online shopping, Siefert said.