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A Self-Guided Tour of Downtown Parkersburg, WV Murals & Public Art

June 26, 2024

Explore the walls, alleys, sidewalks, and public spaces of downtown Parkersburg, WV, and you’ll find beautiful, inspiring art. Created by our local community members and artists, the collection is ever-growing. Whether you’re a model, photographer, or simply an art appreciator, downtown Parkersburg is the perfect place to visit.

Map of Public Art and Murals of Downtown Parkersburg
Mural #1 at the corner of 7th and Avery Streets
  1. Building at the corner of 7th & Avery Streets (350 7th Street)

    The main attraction here is a selfie station by Emma Rowmanowski, depicting Point Park with a sternwheel in front, representing the Island Belle. The sternwheeler boat takes patrons to Blennerhassett Island, with boarding at Point Park. Additionally, the building features a window cling of a bridge during sunset.

    2. 6th Street Side of the 531 Market Street building

    This mural, created by Mike Penn, features a yellow and green train car near the train tracks on 6th Street.

    3. Visit Greater Parkersburg Welcome Center, front left corner (113 Ann Street)

    A giant catfish jumping out of the Ohio River is depicted in a mural by Erica Ash. Inside the Welcome Center, you’ll find a photo of a summer concert at Point Park, a decorated car fender and hood, Larry the Giraffe, and several other art pieces from the ArtBeat Studio, perfect for photo backdrops. Point Park itself, located at 113 Ann Street, hosts several murals both inside and out, including a recently added mural of West Virginia.

    4. Wood County Society (317 E 8th Street)

    Home to the ArtBeat Studio, the building is adorned with a beautiful blue wave of art, featuring flowers, insects, and a giant snail.

    The side of the Parkersburg Actors Guild

    5. Parkersburg Actors Guild (724 Market Street)

    A GoodSpace mural was added to the side of the Actors Guild in 2023. This mural was painted by various community members during a painting party held by the Parkersburg Art Center. It faces another GoodSpace mural on the Parkersburg Art Center.

    6. Parkersburg Art Center (725 Market Street)

    The GoodSpace mural added in 2021 was created over three community paint parties and open studio hours, involving over 200 participants.

    7. Unity Café (212 7th Street)

    The front of Unity Café features a beautiful mural depicting five cups teeming with tea.

    8. 4th Street Side of the 400 Market Street building

    This mural, a photograph by Rick Lee, captures the Island Belle on the Ohio River during a sunset.

    Market Street in downtown Parkersburg is also home to the Parkersburg Art Center, which hosts rotating art exhibits for art lovers to enjoy. Additionally, you can take a stroll down Market Street to admire the metal art displays by the ArtBeat Studio.

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