During Saturday of Harmar Days Festival, a burst of creativity took center stage in the Artists Village, where eleven local artists painted live in celebration of Harmar Village’s historic charm. The Artists Village created a dynamic space for visitors to experience art in action - and now those original works of art are available for a good cause.

Every July, the Marietta Main Street Public Art Committee brings color, creativity, and community spirit to downtown with its annual live t-shirt printing fundraiser during First Friday. Held on the Armory Lawn from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m., this hands-on experience invites attendees to pick out a shirt and watch as it’s printed in real time using locally carved linocut blocks.

On the evening of May 16, the blocks of Market Street in downtown Parkersburg came alive with community and connection. The sidewalks filled slowly but steadily with families, friends, and neighbors who weren’t rushing to a show or dodging traffic. Lingerers, wanderers, the curious, and the caffeinated. All drawn to a new kind of event, one designed not to dazzle but to welcome. This was the first Meet Me on Market.

In the wake of growing political unrest and personal frustration, two Mid-Ohio Valley residents decided to turn their concerns into action. That decision became MOV Engage and Serve—better known as MOVES—a grassroots group with a big vision: to connect, educate, and empower local citizens to get involved in civic life.

In the heart of Appalachia, a new narrative is taking shape—one rooted in creativity, collaboration, and community pride. At the center of it all is YNST Magazine, an independent print publication founded by Adam Payne and a collective of young storytellers determined to showcase the vibrant arts and culture of the region.

A love for books and nostalgia brought the community together in an overwhelming show of support at Clutch Collective and The Novel Notion’s first-ever Adult Book Fair on Saturday, March 22. The event channeled the excitement of a childhood book fair—this time, tailored for grown-ups who still revel in the joy of discovering new reads and bookish treasures.

For over a decade, Cash Mobs have been a staple in Marietta for loyal, local shoppers. The concept is simple – meet at a designated location, guess which local business is going to be mobbed, and commit to spending a minimum of $10 at the chosen shop.

For artists Eva Bennett of The Beard and The Bun Pottery and Judy Keith of Clay by Judy, creativity is about more than just making—it’s about community. Their new project, This + That: An Artist Collaboration Series, is a testament to the power of collaboration, bringing together artists, makers, and small businesses to create something truly special.

Artist Olivia Williams has transformed an interior wall of First City Records into a psychedelic tribute to rock ‘n’ roll legends. Swirling with electrifying colors and portraits of music’s greatest icons, the mural captures the spirit of rebellion, rhythm, and raw energy that define the genre.

Local artist Sam Keith has spent the last several months building up to a big moment - the official launch of her new brand and e-commerce shop, SuperBloom. Sam debuted her line of original art prints, screen-printed apparel, stickers, and more at the Simply Kin Winter Solstice Market last month and after the first of the year, opened up shop online.

One of our favorite events of the year, the Marietta Ice Festival returns this Saturday, January 18th as part of Marietta Main Street’s winter schedule. Sponsored by Glenwood Community, the Ice Festival features expertly carved ice sculptures on display throughout downtown and a live carving at the Armory on Front Street. While much coordination goes into putting on this event each year, its success centers on the artistic vision and creation of local artist, Tyson Whistler.

Last year, two local shops joined forces to bring Artists Sunday, a global event, to downtown Marietta. This year, Clutch Collective and Marietta Makery are joined by First City Records, Wit & Whimzy, and Threadz Boutique to host a special one-day event on Sunday, December 1^st from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm to celebrate the work of local and regional artists.

Looking for the perfect gift and want to shop local this year? Don’t stress—Clutch Collective is here to help! From artisan-made goods to affordable stocking stuffers, there’s something for everyone on your list - all made in the US by local, regional, and US artists.

Walking along Second Street, you may notice a bright, new addition peeking out from the alley behind Peoples Bank. To commemorate 100 years at its historic Marietta headquarters, Peoples Bank commissioned a stunning mural celebrating Marietta’s rich history.

Clutch Collective is one of two small businesses in downtown Marietta that recently completed major renovations funded by the Backing Small Businesses Grant Program hosted by American Express and Main Street America.

Artist Rosalie Haizlett kicked off her book tour over the weekend and celebrated the official launch of her new book, Tiny Worlds of the Appalachian Mountains, in her hometown of Elkins, WV. Tiny Worlds features Rosalie’s hand-drawn exploration of the region’s smallest creatures and plants--a celebration of biodiversity and an invitation to slow down and appreciate nature’s hidden wonders.

Drew Tanner is many things: A husband and father, a skilled marketing professional, an upright bassist for not one, but two local bands (Oyo and Hominid) - and a talented analog photographer. We asked Drew about how he got into analogy photography, what goes into capturing and developing one of these impressive panoramic images, and why he’s decided to share more about his photography practice through social media.

The Parkersburg Art Center, in collaboration with the Arts Collaborative of the Mid-Ohio Valley and WVU Parkersburg, is excited to announce the Parkersburg Piccalilli: An Artists’ Takeover, taking place on September 11 and 12, 2024. Registration is open through September 6!

Clutch Collective is hosting a special pop-up event with West Virginia artist Megan Tadlock of Made by Meg as part of Marietta Main Street’s First Friday Art Walk on Friday, August 2.