Artsbridge, Inc.

8 hours ago

As we celebrate 40 years of Artsbridge, we continue to recognize the leaders who helped guide the organization forward with vision and purpose.

Jane Irvine strengthened Artsbridge during her time as Executive Director by expanding programs, partnerships, and opportunities for artists and students across our region. Her leadership helped extend the Catalog of Artists and Tours into Pleasants, Ritchie, Doddridge, and Jackson counties through collaboration with the Ross Foundation. That work opened the door for even more schools and communities to experience live arts programming.

Jane also helped grow Artsbridge’s connection to performance and music. She partnered with Luke Frazier for a special fundraiser concert at the Smoot Theatre, which later expanded into an outstanding tour performance. She welcomed area high school bands to join the final Summer Music in the Park concert each season, bringing young musicians onto the stage and into the spotlight.

She believed the arts should live in many spaces throughout the community. During her tenure, the Artsbridge office at 925 Market Street also became a place for gallery exhibits and performances for smaller shows and local artists. Jane also participated in the inaugural NonProfits Lead Capacity Building class, strengthening the organization and helping grow Artsbridge’s donor base by 20 percent.

Jane’s leadership helped build momentum that continues to shape Artsbridge today.

In the video she shared with us, she celebrates our 40th anniversary alongside the Parkersburg High School Chamber Choir. Their voices are a perfect reminder of what Artsbridge has always been about. Young artists. Community connection. The power of the arts to bring people together.

Thank you, Jane, for your leadership and for the role you played in the continued success of Artsbridge. ... See MoreSee Less

Play

Artsbridge, Inc.

1 week ago

As we celebrate 40 years of Artsbridge, we are honoring the leaders who expanded our vision and deepened our impact.

Amanda Stevens brought bold energy and creative growth to Artsbridge during her time as Executive Director. She created programs that widened our reach and strengthened our connection to the community.

Her favorite was Very Spectacular Arts Day. That event opened doors for students of all abilities to experience creativity in meaningful ways. It reflected her belief that the arts belong to everyone.

One of her favorite pet projects was the large glass mosaic mural inside the new Williamstown Elementary School. It was created from donated Fenton glass. The piece stands as a permanent celebration of collaboration, craftsmanship, and community generosity.

She also launched Art After Dark. She introduced our Winter Music Series. She helped establish a student gallery at the mall so young artists could see their work displayed publicly. All of these programs are active to this day. Each initiative strengthened Artsbridge’s presence across the Mid-Ohio Valley and brought the arts into everyday spaces.

Today, Amanda continues that work as Executive Director of Downtown PKB, investing in businesses and helping revitalize downtown Parkersburg. Our community is stronger because of her leadership. The Mid-Ohio Valley is fortunate to have her vision and drive.

Thank you, Amanda, for helping Artsbridge grow and for continuing to shape the place we call home. ... See MoreSee Less

Play

Artsbridge, Inc.

2 weeks ago

As we celebrate 40 years of Artsbridge, we are grateful for the leaders who built the foundation we stand on today.

Lisa Starcher Collins poured her heart into this organization. She wore many hats over the years, and her dedication never wavered. During her time as Executive Director, she helped shape programs that reached every single school district. Before spreadsheets and scheduling software, she created an entire arts education calendar by laying papers across the floor and matching artists with elementary schools one by one. That first master schedule was built by hand, fueled by vision and persistence.

She brought bold ideas to life. The Arts Awards Galas became true black tie celebrations of creativity. She welcomed remarkable talent, including a young Wynton Marsalis, long before he became Artistic Director of Jazz at Lincoln Center. One unforgettable evening at the Smoot Theatre even transformed into a Prohibition-themed jazz club at the Oil and Gas Museum afterward. That spirit of creativity and celebration still lives in Artsbridge today.

Lisa’s leadership helped ensure that students experienced live performance and professional artists in their own schools. She scheduled programs she wished she could have seen as a child. She inspired creativity that still echoes through our community.

Thank you, Lisa, for the passion, the vision, and the years of commitment. Artsbridge is stronger because of you. ... See MoreSee Less

Play