South Side Studios WV

06/26/2026

Who knew a pile of rocks, some paint, and good company could be this much fun?

Thanks to everyone who joined us for Celebration Stones! We loved seeing each person's creativity come to life, and we can't wait to see these colorful creations become part of Grant Memorial Hospital's Celebration Garden.

A big thank you to Grant Memorial Hospital for partnering with us on this wonderful community project!

06/25/2026

🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🛗

06/25/2026

🎉 Big news for South Side Studios!

We're incredibly honored to announce that South Side Studios has been selected as a 2026 AARP Community Challenge grantee!

This grant will help us complete the final phase of our accessibility project by installing an accessibility lift to our space—making our second-floor studios, gallery, and classrooms accessible to everyone.

Over the past year, our community has helped us tackle this project one step at a time: improved stairs, an accessible restroom, and now, thanks to support from AARP, we're one giant step closer to ensuring that creativity, connection, and community are open to people of all ages and abilities.

The AARP Community Challenge supports projects that make communities more livable, especially for adults age 50 and older. This year, AARP awarded a record 750 grants nationwide, investing $8.3 million in projects that create lasting change—and we're proud to be part of that story.

This project wouldn't be possible without so many partners who believed in the vision, including the City of Petersburg, the Grant County Convention & Visitors Bureau, our volunteers, donors, and previous funders who helped move this project forward.

We're excited to begin this final phase and can't wait to welcome even more people through our doors.

Thank you, AARP, for investing in our community. ❤️
AARP Livable CommunitiesAARP West Virginia Visit Grant County, West Virginia City of Petersburg, West Virginia

We’re announcing the 2026 AARP Community Challenge grantees – and marking the program’s 10-year anniversary by doubling its size.

In 2026, AARP is investing $8.3 million through 750 grants to support projects that make communities more livable for people of all ages.

Projects will focus on:
🏞️ Public places
🚍 Transportation
🏡 Housing
🌐 High-speed internet (support from Microsoft)
🚶 Pedestrian safety (support from Toyota USA)

See all grantees and projects: http://spr.ly/6183BD19qb

Join us today at 2 p.m. ET for the Live Grantee Announcement Event: http://spr.ly/6184BD19qj

06/23/2026

⏰ Last call for Celebration Stones registrations! ⏰

We're gathering this Thursday evening for a special Celebration Stones Workshop in partnership with Grant Memorial Hospital, and registration will close tomorrow (Wednesday) at 6:00 PM so we can prepare materials and finalize our count.

Join us as we create hand-painted stones for the hospital's Celebration Garden—a space dedicated to honoring loved ones, remembering those we've lost, and celebrating the people who have made a difference in our lives.

Each participant will paint:
🪨 One stone to keep
🪨 One stone to share in the Celebration Garden

✨ Free to attend
🎨 All materials provided
📅 Thursday, June 25 | 6:00–7:30 PM
📍 South Side Studios

Please register by Wednesday at 6:00 PM:
🔗https://square.link/u/hd0lLYPa

Special thanks to Grant Memorial Hospital for sponsoring all workshop materials. We hope you'll join us for this meaningful evening of creativity, remembrance, and gratitude.

06/23/2026

This spring, a group of adults in our region said "yes" to learning something new.

Over twelve weeks, they've immersed themselves in the art of oil painting, challenged themselves creatively, and discovered that it's never too late to develop a new skill.

Now it's time to celebrate.

Join us on Saturday, June 27th from 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM at Twin Knots Gallery & Studios for the culminating exhibition of The Alla Prima Studio and see what happens when talent, dedication, community, and a little courage come together.

06/22/2026

What a great Saturday evening at Sensational Shadows. A big thank you to Kristen Colebank from Waites Run Studios for leading this watercolor workshop and sharing her talents with our participants. We loved seeing everyone explore light, shadow, and color... and the finished paintings turned out beautifully!

Thanks to all who joined us for creativity, learning, and fun!

06/19/2026

We're just one week away from our Celebration Stones Workshop!

Join us next Thursday, June 25, from 6:00–7:30 PM at South Side Studios as we partner with WVU Medicine Grant Memorial Hospital to create hand-painted stones for the hospital's new Celebration Garden.

This special garden is a place to honor loved ones, remember those we've lost, and celebrate the people who have made a difference in our lives.

Participants will paint two stones:
🪨 One to keep
🪨 One to contribute to the Celebration Garden

✨ This workshop is completely free, and all materials are provided thanks to Grant Memorial Hospital. However, space is limited, so we do ask that participants register in advance.

🔗 Register here: https://square.link/u/hd0lLYPa

Whether you're creating in memory of someone special, in appreciation of a caregiver, or simply as an expression of gratitude, we hope you'll join us for this meaningful evening of creativity, reflection, and connection.

📅 Thursday, June 25
🕕 6:00–7:30 PM
📍 South Side Studios

06/17/2026

UPDATE: Our three free seats are spoken for. We have a single paid seat remaining @ $50. Click below for registration details!

We have three FREE seats to this class! Someone who registered cannot make it and wants to donate their place and Tucker Community Foundation's scholarship grant will cover two more. Comment below to claim one of the free spots. This is an awesome opportunity - Kristen is an amazing instructor!

Ever wanted to try watercolor but weren't sure where to start?

Join WV artist Kristen Colebank for Sensational Shadows: An Introduction to Watercolor at South Side Studios on Saturday, June 20 from 5:30–8:30 PM:https://square.link/u/rvwN30TG

In this beginner-friendly workshop, you'll learn how artists use light, shadow, and color to bring a landscape to life. Kristen will guide you step-by-step through creating a monochromatic value study and then transforming it into a vibrant full-color watercolor painting.

No drawing experience required, and all materials are included. You'll leave with two completed paintings and a solid foundation in watercolor techniques.

Registration: $50 But we believe creative opportunities should be accessible to everyone. A limited number of scholarships are available for those who need assistance with registration costs. Send us a message for more information.

Spots are still available, but space is limited!

South Side Studios
126 S. Main Street, 2nd Floor
Petersburg, WV

06/15/2026

Ever wanted to try watercolor but weren't sure where to start?

Join WV artist Kristen Colebank for Sensational Shadows: An Introduction to Watercolor at South Side Studios on Saturday, June 20 from 5:30–8:30 PM:https://square.link/u/rvwN30TG

In this beginner-friendly workshop, you'll learn how artists use light, shadow, and color to bring a landscape to life. Kristen will guide you step-by-step through creating a monochromatic value study and then transforming it into a vibrant full-color watercolor painting.

No drawing experience required, and all materials are included. You'll leave with two completed paintings and a solid foundation in watercolor techniques.

Registration: $50 But we believe creative opportunities should be accessible to everyone. A limited number of scholarships are available for those who need assistance with registration costs. Send us a message for more information.

Spots are still available, but space is limited!

South Side Studios
126 S. Main Street, 2nd Floor
Petersburg, WV

06/15/2026

We're still smiling after an incredible Folk Around Appalachian Art & Music Festival on Saturday.

Thank you to everyone who came out, listened to music, supported artists, visited the gallery, cast a vote, shared a conversation, volunteered, donated, or simply spent part of your day with us. The yard was full of energy, creativity, and community, and we're so grateful to have shared it with you.

A special thank you to Dominion Energy for helping make free admission possible this year, as well as the many sponsors, partners, artists, musicians, vendors, volunteers, and individual supporters who contributed their time, talents, and resources to make Folk Around happen.

Now we'd love to see the festival through your eyes!

If you took photos, please share them in the comments below. We'd love to see your favorite moments and relive the day together.

Thank you for helping us keep Appalachian art, music, and community alive.