PARKERSBURG, W.Va., September 29, 2025
News Summary
Artsbridge of the Mid Ohio Valley has launched its Artist on Tour program for the school year, featuring Mark Comley to enrich history education through entertaining performances. Comley engages students with a blend of historical facts, magic, and comedy. Supported by various organizations, this initiative aims to foster cultural appreciation and educational engagement within local schools, with additional performances planned throughout the year.
PARKERSBURG, W.Va. — Artsbridge of the Mid Ohio Valley has announced the initiation of the 2025-26 school year with the launch of its Artist on Tour program. The kickoff features Mark Comley, renowned for his engaging performances, who delivered “Uncle Sam’s History Jam” to thousands of elementary students across West Virginia and Ohio during Constitution Week. The program is designed to enhance historical education through creative methods.
Comley’s performance seamlessly interwove historical facts with magic, science, and comedy to capture the attention of young audiences. This interactive approach aimed to make learning not only educational but also enjoyable for students, making history come alive. Teachers and students alike reported that the blend of humor and active participation kept the children engaged throughout the performance.
Despite Comley’s extensive experience spanning over 50 years in performance arts, this was his inaugural appearance in the Mid Ohio Valley. His messages underscored the value of education and history, resonating strongly with both students and academic staff during the show.
Paula Oliverio, the Arts Education Coordinator for Artsbridge, highlighted the significance of providing quality performances for students, emphasizing their positive impact on education. The Artist on Tour program is backed by financial support from a variety of organizations, including the West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History, the Ohio Arts Council, and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Additional funding has been secured from local entities such as the McDonough Foundation, the Fenton Foundation, WVCFCU, and municipal contributions from the City of Vienna and the City of Parkersburg. As part of this initiative, Artsbridge is currently conducting its annual Fall Fund Drive to sustain the 14 programs offered in the Mid Ohio Valley.
The Artist on Tour program includes four more performances planned for the school year, each featuring different artists aiming to inspire and educate students through various art forms. Comley’s first performance establishes a strong start for this educational series, which seeks to promote cultural enrichment and engagement within the local school districts.
Background on Artsbridge
Artsbridge of the Mid Ohio Valley is committed to enhancing artistic education and appreciation in the region through various programs and events. The organization plays a vital role in providing access to quality arts education, making a positive impact on the community and its young residents.
The annual Fall Fund Drive is crucial for supporting these programs, enabling Artsbridge to continue offering diverse opportunities that foster creativity and learning. The participation of local and state organizations, as well as community contributors, showcases a collective effort to invest in the future of the region’s youth through the arts.
FAQ Section
What is the Artist on Tour program?
The Artist on Tour program is an initiative by Artsbridge of the Mid Ohio Valley designed to provide quality performances that educate and engage elementary school students through various artistic expressions.
Who is Mark Comley?
Mark Comley is a seasoned performer from Lexington, Ky., specializing in educational entertainment. He has over 50 years of experience and aims to make learning fun through his performances.
What kind of support does the program receive?
The program is supported by various organizations, including the West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History, the Ohio Arts Council, and the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as local foundations and community contributors.
How does Artsbridge promote arts education?
Artsbridge promotes arts education through programs like Artist on Tour, providing exposure to different art forms and encouraging artistic exploration among students in the Mid Ohio Valley.
Key Features of the Article
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Artist on Tour | A program by Artsbridge offering performances focused on education and engagement. |
| Mark Comley | First artist featured, known for an engaging performance style combining history and entertainment. |
| Educational Focus | Performance designed to educate elementary students about history during Constitution Week. |
| Funding Sources | Supported by state and local organizations to provide quality arts education. |
| Community Impact | Aims to enhance cultural and artistic appreciation within the Mid Ohio Valley schools. |
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Additional Resources
- News and Sentinel
- Wikipedia: Arts in the United States
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- Google Search: Educational Entertainment
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- Google Scholar: Performance Arts Education
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- Encyclopedia Britannica: Arts Education
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- Google News: History Education Programs
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