Creative Class

Here in Washington County, we like to say the “pioneering spirit lives” through the hard work, creativity and innovation evident in our successful businesses and industries. We are equally proud of our “pioneering spirits” who enrich our community through creating intellectual property, art, music, culture and other beautiful things.

Escaping the hustle and bustle of Atlanta to Washington County, Visum now creates online training programs for Fortune 500 companies and other clients around the country.  Avian aficionados wait eagerly by the mailbox every other month for Bird Watchers Digest, which is created with loving care and artistic zeal here in Washington County. Rossi Pasta creates its famous gourmet pasta with culinary wizardry here. The Middleton Doll Company displays its award-winning, life-like dolls at its museum in Belpre. Marietta has become a design and marketing nexus through the work of Offenberger & White, Pyles Communications, Stonewall Marketing, Claire Mullen Design, and PA Ross Services.  

A couple from Chicago, doing business as A Cabin on the Hill, has tenderly restored an 1840s log cabin near New Matamoras. The Cabin, now has all the modern amenities--without sacrificing its rustic charm,  is tucked away on 90 acres surrounded by woodlands, creeks and meadows.  A Cabin on the Hill is drawing visitors from as far away as Los Angeles for recreation, romance, and relaxation. 

Marietta College through the Esbenshade Series brings lectures, performing artists, and programs in the Humanities to the Marietta College Campus on a regular basis. Marietta College’s Hermann Fine Arts Center is also a center for art and culture in Washington County. Stahl’s Gallery of Art is located in Little Hocking and features original work by Thomas Stahl. The popular Merchant’s & Artists Walk is featured the second Friday evening of summer months in downtown Marietta and creates a great opportunity for people to visit unique shops and patronize local artisans. Local arts, crafts and savory delights can be found at the Annual Apple Butter Stir Off in Belpre, Barlow Fair, Lowell Oktober Fest, Harvest Moon Arts & Crafts Festival in Parkersbutg, West Virginia, and many more events and festivals.

Music fans will find plentiful opportunities to hear local, regional and national talent through the annual Red White & Blues Competition, River City Blues, Music on the Levee, Music in the Park, or the River City Symphony in Parkersburg, West Virginia.

Finally, part-time thespians can join a dedicated and talented group of volunteers, known as the Mid-Ohio Valley Players, offering regular productions at the MOVP Theater. Across the street, the historic Hippodrome/Colony Theater, once a host to traveling Broadway shows, is being restored in the hopes of bringing traveling shows back to town.