Activities galore at Wassenberg Center

By Hope Wallace

Every once in a while I enjoy an animated film. While dog sitting over the weekend I watched The Croods. The Croods is a story of a Neanderthal family who were forced to embrace new ideas and stop living in constant fear. Their world was undergoing unforeseen and catastrophic change and throughout the course of events the family experience a total upheaval of what had become the norm. The patriarch, whose voice was portrayed by actor Nicolas Cage, ended up having an idea (ideas are considered dangerous), which saved his family and himself. This movie was another great illustration that shows how adaptability and change must be embraced for survival.

Our Annual High School Invitational Exhibit is on view until February 16. We enthusiastically encourage you to take in the work of these young people who hail from a 35-mile radius of Van Wert and who continue to inspire and push the envelope.

The Big Wassky is almost here! If you want to experience a big-city, unique evening of games, performances, art and music give us a call soon! Why travel when the cool stuff is right here in Van Wert? The Big Wassky will take place, yep that’s right, this Friday, Saint Valentines Day, February 14 from 7:30 p.m. to midnight or so. If you are a member (or want to be) and did not receive an invitation, we may have had some delivery issues possibly due to the weather. Have no fear! Simply give us a call and we will get you set up. The Big Wassky is a Gatsby-style party based on the emergence of the speakeasy when Prohibition went into full effect. We encourage attendees to dress in the spirit of a time, which underwent radical change and reaction. Local musicians, games and performers will be in the house along with popular Toledo band, Distant Cousinz. Distant Cousinz regularly play at Hollywood Casino along with many other venues around the city and their music brings together various musical influences that form one unique genre. From Peter Gabriel to the P-Funk… and everything in between Distant Cousinz will have you outa your seats pronto. Custom designed, hors d’oeuvres from Wild Hare and desserts that resemble tiny, edible sculptures, will be provided by Van Wert Manor. Collins Fine Foods will be creating unique, period spirits and serving wine and beer. If you’d like to dress up but are unsure of which direction to head, we’re here to help, give us a call.

We would like to announce yet another great development. Beginning on Thursday, March 5 we will launch Art-Reach, a weekly after school art program! We are working with local Van Wert schools who will be providing after-school bus service to the nearby Goedde Building in which our art instructor, Diane Bendele will meet the students for the short walk to the Wassenberg. Art-Reach will last until 5 p.m. in which parent can then pick up their children. A snack will be provided. More information will be available through your child’s school soon.

Our Classic Watercolor class taught by Pat Rayman will continue in February on Tuesday mornings at 10 a.m. While this class is ongoing, persons are encouraged to jump in anytime.

For information on exhibits, classes and programs listed on there as well. The Wassenberg Art Center is located at 214 South Washington Street (former Van Wert Armory). We can be reached by telephone at: 419.238.6837, email: info@wassenbergartcenter.org and our website is: wassenbergartcenter.org.