Artism exhibit scheduled

By Hope Wallace

The power of art often puts me in a state of awe. At my former job I worked as an art director for adult artists diagnosed with autism. There were several areas on the facility in which we created pottery and ceramics, woven items, paintings and woodworking. One of the women I worked with was already in her senior years at that time (she would be mad if I told). She had never drawn in her life. She would see shapes in the scraps of clay scattered on the table. She would identify animals of real and imagined species. So with a few pinches and tweaks Patra’s critters were born. The critters all had stories and challenges they faced in life and they lived in an imagined land called Twitter Forest. Patra hasn’t stopped and in the three years since, her work has continued to excel and grow. She is now making money with her paintings. As a testament to the unquenchable creative human spirit, we couldn’t be more proud to present her as one of the artists in our upcoming exhibit “Artism” opening on April 14 with a reception from 1–5 p.m.

Artists who have been diagnosed with some form of autism from Bittersweet, Inc. and around the area will be sharing the way art works in their lives. We will also feature a film by Cleveland filmmaker, Richard Walsh titled A Thousand Words. The compelling film methodically illustrates the importance of art to those who have challenges communicating and more importantly broadens what our expectation of art can be. Often loosely falling into a category called “Outsider art”, work by artists with autism can be extremely profound and a can provide a slice of how the world may be perceived by them and therefore helping us to understand some of their outlooks.

ArtReach2 signups are almost full so sign up soon! ArtReach2 classes occur on Mondays and begin on April 7. Classes sessions are one-month long and renewable throughout the school year. If your child wants to participate in the next round of after school art programming give us a call. Van Wert Elementary School will provide transportation to the Goedde Building where our instructor will be on hand to bring students to the art center. We like to accommodate anyone who likes to create stuff.  I believe the next project on the books involves…sticks, and one of my favorite things to make things out of.

Classic Watercolor class on Tuesday mornings starting at 10 a.m., is an ongoing Watercolor class taught by Pat Rayman. People are encouraged to join the class at the beginning of any month.  The class is sold in monthly increments. $35 for members and $40 for non-members.

Want to learn how to paint fog and misty moonlight? Atmospheric Acrylics, taught by Pat Rayman will commence on Friday, April 4, 11, 18, 25 from 10 – noon. An emphasis will be places on learning to paint atmospheric conditions such as fog and moonlight. Cost of the class will be $35 members/$40 non-members. A list of materials required will be provided upon registration.

Thanks to your enthusiasm our next Vine and Palette painting evening scheduled for April 8 is already full. However we have scheduled sessions for May and June! May’s Vine & Palette is scheduled for May 1 and June 10. Participants are encouraged to bring a friend and a bottle of wine to share, any snacks you may like and we’ll take care of the rest. Class time runs 6:30-9:30 p.m. We provide paints, canvas, brushes and your first glass of wine and great fun. You will need a paint shirt or apron to protect your clothes. Sign up soon, creativity marches on!

Spots are still available for Anime/Manga (ages 8-130) class taught by Matthew Temple and offered on Tuesday evenings, May 8, 15, 22, 29 from 6–8 p.m. A list of inexpensive materials will be available upon registration. Cost for this class is $35 for art center members and $40 for non-members.

Thundering hooves, crashing drums, thumping bass…our next event, and yes it does involve hats…Derby Down! On May 3 we will be streaming the 140th running of the Kentucky Derby, serving derby designed refreshments and following the race we will have one of our favorite bands, Reese Dailey back to play in our new space. Reese Dailey Band was on of the first bands that performed when we started adding music to our receptions. In addition, a call for entry will be going out to those who might like to create or share original art with a horse theme. Stay tuned for updates.

The Wassenberg Art Center is located at 214 S. Washington St. (former Van Wert Armory). For information, call 419.238.6837, e-mail info@wassenbergartcenter.org, or visit the website at wassenbergartcenter.org.  Hours during exhibits are Tuesday through Sunday, 1-5 p.m.