Lots of action at the art center

By Hope Wallace

Our new space continues to amaze me. Recently it hosted 112 people for the Van Wert Main Street Annual Dinner where we were honored by receiving the Main Street Best Rehabilitation Award. O

n Tuesday the Wendel Gallery was completely transformed into a carnival of color for a Quarter Auction benefit.

One of the persons responsible for getting the armory built in the first place stated that the armory would serve the needs of the community for years to come. They were absolutely correct. The building is filled with voices and laughter and the hubbub of activity.

Our current exhibit, “Artism,” will be on view until May 4. This work by regionally located artists from Fort Wayne, Toledo and Columbus offers an insightful view into the world of individuals diagnosed with autism. Most items are also for sale and help support these artists whose challenges can become at times, consuming.

The birdhouses are here! Our fundraiser this year, which takes place during the Peony Festival, is hand-painted birdhouses (and a feeder or two). Artists will paint an unfinished birdhouse or feeder and return them to us by June 1. The painted birdhouses will be auctioned off by silent auction at the art center on June 7 during the Annual Van Wert Flower show. If you are interested in participating let us know.

Most persons on our mailing list should have received our 58th Annual June Art Exhibit call for entries. If you are an artist or simply dabble and would like to enter this, our largest exhibit, please give us a call or check out our website to obtain a copy of the prospectus. This will be the first year we will be hosting this prestigious exhibit in our newly renovated 6000 square-foot gallery. Entries will be accepted Saturday and Sunday, May 17-18, from 1-5 p.m. Entry is open to all artists 18 and older. A non-refundable fee of $25 for Wassenberg Art Center members or $30 for non-members entitles the artist to submit up to three entries. The exhibit runs from June 14-July 6.

Want to get in a little ArtReach for your youngster before the end of the school year? We have a few spaces left on our Monday class schedule beginning in May so give us a call. Class sessions are one-month long and renewable throughout the school year and payable monthly. 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. All area students are welcome.

Watercolor Techniques class on Tuesday mornings starting at 10 a.m. is an ongoing Watercolor class taught by Pat Rayman. Persons are encouraged to jump in anytime and the class is sold in monthly increments. $35 for members and $40 for non-members.

Our next Vine & Palette scheduled for May is full. However we can put you on a waiting list in case of a cancellation or simply schedule you for June 10. We have also scheduled future Vine & Palettes for July 8, and August 7. 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 your first glass of wine and senses of humor! Wear a paint shirt or apron to protect your clothes.

Spots are available for Animé/Manga (ages 8-130) class taught by instructor Matthew Temple and offered on Thursday 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.

Want to watch the ponies run? Want to watch it with us? Derby Jam will get out of the starting gates open at 4:30 p.m. on May 3. We will be live-streaming the 140th Running of the Kentucky Derby, serving derby inspired beverages barbeque pork, southern style coleslaw, and other yummies will be served. After the race Reese Dailey is coming back to the Wass to play on our new stage. Reese Dailey Band is very popular in the Put-in-Bay area, throughout Ohio and our region. Horse-themed art will be on display.

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.