Art Center has a lot going on

By Hope Wallace

Does your child know who David Humphreys Miller was? David touched on a pivotal, national hot-point with his research and art by being one of the first individuals to formally interview and paint the Native American survivors of the Battle of Little Bighorn. He consulted and starred in 25 films and wrote two books. His innovative research went directly to the source; the warriors who actually survived the battle, and was conducted in their own language. David was from Van Wert and like the Wassenberg Art Center has slept in antiquity for far too long. This year’s Summer Camp scheduled for the first week in July, delves into this enigmatic artist’s life and contributions to American art and history. Instructor Diane Bendele, retired art teacher from Delphos will head the Battle of Little Bighorn themed camp. We will make paper maché war ponies and some of the artwork and cultural influences by the First Americans. Ages 6-10 will have camp from 10 a.m. to noon and students 11-15 will be scheduled from 1 to 3 p.m. on July 7–11. Call and sign your young artist up soon! Cost per student is $30 members/$35 non-members.

Our landscape dreams are about to begin to come true! Building the foundations to those dreams take time and the last stones to the foundations are being placed. Primary designer, Seth Baker, Executive Secretary of the Van Wert County Foundation, Drew Anderson, architect and myself met recently to go over the last details of the phased plan and we couldn’t be more excited. Once abandoned buildings south of the art center will become green space and additional parking. Second, the landscape plan for the art center will take on a more formal and more completed look. Pavers will be installed around the pond and natural seating will be installed throughout the property. Added trees and mass plantings will create shaded areas and serve as an oasis approaching the downtown area from the south. On the north end of the property between Town Creek and the art center we will run a walking path that connects Washington Street to a footbridge on the Northeast corner which leads to the downtown. A peony bed will be introduced and feature heirloom hybrids developed here in Van Wert by Charles Wassenberg. A concept rendering is provided for further information.

As part of the landscaping plan we have been conducting an honorary paver program. Not only does the program allow people to honor or memorialize their loved ones it helps us raise funds to continue the work we are doing. The pavers will be installed along the backside of the pond and will continue to connect to the North path. If you are interested in sponsoring a paver for your family, a loved one, a friend, a favorite pet or your business, give us a call. Pavers are available in two sizes and corresponding price points.

Our next exhibit, The Best of 2014 is coming up on July 12 with an ice-cream social-type opening reception. Music, ice cream and a pie-baking contest, judged by Jim and Shirley Hillier of the Castle will accompany some of the best art in

the state of Ohio. The Best of 2014 is a traveling, multi-media exhibit curated by the Ohio Design and Craft Museum in Columbus. This exhibit will be on view through August 24.

Stop by after the Fountain Park Concert series featuring Brass Transit this Friday night to enjoy some beer, wine and great company. The Wassenberg Art Center is staying open late on Fridays to help expand our dynamic downtown activities.

Watercolor Techniques class continues on Tuesday mornings starting at 10 a.m. This is an ongoing class is 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.

July’s Vine & Palette event is full. However, August is coming up soon and we always start a waiting list. Call if you would like to be placed on it. The evening includes all painting materials and your first glass of wine. Additional glasses of wine can be purchased through the art center for a nominal charge and participants may bring a snack to share if they wish. We take care of the rest. Wear a paint shirt or apron to protect your clothes. $25 for members and $30 for non-members.

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.