Saying thanks to the “minions”

By Hope Wallace

This is a whopping big space and our whole way of being is changing. I always say change is the only constant. Change is also a lot of hard work. The new Wassenberg Art Center could not have come into being without the constant dedication of our board of directors, staff, volunteers and this summer we are forever and deeply appreciative of our summer crew from the Ohio Means Jobs program. The “minions” we affectionately call them have eased the workload for our two permanent staff immeasurably and we want to shout out a huge thank you not only to the students and student volunteers but to the Ohio Means Jobs program. We couldn’t have done it without you! We will welcome you with open arms next year, although some of you are willing to volunteer throughout the year. Wow! The Wassenberg “Minions” are: Christina Emery, Jaylynn Hofacker, Justin Hammond, Tiffany Fuerst, Marshall Healy, Casey Kiracofe.

There are only days left of The Best of 2014 a traveling, multi-media exhibit curated by the Ohio Design and Craft Museum in Columbus before we tote it to its only other stop in Ohio, at the French Art Colony. The world of craft (functional objects) has over time morphed into fine art. This is not your grandmother’s craft show. Van Wert is extremely fortunate to have been chosen to exhibit this body of work. It will be on view through August 24.

Our next exhibit, The Symphony of My Heart, will open Saturday September 13, at 6 p.m. with an opening reception and run through September 28. During the last week of the show, Saffron encourages visitors to cut down a postcard they find meaningful and take it home.

The call for entries for our Annual Photography Exhibit will be mailed have been posted on our website. This year we will be accepting and jurying by digital entry only. Entry deadline is September 12

Classic Watercolor 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.

Classic Drawing Class will again be offered August 8, 15, 22, 29 10 a.m.–noon. Learn different and sometimes crazy ways to open up and have fun with drawing. The use of non-traditional tools make this class a hoot. Materials required. Cost is $35 members/$40 for non-members.

Our next Vine & Palette is scheduled for September from 6:30–9 p.m.. Call soon if you would like to join us for the evening. The evening includes all painting materials and wine 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. Did you know you can schedule private and corporate Vine & Palette parties? We can also design the party for children and or parent child. Give us a call and lets see what we can dream up.

Clay creation is here! Beginning on September, 8–12 from 6­–9 p.m. ages 15–150. Reverend Hall Schafer will be joining us to teach various ceramic techniques. Hal graduated from Mount Union University and learned to throw pottery at Culver Military Academy at the age of fourteen. He also attended the Academy of Art in San Francisco. We are super excited to have Hal on board. If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to throw ceramic pots, Cost for the class is $40 members/$45 non-members all materials included.

To help you prepare for what is coming to the Wassenberg this Halloween we are offering dance lessons here at the art center to get you up to snuff. In conjunction with newly-opening Bachwell Center for Music & Dance in downtown Van Wert, Sarah Hope Wells, will offer two classes: East Coast swing, West Coast swing, the Jitterbug, the Shag (no, really, that’s the official dance of South Carolina!) and even the urban hippie/raver classic, the Shuffle. If you’ve got a partner, bring him or her, and if not, bring yourself! Dress comfortably, in shoes you can move in. Classes will be meeting Tuesday, October 21 and again on October 28 from 7–8 p.m. Cost is $15 per person, per session.

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.