Wassenberg Art Center has changed

By Hope Wallace

The Wassenberg Art Center has undergone a tremendous amount of change over the last 1–3 years during our transition to a community art center. We wanted to grow not as an exclusive club, welcome only by literal or perceived invitation but as an open space for everyone to feel comfortable. Our culture, or what makes us…us, belongs to no class, nor exclusive to the privileged or to the poor, the well adjusted or the eccentric. Culture is who we are. We dance, we cry, we create, make mistakes, we fail, we laugh, but mostly we have an basic human need to laugh with those we feel close to and to explore creativity. Our programming may not outwardly resemble how the original art center began, but the respect for its foundation and integrity of exhibits will remain unchanged. Van Wert is an extraordinarily fortunate community to have been given this ongoing gift. To Mr. Wassenberg, we give our eternal respect and gratitude.

We The Symphony of My Heart, art postcards by Iowa artist Saffron Goetschius is over a staggering 500 cards categorized as mail art. Mail art is typically collages of mixed media placed on a post card, with instructions to the post office to hand cancel. and are they are mailed as is. Each postcard was sent through the mail to my mailbox. These cards of communication will hang from the trusses in the Wendel Gallery, signifying the fragile balance of life and relationship. The Exhibit will open Saturday September 13, at 6 p.m. with an opening reception where you can meet the artist, enjoy some gourmet snack 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 photos have begun to roll in. The call for entries for our Annual Photography Exhibit have been mailed and posted on our website. Please let us know if you would like a copy.  This year we will be accepting and jurying by digital entry only, so again let us know if you have any questions, we’d be happy to help. Entry deadline creeping up and 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.

Acrylic painting is offered in the mornings on September 5, 12, 19, 26 -10 a.m.–noon. earn how to master one of our favorite mediums? Acrylics taught by Pat Rayman will commence on Friday, April 4 at 10 a.m. Cost of the class will be $35 members/$40 non-members. Please call or see our website for more materials list.

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.

 

Our next Vine & Palette is scheduled for September 9 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 The following month’s Vine & Palette is set for October 2.

Dance, Dance, Dance! 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 in the swing. In conjunction with newly-opening Bachwell Center for Music & Dance in downtown Van Wert, Sarah Hope Wells, will offer two classes here at the Wassenberg Art Center: 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.