Dance lessons offered at Art Center

By Hope Wallace 

This past Saturday, the Van Wert Rotary club honored the Wassenberg Art Center at their annual benefit auction. The Wassenberg Art Center was chosen as the recipient of the auction proceeds. Bidding has fast paced and bids went high and we wish to thank Rotary and all who contributed for this worthy cause. Van Wert Rotary is funding a pathway that will lead from Washington Street through the north side of the lawn through to the foot-bridge crossing Town Creek. Along its way will also be a fire-pit where people can gather for events, which provides a stunning view of the Van Wert County Courthouse. Van Wert is fortunate to have such generous individuals supporting efforts to improve our community!

The 37th Annual Photography Exhibit will be on view until November 2. If you haven’t had a chance to view this stunning display of photography please make a point to visit. Most of the photographs are for sale and would make a beautiful addition to any home.

We are offering dance lessons here at the art center to get you in an electro-swing-groove. In conjunction with newly-opened Bachwell Center for Music & Dance, Sarah Hope Wells, will offer two evening classes here at the Wassenberg Art Center that feature East Coast swing, West Coast swing, the Jitterbug, the Shag 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 only $15 per person, per session. Sign up soon you will be able to use your new skills at Dr. Wassensteins Freak Haus on October 31, the best Halloween party in the region!

Speaking of the mad doctor… It is almost here and we have been busy decorating the laboratory! Dr. Wassenstein will open the doors for one evening to let the public view his diabolical medical “experiments”. On Friday, October 31 beginning at 7:30 p.m., we will be hosting this Halloween event and it is open to everyone. See below for fees.  There will be performances of all kinds, freaky gourmet food, ghastly spirits, (liquid and otherwise), a cash prize costume contest and all kinds of weird goings on. We will even hand out free cases of the willies.

Headlining the event will be nationally known, Chicago-based DJ, Vourteque. More than just a DJ, Vourteque is also an act unto himself and is one of America’s quickly rising stars in the electro swing and neo-vaudeville communities. Musician, producer, remix artist, DJ, carny and ringmaster – Vourteque wows crowds from Los Angeles to New York. Vourteque’s sound can best be described as a cross behind the more house and disco influenced European style of electro swing but injected with a good dose of good ol’ American industrial, techno and gothic blues. This event is brought to you by Iberdrola Renewables, First Federal Savings & Loan, Simply Irresistible, Open Minded and Van Wert Manor, tickets are pre-sale and at door, starting now until sold out. Call us soon, we expect this happening to sell out: 419.238.6837. First-come, first-serve. Costs are $25 Individual and $35 Couple, (Wassenberg Art Center member price $20 Individual/$30 Couple). VIP tables are almost sold out! They are $200 for a VIP table of 8, complete with personal laboratory “assistant”.

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.

ArtReach is coming back! Beginning on Tuesday, November 4 for ages 6-10 and Thursday ages 11-15 we will host our after school art program once again. After school students and parents will be required to arrange for a ride to the Wassenberg Art Center and can their students can be picked up at 5 p.m. A snack will be provided.

Our next Vine & Palette is scheduled for Tuesday, November 11 from 6:30–9 p.m. Call soon if you would like to join us for the evening. Vine & Palettes fill up quickly. The event includes all painting materials and first glass of wine. Participants may bring a snack to share if they wish. We even provide aprons, because we are messy! The cost is $25 for members and $30 for non-members. Did you know you can design and schedule private, parties for kids and corporate Vine & Palette events? Give us a call to find out more.

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.