Wassup at the Wassenberg 11/12/14

By Hope Wallace 

Change is a good thing. Right? While it’s good to be confident, absolute certainty can be rigid. I am ironically thankful for uncertainty. If absolutes rested comfortably in unshakable assurance then that change could prove to be meaningless. Change can be exhilarating. It can be equally difficult and frightening. Growth usually involves some misunderstandings and questions regarding how or why developments come about. In most cases those questions cannot be fully answered or understood initially or ever. There has been amazing progress at the Wassenberg Art Center but it has not come without difficult moments. For the patience, the enthusiasm, support, the hard work of volunteers, the financial support, the good times and challenges, we express our deepest gratitude. The excitement with which our supporters have embraced our efforts is truly humbling.

Speaking of change it’s been one year since our expansion and move to our new space and it couldn’t be more appropriate than to celebrate it with the show that makes things tick around here. The 25th Annual Artists’ Exhibit and Sale opening reception on Saturday November 15 at 6 p.m. is a fitting way to celebrate.

This tradition is made up of the work of our artist members and includes fine art, photography and sculpture and every person’s work is accepted. Cash awards are provided. This is a great way to purchase unique items for the holidays. In addition to having some amazing new visual artists in our line up, we are excited to have Jerame Wheeler performing live on guitar! A regular at Father John’s Microbrewery in Bryan Jerame has been playing guitar for over 20 years. Originally inspired by his father’s bluegrass band as a young boy, Jerame didn’t hesitate to form his own band called Locally Grown. Locally Grown toured Toledo area bars and venues for over 10 years until the members went their separate ways. Jerame continued playing gigs as a solo act. His many years of experience as an entertainer lead him to be a very eclectic musician covering artists and bands from his father’s era to today.

Sign up now! ArtReach is starting today and our Tuesday session for ages 7–11 is almost full. Thursday classes, beginning on November 13 is reserved for ages 11–15. Parents will be required to arrange for a ride to the Wassenberg Art Center after school and their children can be picked up at 5 p.m.

Our Vine & Palette sessions are taking a bit of a winter’s nap and will reconvene on Thursday, January 8 from 6:30–9 p.m. Always popular, 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 like to get 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.

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.

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.