Lots going on at art center

By Hope Wallace

I am sitting in a quiet corner of an art center, listening to the activity, which now buzzes almost constantly. For this we shout, hooray! I love that people feel comfortable to linger among the art, sit by our fireplace, chat and absorb the music that is now filling our gallery with clear, notes from our newly installed sound system. We get to share the work from artists who support us. What a mission to have. While Thanksgiving is several days past, I am thankful for the people of the Wassenberg Art Center whether you visit briefly, serve on our Board of Directors, sponsor our events, are one of our members, volunteers, contractors or simply glance our way and think to yourself, “what’s going on there is cool”, thank you.

Improvements continue on the grounds with contractor Alexander Bebout now working on an area that will be a fire pit surrounded by sandstone blocks. The Van Wert Rotary Club benefit auction generously funded what will be known as “Rotary Path”. Rotary path connects the South Washington Street sidewalk not only the fire pit, but the footbridge crossing Town Creek in the rear of the Wassenberg property. We can’t wait to roast marshmallows!

Yes! You can shop here. Actually, you can shop here all the time. We have a gift area all year long. Now, almost our entire gallery is filled with items that you won’t find anywhere else. One-of-a-kind items within these walls, is surprisingly inexpensive. The 25^th Annual Artists’ Exhibit & Sale has everything from photography, pottery, paintings, one-of-a-kind stuffed animals, jewelry, shadow boxes, scarves and much more. Give the gift of the unexpected. Exhibit hours are Tuesday through Sunday, 1–5 p.m. This exhibit will be on view until Dec. 19.

Looking ahead for 2015 we are super excited to bring you national level artists and exhibits beginning with the 147^th Annual American Watercolor Exhibition opening on Jan. 24, 2015. This exhibit is a collection of watercolors from the best artists in the United States. The exhibit travels to only a handful of places in the country each year and the Wassenberg Art Center is honored to be one of those few. To celebrate we thought it was only appropriate to open with an enigmatic international musician, Radoslav Lorković. Check out his music and full bio at radoslavlorkovic.com

ArtReach Classes have resumed and we have just a few more spaces in our Thursday class for slightly older artists around the ages of 12-15. Give us a call to explore this option.

Our Vine & Palette sessions will reconvene on Thursday, Jan. 8 from 6:30–9 p.m. 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 $30 for members and $35 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.

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.

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.