American Watercolor Society exhibit opens Saturday

 By Hope Wallace

It’s here, the 147^th Annual American Watercolor Society exhibit laying-in-wait for this Saturday, Jan. 24 at 7 p.m. when we officially open this international show with Radoslav Lorković, international blues musician. The AWS is one of the premiere watercolor exhibits in the world and throughout its history has had notable artists included in their ranks such as Andrew Wyeth (think famous President Kennedy portrait), Charles Burchfield, Childe Hassam and Edward Hopper. In 2014 more than 1,200 artists from throughout the United States and a dozen foreign countries submitted their work to a panel of jurors chosen from signature members of the AWS. Of these submissions (one per artist), 138 paintings were selected for the exhibition. Forty paintings from the show are selected for the Traveling Exhibition, which will tour museums and galleries across the country during the next year. The Wassenberg Art Center in Van Wert is one of those stops.

The reception occurring on Jan. 24, in the Wendel gallery is open to the public at no cost and regular gallery hours are Tuesday – Sunday 1-5 p.m. through Feb. 22. A free and open-to-the-public reception is also planned for 7–9 p.m. on Jan. 24, and will feature a concert by international blues musician Radoslav Lorković. www.radoslavlorkovic.com. Lorković, born in Zagreb, Croatia moved to the U.S. at as a child and at age 20 began touring with Bo Ramsey and the Sliders. Since then, his career has taken him all over the world from small stages to large venues such as the Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall. Free Hors d’oeuvres, and spirits will be available for purchase.

We are so excited to be bringing art to the region in the way of exhibits, simple one-time projects and more structured classes to crazy events that get everyone together for a fun evening in creative expression and socialization. See below to see some of the things we have going on and climb out of that ice-cave and join us!

Make a “take-home, stained glass, I-did-that” project that you can be proud of. Beginning on Thursdays, Feb. 5–March 12, from 6:30–8:30 p.m. we will host another stained glass class for ages 15–125. This six-week class, taught by Jerry Mazur will cover leading techniques, copper foiling, other items and costs $55 members/$60 non-members.

Our next Vine & Palette session will be on Tuesday, Feb. 3 from 6:30–9 p.m. Cabin fever is bound to be setting in and we have the perfect antidote! 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 like to get messy! The cost is $30 for members and $35 for non-members. (21 and over)

Need a great party idea? Vine & Palettes can be designed for private and corporate parties and a Snack/Pizza & Palette version is available for young people. Give us a call to find out more.

Feb. 10–March 3 from 5:30–7:30 p.m. An Acrylic Painting class, (ages 15–125) will be conducted by widely-shown artist and instructor Kathy Funderburg. Kathy attended University of Kansas and the Art Institute of Pittsburg. She has worked for major corporations in graphic design, illustrated children’s books, and designed a line of greeting cards, which was later purchased by Mary Kay Corporation. Kathy has exhibited her drawings and paintings around the country and has become a popular educator in private instruction, workshops and as an instructor at Defiance College. Cost of this course is $35 members/$40 non-members. Materials fee $20 or you may provide your own.

Feb. 11 –April 1 from 6–8 p.m. Basic Pottery with well-known area potter Brandon Knott begins for a full 8-week course (ages 15–125). All areas of pottery will be covered by Brandon including, wheel, slab work and sculpture. Brandon Knott holds a Bachelors of Science degree in Visual Art and a Masters in Education from Defiance College. Brandon has operated his business “it’s Knott Pottery” since 1995, www.itsknottpottery.com. Brandon has taught at Bryan High School since 2006, where runs a nationally competitive ceramics program which has won numerous awards. He has taught at Defiance College and held workshops at many area art centers.

Cost of this course is $65 members/$70 non-members. Materials included.

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.

Sign up soon. Classes are kept small for more in-depth attention. More types of classes will be announced in the near future so check back often.

For those looking for something to do in Van Wert on St.Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14 that is different, welcoming and most importantly, wacky-fun, search no more! Due to popular demand, we’ve created the 2^nd Annual Big Wassky! If you happened to be one of the cats who joined the gang in 2014 at our first Gatsby inspired part, you know we mean it. Grab your roaring twenties duds, friends, your main squeeze and get here. Earl P. and the Family Tree, Bryan, will rock the Wass until midnight with rock, blues and maybe a lil country thrown in. These characters are worth the trip. Gourmet, homemade lasagna, antipasto and other treats will outfit this speakeasy (no password required and we won’t rough you up). Luck-tech photo booth will be on hand to record your memories and we usually manage to throw in a few surprises here and there. Costs are: $15 per person, $25 per couple.

For more information on exhibits or to sign for classes and events visit wassenbergartcenter.org. The Wassenberg Art Center is located at 214 South Washington Street (former Van Wert Armory). We can also be reached by telephone at: 419.238.6837, email: info@wassenbergartcenter.org and our website is: wassenbergartcenter.org.