No, you don’t have to be a member

By Hope Wallace

Sometimes we hear statements like “I thought I had to be a member to attend Wassenberg events.” Not true, not true! The Wassenberg is a community art center and everyone is welcome to attend our events. Our members support our mission and we couldn’t do what we do without them of which we are truly thankful. Membership to the art center provides the member advance notice for events and program discounts. Membership is not designed to exclude, so please come to one of our shindigs, classes or exhibit openings because you are most welcome. While we may charge entry to our parties to pay the piper, so to speak, art exhibits and opening receptions are always free. Mr. Wassenberg wanted it that way and we think that is a great idea too!

The American Watercolor Society Exhibit will be shutting down and leaving for North Carolina in a few short days so please visit by Feb. 22 if you would like to see the work of artists from as far away as Australia and Italy. We have had visitors from Cleveland and Evansville IN travel to Van Wert just to get a glimpse of these paintings. Our regular gallery hours are Tuesday – Sunday 1-5 p.m. and on those mornings, by chance. Please note we will be closed on Saturday Feb. 21, for a wedding.

Thanks to everyone who braved the elements and came out to the 2^nd Annual Big Wassky a roaring 20s/Gatsby style party held on Feb. 14. Performance by Earl P and the Family Tree kept everyone on the dance floor all night long. We’d like to thank our sponsors, Wild Willies Pizza, Stephanie Dawn, Father John’s Microbrewery of Bryan, The Met, Lima and Open Minded for supplying the door prizes. Van Wert Manor supplied all of the desserts. Our board members Jayne Smith, Bradde Hamman and Kyle Schumm provided gourmet lasagna and antipasto with hardworking volunteers keeping things flowing smoothly. Travis Tribolet and Byron Nic graciously supplied the spirits throughout the night Luck-tech photo booth was here to record the evening along with William Hawkins who provided the in-house photography.

Our next Vine & Palette session will be on Tuesday, April 7 from 6:30–9 p.m. 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.

We are beginning a morning drawing class to be held on Fridays, beginning on March 6, 13, 20 and 27 from 10 a.m. until noon. Instructor Pat Rayman will demonstrate new ways to improve drawing skill to produce more dramatic results. Materials needed are: a sketchbook or drawing paper, drawing pencils, HB and 2B a black pen (fine or medium point) and colored pencils.

Our ongoing watercolor class continues on Tuesday mornings starting at 10 a.m. and the instructor is 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.

For more information on exhibits, events or to sign for classes visit wassenbergartcenter.org. The Wassenberg Art Center is located at 214 S. Washington S. (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.