Paducah improves dilapidated area

By Hope Wallace

This weekend we saw the results, firsthand of yet another example of how a community truly comes together to make things happen. Paducah Kentucky, located in southwest Kentucky on the Ohio and Tennessee Rivers suffered much the same economic fate as many small communities. A district called Lowertown was dilapidated, riddled with crime. Vacant properties predominated and suffered the subsequent plummeting real estate values. In 2000, community leaders and groups such as the local Main Street Association, CVB, city government, Chamber of Commerce, financial institutions and economic development worked together, and with their combined brain power decided to take action. The result was getting artists involved in property renovation in an artist relocation project, which in turn, facilitated one of the most successful urban renewal efforts of its size in the country. What was once an area most persons would not even go is now a vibrant neighborhood with happenings and things to do on almost every corner. Friday night we saw people strolling down the quiet streets on their way to a venue, dinner or simply to enjoy the spring weather. Saturday evening was bustling with larger numbers. There were bands here, d.j’s and bands there, an art opening at the centrally located art center and a play in the adjacent theatre. A newly opened brewery located in an old bus station a few blocks away was receiving some great reviews by the folks we met. We listened to and met the members of Gideon’s Rifle and Clusterpluck, toe-tappin’ funk bluegrass bands who would be happy to visit us in Van Wert in the future. Restaurants offered unique menus and upper stories in downtown buildings were filled with apartments or bed & breakfasts. Yes, there was an empty storefront or two. Construction was evident here and there and a few for rent signs were hanging in windows. No place is perfect, there is always turnover and we have all weathered a tremendous financial storm. How we ride those waves, stay afloat, and thrive is up to us.

We have grown, again! We are happy to announce we have hired two part-time persons to assist us with our events and our still-new facility. The positions of Facility & Grounds Attendant and Gallery Coordinator have been filled and we look forward to introducing you to our newest employees very soon!

Our Annual High School Invitational will open on April 26 with an opening reception from 1- 5 p.m. and be on view through May 15. We continue to brainstorm new creative outlets to our area with our exhibits, classes and events. Our ArtReach classes are preparing for their puppet-type production of the children’s classic, Frederick. (Frederick is a mouse whose skills don’t necessarily fall in-line with typical mouse skills, however he brings to his mouse family a meaningful gift). In addition to live music, and a hot-dog bar, the puppet show, Frederick by Leo Leonni will premier that day.

Come to our next Vine & Palette on Thursday, May 7 from 6:30–9 p.m. The warmer weather is a great excuse to come on out and paint with us. Soon we might be able to go outside! The session 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)

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! This class fills quickly and for good reason! Pottery with Brandon Knott will start up on April 22 at 6 p.m. This will be another 8-week long course ending on June 10. New techniques are going to be explored and as the weather warms we’ll take to the outdoors and dig holes for raku!

We have already been preparing for the Annual June Art Exhibit. Music has been selected (announcing soon) and art check-in days are scheduled for May 23 and 24 from 1–5 p.m. A call-for-entries form will be going out and available on our website soon. We encourage all regional artists both amateur and professional to enter. We love to see what you’ve got.

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.