The Van Wert County Courthouse

Thursday, Mar. 28, 2024

Photo show coming, and so is “Dr. Wassenstein”

By Hope Wallace

Tickets are now on sale for the Wassenberg Art Center annual Halloween event, “Dr. Wassenstein’s Freak Haus”. Joseph C.R. Vourteque returns as the featured DJ. (Photo by William Hawkins.)
Tickets are now on sale for the Wassenberg Art Center annual Halloween event, “Dr. Wassenstein’s Freak Haus”. Joseph C.R. Vourteque returns as the featured DJ. (Photo by William Hawkins.)

Time’s up and Wowee! The 38th Annual Photography Exhibit is going to be quite impressive, thanks to the many fine area photographers who submitted entries this year. We thank Citizens National Bank for their sponsorship of this exhibit.

Jurors Stephen Takacs and Heather Wetzel will select the images and awards for the exhibit. The show will run from Sunday, Oct. 11 through Nov. 8. Join us for the public exhibit opening party on Oct. 11, 1-5 p.m.  Admission is free, and there will be free refreshments, a cash bar, lively music and a warm welcome to all who attend.

Jerame Wheeler, a guitarist with over 20 years’ experience, will entertain at the opening reception. Originally inspired by his father’s bluegrass band as a young boy, Jerame formed his own band, “Locally Grown,” which toured Toledo area venues for over ten years.  Jerame continues to play solo gigs, providing an incredibly varied selection of music covering artists and bands from his father’s era to today. The entertainment is sponsored by Citizens National Bank.

Our current exhibit of work by Robert Millard-Mendez runs through Sept. 27. Every time we look at these pieces – which are both whimsical and meaningful – we discover new things.  Mendez is a professor in the Department of Art at the University of Southern Indiana, and we’ve heard many good comments about this show.

Congratulations to all of the award winners in the fine arts division from the Van Wert County Fair. The Wassenberg Art Center has assisted the Fair Board with the Fine Arts Display for many years.  The Van Wert County Foundation has kindly provided first, second, and third best of show awards.  This year the art center itself provided The Grand Wassenberg Art Center Award of $200.  William John of Lima won this year’s WAC award with a beautiful painting of curious ducklings.

Art Night is back! We open up our doors, the paint and clay bins, a wine bottle and turn on the tunes. Grab a friend and any project you are working on or start something new. You project can be a craft, painting, sculpture, whatever you are or feel like creating. Gather, relax hang out with friends and make stuff. An instructor will be on hand. We’re here to help. Best of all, it’s free. We will meet every Thursday evening, 6-9 p.m., beginning on Sept. 17.

ArtReach! for kids is also returning, with younger students meeting on Tuesdays and older ones on Thursdays.  Classes for ages 7-11 will start on Tuesday, Sept. 22 and classes for ages 12-15 begin Thursday, Sept. 24.  Both groups meet from 3:30-5 p.m. Instructor Diane Bendele will return and has many cool projects lined up!  The monthly fee is $35 regular or $30 for members.  We follow the Van Wert City School calendar for holidays, weather days etc. Please call the art center to register your young artists!

We’ve heard from the Doctor and the prognosis is good. Dr. Wassenstein will return to the art center on Halloween for a frightful, freaky evening. This year, the Doctor will be presenting a macabre freak-show. Some of his “experiments” have joined the circus and will be on hand to entertain you this Oct. 31. Electro-swing DJ C.R. Vourteque of Chicago will once again get your feet dancing!  Other performers will risk life and limb in death-defying (well, almost) feats. Creepy clowns, popcorn, peanuts and liquid refreshments, a costume contest, and other surprises will guarantee your Halloween is a spooky success. General ticket sales will open on Sept. 13. Membership is not required; everyone is welcome! More information can be found at: http://www.wassenbergartcenter.org/announcements/dr-wassensteins-freak-show or call the art center at: 419.238.6837.

We will be offering a drawing class on Friday mornings beginning on Oct. 9 at 10 a.m., taught by Pat Rayman. A list of supplies needed will be available prior to class. The class fee is $40 regular/$35 members.

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

POSTED: 09/09/15 at 1:44 pm. FILED UNDER: What's Up at Wassenberg?