Classes, projects, and a search for burnt-out lightbulbs

By Hope Wallace

Bring us your light bulbs, burnt out yearning to be re-purposed! Our Elf Workshop is coming up on Thursday, Dec. 17 and we could use some more penguin bodies! One of our elf projects is creating penguins from old light bulbs. They turn out super-fun. Several different projects will be going on simultaneously that you can complete in one evening here at the art center. All of Santa’s elf-artists will be on duty to help you create graceful, geometric Himelli ornaments, snowmen, Shrinky-dink holiday charms, penguins from light bulbs and beaded snowflakes! Cost is $20 – all you can make! We will be opening up the bar and will have hot chocolate for the young people. Suitable for all ages, young people 15 years and under require an adult to attend along with them.

Dec. 18 is the last day to shop the Wass for unique and cool! Approximately 200 pieces of art are available for purchase. This all-media sale is a fun and relaxed way to get unique gifts for the people you love. Do you know someone who is difficult to buy for? Buy art! Shop quality handmade items while supporting local artists. All Wassenberg Art Center exhibits and receptions are free and open to the public.

Talk about a warm response! Thank you so far Van Wert! We have been collecting items for our “Warm up the Ridge” project and the response has been amazing. We will be filling up a whole trailer to haul to Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota where will be distribute to our contact there. Warm up the Ridge is an effort organized by the owner of our David Humphreys Miller collection, the Brent Stevens family. Pine Ridge Reservation is where most of the descendants of the Lakota (Sioux) warriors whose portraits hang on our wall reside. Marian Whitemouse, a family member of Dewey Beard and John Moves Camp is heading up the drive for warm coats to be distributed to those in need on the reservation. Pine Ridge is the site of third-world living conditions, 80% unemployment, widespread gang violence and dramatically high disease and mortally rates. Several deaths last year were attributed to soaring propane costs and brutal, cold temperatures. Please bring donated items by Dec. 18 at 5 p.m.

Here is the beginning of our new class line-up with more classes being added so check back often!

Every Wednesday; Jan. 13 – Feb. 10 from 6–8 p.m. Basic Pottery with well-known, professional potter Brandon Knott renews for a 5-week course (ages 15–125)! All areas of pottery will be covered by Brandon including, wheel, slab work, sculpture and even raku! 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.

Drawing for the Fraidy Cat. Instructor: Megan Thomas. Jan. 7, 14, 21, 28, 6–8 p.m.

Stick people are people too! This class is for anyone who would like to dabble but have had trouble putting pencil to paper. There are NO mistakes so give it a try. You will be surprised at the results. Megan Thomas is a ceramic artist and the new Event and Programming Coordinator for the Wassenberg Art Center. She has a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts Degree from Bowling Green State University. She has exhibited and sold work in Ohio, Louisiana, and Maine. $30 members/$35 regular.

Classic Watercolors (adult) Tuesdays 10 a.m.–noon, ongoing. Instructor: Pat Rayman Students will learn some of the classic and time-tested watercolor techniques for a solid base and further their watercolor painting skills. Wet on wet, dry brush and other tricks will be demonstrated and explored. This class is ongoing but we encourage you to jump in anytime. $35 members, $40 non-members. Materials required: Watercolors, watercolor paper (140 lb), brushes, palette (we use foam/paper plates), drawing pencil, eraser, permanent black pen.

Eat. Talk. Crop. Scrapbooking Marathon. Come spend a weekend working on your favorite photos! The crop starts on Friday, Jan. 22, at 5pm – midnight, continues Saturday, Jan. 23, from 9a.m. – midnight, and Sunday, Jan. 24, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.. Bring your photos, paper, favorite drink, and a treat to share. Dinner on Saturday and lunch on Sunday will be provided. Limited to 35 Scrapaholics. Friday, Jan. 22 – $10, Saturday, Jan. 23 – $20, Sunday, Jan. 24 – $15, Creative Memories, Stampin Up, and Close To My Heart will provide a chance to shop. All 3 days – $40. Cricut machines and cartridges will be available. Please call Pam at 419.238.1062 or the art center at 419.238.6837.

Don’t forget ArtNight will be starting back up again on Jan. 7. What is ArtNight? We open up our doors, our bar, turn on the tunes so you can come and make stuff. We may even have a project or two available. Do you like to play the piano or guitar? Great! You can bring in a project you like, painting, sculpture, whatever you feel like creating. An instructor will be on hand to help. Best of all, it’s free! So grab a friend or come alone, we are friendly.

More classes to be added soon to keep us out of trouble (or in) during the winter!

Would you like to gather with friends for a private Vine & Palette Party? Give our Event & Program Coordinator, Megan a call and we can line something up for you! Our paintings are original and we encourage exploration and experimentation with all our V & P guests. We even provide custom themes.

For more information on exhibits or to sign 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.