Wassenberg seeks Van Wert artworks

The American Watercolor Society is due to leave on January 28 so get in and take a peek. AWS is an international based group that features a traveling exhibit annually. Van Wert is fortunate to be able to host this level of exhibit. Please drop by and soak up the color of these stunning works by this time-honored group, the American Watercolor Society.

Do you own an old painting, drawing, or sculpture of a scene, building, or event that took place in Van Wert? Do you currently create scenes of Van Wert in the above media? If you do, this exhibit is for you! Entry forms are available and can be obtained by calling 419.238.6837, emailing info@wassenbergartcenter.org, or stopping by the art center. Art entries will be accepted Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, February 2-4, from 1-5 p.m. Entry is open to all artists 18 and older. A non-refundable fee of $15 for Wassenberg Art Center members or $20 for non-members entitles the artist to submit up to three entries. We’ll be having an opening party on February 9, from 6-9 p.m. following the Main Street Van Wert Chocolate Walk. We’ll serve fresh, homemade soups, and bread, and wine and chocolate pairings. Weston Thompson will keep us entertained by tickling our baby grand.

Have you gotten your velvet on yet? February 17 we will host Vintage Velvet Valentine’s Ball, featuring Distant Cousinz of Toledo! You remember them, that great, headliner band from Town Creek Live 2017? Well, they are coming back for the third time, simply because they are awesome. As the name implies, vintage and velvet, any era, any combination, any configuration. So, get crackin’ on your outfit. We may award a prize. We will also host Cloud Max, the mysterious fortune teller from the West giving hints at what to come … games, pick up nibbles, and cash bar. Check out our Facebook page for the event details or give us a call at: 419.238.6837. You can also email us at info@wassenbergartcenter.org.

Our gift shop area is growing! Be on the lookout for new artist introductions and an expanded selection of local/regional one-of-a-kind art! Prices for fun, functional, decorative, and always unique artisan items are more reasonable than you’d think. Support area artists; how cool is that?

Art Classes:

Classic Watercolor: Tuesday mornings from 10 a.m.-noon. Ongoing. $40 art center member price/$45 regular price. Instructor: Pat Rayman. Materials required. Online sign up available.

Beginning Digital Photography: February 20-22: 6-9 p.m. $55 art center member price/$60 regular price. A crash course in getting the most out of your digital (and sometime confusing) camera; participants will learn the basics of how a digital camera works and what settings they should and should not be using.  Students will be given cheat sheets and learn how to take better photos of people, children, sports, and landscapes. Materials: Camera, charged battery, memory card with space for photos, and camera manual. Instructor, Shannon Painter-Carpenter. 

ArtReach: We have openings available in both age groups and you can sign up anytime. Tuesdays (ages 7-11) and Thursdays (11 and up) 3:30-5 p.m. We are currently accepting students for this great, stress free after-school art program. Official forms are available online at wassenbergartcenter.org or at the Wassenberg Art Center office.

ArtNight: This week’s art night is cancelled; however, on February 1 and 7, we have a special project for Valentines. This event is free…with a twist. You will make two decorated, velvet boxes and, keep one! Your other creation will be featured at the Vintage Velvet Valentine’s Ball. Instructor will be Shannon Painter-Carpenter. You are also welcome to bring your own project or sign up for the project we feature. Additional instructors are being lined up to bring you varied choices. Enjoy a glass of wine or beer while you are here, hang out with friends, create and relax.

For more information on exhibits or to sign up 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 or by email at info@wassenbergartcenter.org.