The Van Wert County Courthouse

Thursday, Mar. 28, 2024

 

What's Up at Wassenberg?

By: Hope Wallace and Kay Sluterbeck

 

The Tuesday morning watercolor techniques class at the Wassenberg Art Center recently had a holiday crafting day with Ann Puthoff showing the group how to make Christmas ornaments with acrylic paint (a water media) on wood blanks, bark, and pieces of driftwood. All materials were provided, and the class enjoyed making holiday-themed art. Above, ornaments and gifts made by Ann Puthoff help give the group ideas on how to make ornaments with paint and wood pieces. Below, the instructor and some of the class look serious as they select paint and wood pieces for their projects, but laughter followed as the class created some very fine Christmas ornaments. From the left, Puthoff, Beve Thobe, Suzy Stripe, and Elgarda McGee. Photos submitted

POSTED: 12/14/23 at 4:40 am. FILED UNDER: News, What's Up at Wassenberg?

Cast of Blues opens on January 28, 2022 and we are celebrating by having a special music trio! Kaitlyn Schmit, Frank Stemen and Aeddon Cartwright will have some groovy tunes to usher in this compelling exhibit.

Kaitlyn Schmit, Frank Stemen and Aeddon Cartwright will provide the music for the public opening of Cast of Blues at the Wassenberg Art Center, January 28.

This national-level exhibit has been touring around the country and celebrates the American history of the Blues. It is a celebration of our county’s rich musical heritage. A Cast of Blues features 15 resin-cast touchable, masks of blues legends created by artist Sharon McConnell-Dickerson, as well as 15 color photographs of performers and of juke joints by acclaimed photographer Ken Murphy. Educational materials are also available for teachers and home school parents. Everyone is invited to the opening party from 6-8 p.m. Friday, January 28.

We will feature live, bluesy music by Kaitlyn Schmit, Frank Stemen of Kaitlyn Schmit and the Move, along with Aeddon Cartwright. Come for free appetizers, cash bar, blues and great company! Exhibit entry is free. We wish to thank the National Endowment for the Humanities, Arts Midwest and Mid-America Arts Alliance.

Mini-makers Night! We can BEARLY stand it! This Thursday, January 20 starting at 6 p.m, bring your mini-artist (ages 4–6) and yourself for this togetherness art making evening. Call the art center to reserve your spot, cost is $5.

We are hosting another Vine & Palette with our awesome instructor, Ashley, from 6-9 p.m. Thursday, January 27. Spaces are still available so sign up soon!

Watercolor Class: (in-house and ongoing) Tuesday mornings; 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Fee: $55 Regular, $40 WAC member cost. Instructor: Pat Rayman.

Art and Pint Nights from 6-9 p.m. every Thursday. We have a selection of art projects (designed by Ashley!) to choose from, and we open the bar. Do you have a project you’d like to start but are feeling nervous? Let us help!

We still have openings for the Watercolor Workshop with Fort Wayne artist, Bridget O’Brien which begins February 3. This 6-week course will leave participants with the ability to paint a successful landscape painting in watercolor. Limited spots available, sign up now. Price WAC Members: $40 Regular price: $45.

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, or by email at info@wassenbergartcenter.org.

Project for Mini-maker’s Night, Thursday, January 20, 6–8 p.m. at the Wassenberg Art Center.

POSTED: 01/18/22 at 1:35 pm. FILED UNDER: What's Up at Wassenberg?

Everyone’s invited! Cast of Blues opens on January 28, 2022 and we are celebrating by having a special music trio! Kaitlyn Schmit, Frank Stemen and Aeddon Cartwright will have some groovy tunes to usher in this compelling exhibit.

This national-level exhibit has been touring around the country and celebrates the American history of the Blues. It is a celebration of our county’s rich musical heritage. A Cast of Blues features 15 resin-cast touchable, masks of blues legends created by artist Sharon McConnell-Dickerson, as well as 15 color photographs of performers and of juke joints by acclaimed photographer Ken Murphy. Educational materials are also available for teachers and home school parents.

Kaitlyn Schmit, Frank Stemen (from Kaitlyn Schmit and the Move) along with Aeddon Cartwright will perform at the Wassenberg Art Center on January 28 on the opening Day of Cast of Blues.

Everyone is invited to the opening party from 6-9 p.m. Friday, January 28. We will feature live, bluesy music by Kaitlyn Schmit, Frank Stemen of Kaitlyn Schmit and the Move, along with Aeddon Cartwright. Come for free appetizers, cash bar, blues and great company! Exhibit entry is free. We wish to thank the National Endowment for the Humanities, Arts Midwest and Mid-America Arts Alliance.

Watercolor Class: (in-house and ongoing) Tuesday mornings; 10 a.m.until 12 p.m.. Fee: $55 Regular, $40 WAC member cost. Instructor: Pat Rayman.

Art and Pint Nights every Thursday 6–9 p.m. We have a selection of art projects (designed by Ashley!) to choose from, and we open the bar. Do you have a project you’d like to start but are feeling nervous? Let us help!

We still have openings for the Watercolor Workshop with Fort Wayne artist, Bridget O’Brien which begins February 3. This 6-week course will leave participants with the ability to paint a successful landscape painting in watercolor. Limited spots available, sign up now. Price WAC Members: $40 Regular price: $45.

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, or by email, info@wassenbergartcenter.org.

An interactive, national level exhibit, Cast of Blues opens January 28, at the Wassenberg Art Center. Buddy Guy performs on stage.

POSTED: 01/13/22 at 11:04 am. FILED UNDER: What's Up at Wassenberg?

We are launching into 2022 with paintbrushes blazing! 

First exhibit opening on January 28, is A Cast of Blues! This national-level exhibit has come to us from its tour around the country and celebrates the purely American history of the Blues and is a celebration of our county’s rich musical heritage. A Cast of Blues features 15 resin-cast touchable, masks of blues legends created by artist Sharon McConnell-Dickerson, as well as 15 color photographs of performers and of juke joints by acclaimed photographer Ken Murphy. Educational materials are also available for teachers and home school parents. 

Everyone is invited to the opening party from 6-9 p.m. January 28. We will feature live, bluesy music by Kaitlyn Schmit, Frank Stemen of Kaitlyn Schmit and the Move, along with Aeddon Cartwright. Come for free appetizers, cash bar, blues and great company! Exhibit entry is free. We wish to thank the National Endowment for the Humanities, Arts Midwest and Mid-America Arts Alliance. 

Watercolor Class: (in-house and ongoing) Tuesday mornings; 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Fee: $55 Regular, $40 WAC member cost. Instructor: Pat Rayman.

National exhibits arrive heavily crated on freight trucks. We can’t wait to crack open A Cast of Blues!

Art and Pint Nights every Thursday 6–9 p.m. We have a selection of art projects (designed by Ashley!) to choose from, and we open the bar. Do you have a project you’d like to start but are feeling nervous? Let us help!

Watercolor Workshop with Fort Wayne artist, Bridget O’Brien begins February 3. This 6-week course will leave participants with the ability to paint a successful landscape painting in watercolor. Limited spots available, sign up now. Price WAC Members: $40 Regular price: $45.

Thanks to everyone who donated to our Warm Up the Ridge drive! We were able to stuff an entire semi-truck to the brim with warm clothings, blankets, and 564 space heaters! We have a special shout out to Thad Lichtensteiger who gathered donations from around the community and Brian Mercer of Lee’s Ace Hardware who helps us purchase all those space heaters and get them to where they’re going!

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, or email: info@wassenbergartcenter.org.

Warm Up the Ridge 2021 was a resounding success with a semi full of warm clothing and 564 space heaters.

POSTED: 01/05/22 at 9:29 am. FILED UNDER: What's Up at Wassenberg?

We will begin our seasonal shut-down Wednesday December 23 through January 3. We will be working behind the scenes, prepping for a new year of art so, please feel free to email us at info@wassenbergartcenter.org if you have any questions!

We are so excited to present, A Cast of Blues, opening January 28, is a celebration of our county’s rich musical heritage, The exhibition A Cast of Blues features 15 resin-cast touchable, masks of blues legends created by artist Sharon McConnell-Dickerson, as well as 15 color photographs of performers and of juke joints by acclaimed photographer Ken Murphy.

Educational materials are also available for teachers and home school parents. We will feature live, bluesy music by Kaitlyn Schmit, Frank Stemen and Aeddon Cartwright at the opening reception scheduled for 6-9 p.m. January 28. Free appetizers, cash bar. Exhibit entry is free.

Examples of some of our new handmade felt ornaments, suitable for all year long.

Watercolor Class: (in-house and ongoing) Tuesday mornings; 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Fee: $55 Regular, $40 WAC member cost. Instructor: Pat Rayman.

Art and Pint Nights every Thursday 6–9 p.m. We have a selection of art projects (designed by Ashley!) to choose from, and open the bar. Do you have a project you’d like to start but are feeling nervous?

Watercolor Workshop with Fort Wayne artist, Bridget O’Brien begins February 3. This 6-week course will leave participants with the ability to paint a successful landscape painting in watercolor. Limited spots available, sign up now. Price WAC Members: $40 Regular price: $45.

Local art and other handmade items are available at the Wassenberg Art Center for the holiday shopping season. This painting is by Kathy Funderburg of Bryan.

POSTED: 12/22/21 at 4:15 pm. FILED UNDER: What's Up at Wassenberg?

Our Annual Artists’ Exhibit & Sale will be on view through December 22. The Artists’ Exhibit & Sale provides a fun offering of art and a great way to purchase original art at reasonable prices just in time for the holidays.

Watercolor Class: (in-house and ongoing) Tuesday mornings; 10 a.m.-noon. Fee: $55 Regular, $40 WAC member cost. Instructor: Pat Rayman.

Warm Up the Ridge drive will end on December15. What began as a few armfuls of coats in the back of a pick up has grown over the last seven years to an entire semi-truck filled with space heaters, coats and blankets! Bring your gently used, clean coats, blankets or new electric space heaters to the Wassenberg Art Center to get on the truck bound for Pine Ridge Reservation for 2021! While here, visit Faces of Little Bighorn, portraits and paintings of the Lakota by Van Wert Native, David Humphreys Miller, the impetus for our annual drive. Why do we care about the Lakota who live so far away on Pine Ridge? You can find out more information here: https://fb.watch/8-O6yzAMxg/ and below are some grave statistics.

• 97 percent of residents below live below federal poverty line
• Unemployment 85 to 95 percent
• Death rate due to heart disease: twice the national average
• Infant mortality rate highest on this continent, 300 percent higher than national average
• Every year persons die from hypothermia
• Median income $4000
• 60 percent of homes are substandard without running water, electric or proper insulation
• Life expectancy 45 years old
• Over half the population deals with alcoholism
• Poorest county in over 2300 counties in the entire U.S.

The Wassenberg Art Center is located at 214 S. Washington St. Regular gallery hours are Tuesday through Sunday from 1-5 p.m., Thursday from 1-9 p.m., and mornings by appointment. Closed Mondays. We can be reached by telephone at 419.238.6837 or email at info@wassenbergartcenter.org.

POSTED: 12/02/21 at 8:52 am. FILED UNDER: What's Up at Wassenberg?

Our Annual Artists’ Exhibit & Sale opens at 6 p.m. Thursday, November 18. The Artists’ Exhibit & Sale provides a fun offering of art and a great way to purchase original art at reasonable prices just in time for the holidays. Awards will be presented, free entry, appetizers, cash bar and live music by Aeddon Cartwright.

Warm Up the Ridge drive to benefit the residents of Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota has begun at the Wassenberg Art Center

Watercolor Class: (in-house and ongoing) Tuesday mornings; 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Fee: $55 Regular, $40 WAC member cost. Instructor: Pat Rayman.

Art and Pint Nights every Thursday 6–9 p.m. We have a selection of art projects (designed by Ashley!) to choose from, and open the bar. Do you have a project you’d like to start but are feeling nervous? Come and see us, we are here to help!

Mini-makers ages 4-6 will be making some holiday crafts at 6 p.m. December 2.

ArtReach, our after school art program continues through the school year. Sign up anytime. ArtReach is held on from 3:30-5 p.m. Tuesday and Thursdays. Instructor Ashley McClure has designed projects that support art training in a fun and dynamic way. Flexible participation can be month to month to accommodate busy schedules. Call the art center to sign up and/or find additional information.

Warm Up the Ridge is ongoing! Thank you to everyone who has donated so far! What began as a few armfuls of coats in the back of a pick up has grown over the last seven years to an entire semi-truck filled with space heaters, coats and blankets! Bring your gently used, clean coats, blankets or new electric space heaters to the Wassenberg Art Center to get on the truck bound for Pine Ridge Reservation for 2021! While here, visit Faces of Little Bighorn, portraits and paintings of the Lakota by Van Wert Native, David Humphreys Miller, the impetus for our annual drive. Why do we care about the Lakota who live so far away on Pine Ridge? You can find out more information here: https://fb.watch/8-O6yzAMxg/ and below are some grave statistics.

• 97 percent of residents below live below federal poverty line
• Unemployment 85 to 95 percent
• Death rate due to heart disease: Twice National Average
• Infant mortality rate highest on this continent, 300 percent higher than national average
• Every year persons die from Hypothermia
• Median income $4000
• 60 percent of homes are substandard without running water, electric or proper insulation
• Life expectancy 45 years old
• Over half the population deals with alcoholism
• Poorest county in over 2300 counties in the entire U.S.

The Wassenberg Art Center is located at 214 S. Washington St. Regular gallery hours are Tuesday through Sunday from 1-5 p.m., Thursday from 1-9 p.m., and mornings by appointment. Closed Mondays. We can be reached by telephone at 419.238.6837 or email at info@wassenbergartcenter.org.

Sneak peak of the 32nd Annual Artists’ Exhibit and Sale to begin November 18 at the Wassenberg Art Center.

POSTED: 11/16/21 at 7:10 pm. FILED UNDER: What's Up at Wassenberg?

The 44th annual Photography Exhibit will will close on November 7 at 5 p.m. Most of these quality photographs are for sale just in time for the gift giving season.

Call for entry for our Wassenberg Artists’ Exhibit and Sale will begin on November 10, and go through November 11, 12 and 13. You may enter 5 pieces. All that is required is a Wassenberg Art Center membership! This exhibit is judged for awards but not juried. All works by WAC members is accepted! An entry form is available at the art center and online at www.wassenbergartcenter.org Our Annual Artists’ Exhibit & Sale opens November 18 at 6 p.m. The Artists’ Exhibit & Sale provides a fun offering of art and a great way to purchase original art at reasonable prices just in time for the holidays.

Watercolor Class: (in-house and ongoing) Tuesday mornings; 10 a.m.-noon. Fee: $55 Regular, $40 WAC member cost. Instructor: Pat Rayman. Art and Pint Nights every Thursday 6–9 p.m. We have a selection of art projects (designed by Ashley!) to choose from, and open the bar. Do you have a project you’d like to start but are feeling nervous? Come and see us, we are here to help!

Warm Up the Ridge drive to benefit the residents of Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota has begun at the Wassenberg Art Center

ArtReach, our after school art program continues through the school year. Sign up anytime. ArtReach is held on Tuesday and Thursdays 3:30 to 5 p.m. InstructorAshley McClure has designed projects that support art training in a fun and dynamic way. Flexible participation can be month to month to accommodate busy schedules. Call the art center to sign up and/or find additional information.

Warm Up the Ridge has begun for 2021! What began as a few armfuls of coats in the back of a pick up has grown over the last seven years to an entire semi-truck filled with space heaters, coats and blankets! Bring your gently used, clean coats, blankets or new electric space heaters to the Wassenberg Art Center to get on the truck bound for Pine Ridge Reservation for 2021! While here, visit Faces of Little Bighorn, portraits and paintings of the Lakota by Van Wert Native, David Humphreys Miller, the impetus for our annual drive. Why do we care about the Lakota who live so far away on Pine Ridge? You can find out more information here: https://fb.watch/8-O6yzAMxg/ and below are some grave statistics:

• 97 percent of residents below live below federal poverty line
• Unemployment 85-95 percent
• Death rate due to heart disease: Twice National Average
• Infant mortality rate highest on this continent, 300 percent higher than national average
• Every year persons die from Hypothermia
• Median income $4000
• 60 percent of homes are substandard without running water, electric or proper insulation
• Life expectancy 45 years old
• Over half the population deals with alcoholism
• Poorest county in over 2300 counties in the entire U.S.

The Wassenberg Art Center is located at 214 S. Washington St. Regular gallery hours are Tuesday through Sunday from 1-5 p.m., Thursday from 1-9 p.m., and mornings by appointment. Closed Mondays. We can be reached by telephone at 419.238.6837 or email at info@wassenbergartcenter.org.

POSTED: 11/01/21 at 3:17 pm. FILED UNDER: What's Up at Wassenberg?

We will be handing out treats on October 30th from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. out at our Beverage Bin! Bring your ghastly ghouls and hobgoblins to the Wass for a treat! No tricks, we promise.

The 44th annual Photography Exhibit will be on view until November 7, so take a moment to take in this excellent collection of photos dealing with beauty in all things and contemporary issues. Most works are for sale. A great space to chill with a glass of wine.

Following on the photography exhibit is our Annual Artists’ Exhibit & Sale beginning at 6 p.m. Thursday, November 18. The 32nd Annual Artists’ Exhibit & Sale is fun offering of art for sale by our own Wassenberg artists and a great way to purchase original art at reasonable prices. Buy real art, support artists, decorate your home with cool things? Win Win!
For those who would like to submit work, a WAC membership provides the opportunity to display artwork for a month during the upcoming holiday season. Please submit your work by November 10, 11, 12 or 13. You may enter five pieces. This exhibit will be judged for awards, all art will be accepted. An entry form is available at the art center and online at www.wassenbergartcenter.org.

Watercolor Class: (in-house and ongoing) Tuesday mornings; 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Fee: $55 Regular, $40 WAC member cost. Instructor: Pat Rayman.

Art and Pint Nights every Thursday 6–9 p.m. We have a selection of art projects (designed by Ashley!) to choose from, and open the bar. Do you have a project you’d like to start but are feeling nervous? Come and see us, we are here to help!

ArtReach is on! Sign up anytime. We are hosting our after-school art program beginning September 7 and September 9 from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Students ages 7 on up will be taught art techniques by our new instructor Ashley McClure. Sign up is flexible and participation can be month to month to accommodate busy schedules. Call the art center to sign up and/or find additional information.

The Wassenberg Art Center is located at 214 S. Washington St. Regular gallery hours are Tuesday through Sunday from 1-5 p.m., Thursday from 1-9 p.m., and mornings by appointment. Closed Mondays. We can be reached by telephone at 419.238.6837 or email at info@wassenbergartcenter.org.

POSTED: 10/19/21 at 11:46 am. FILED UNDER: What's Up at Wassenberg?

The 44th annual Photography Exhibit opened last Thursday. You have until November 7 to take in this excellent collection of photos dealing with beauty in all things and contemporary issues. Most works are for sale. Awards were give to the following:

Charles Wassenberg Best of Show Black & White: Adam Schmersal
Charles Wassenberg Best of Show Color: Chris Herman
Van Wert County Foundation Award: William McGee
First Place, Animal Oddities: Joshua Ferris
First Place Architecture Looking Up: Chris Wasson
First Place Forest Arbor: Sarah Beth Anderson
First Place Isolation: Lori Law
First Place John Flagg Award Youth: Nancy Anderson
First Place Social Gatherings: Sharmalene Gunawardena
First Place Turmoil: Chris Wasson
Katy Mounts Award Black and White: Christopher Hattery
Cathy Huber: Katy Mounts Award Color
Second Place Animal Oddities: Storm Whitaker
Second Place Architecture Looking Up: Richard Brumbaugh
Second Place Forest Arbor: Christopher Hattery
Second Place Isolation: William Horvath
Second Place John Flagg Youth Award: Hadley Goins
Second Place Turmoil: Chris Herman
Second Place Social Gatherings: Joshua Ferris

Charles Wassenberg Best of Show Black & White: Adam Schmersal

Following on the photography exhibit is our Annual Artists’ Exhibit & Sale beginning at 6 p.m. Saturday, November 18 at 6 p.m. The 32nd Annual Artists’ Exhibit & Sale is fun offering of art for sale by our own Wassenberg artists and a great way to purchase original art at reasonable prices. Buy real art, support artists, decorate your home with cool things? Win Win!

For those who would like to submit work, a WAC membership provides the opportunity to display artwork for a month during the upcoming holiday season. Please submit your work by November 10, 11, 12 or 13. You may enter five pieces. This exhibit will be judged for awards, all art will be accepted. An entry form is available at the art center and online at www.wassenbergartcenter.org.

Watercolor Class: (in-house and ongoing) Tuesday mornings; 10 a.m.– 12 p.m. Fee: $55 Regular, $40 WAC member cost. Instructor: Pat Rayman.
Art and Pint Nights every Thursday from 6-9 p.m. We have a selection of art projects (designed by Ashley!) to choose from, and open the bar. Do you have a project you’d like to start but are feeling nervous? Come and see us, we are here to help.

ArtReach is on! Sign up anytime. We are hosting our after-school art program beginning September 7 and September 9 from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Students ages seven and up will be taught art techniques by our new instructor Ashley McClure. Sign up is flexible and participation can be month to month to accommodate busy schedules. Call the art center to sign up and/or find additional information.

The Wassenberg Art Center is located at 214 S. Washington St. Regular gallery hours are Tuesday through Sunday from 1-5 p.m., Thursday from 1-9 p.m., and mornings by appointment. Closed Mondays. We can be reached by telephone at 419.238.6837 or email at info@wassenbergartcenter.org.

Charles Wassenberg Best of Show Color: Chris Herman

POSTED: 10/12/21 at 12:26 pm. FILED UNDER: What's Up at Wassenberg?