Burt/Wildlife show opens

By Hope Wallace

The reception at the Wassenberg Art Center was once again crowded with enthusiasts of art and ceramics, and those who simply enjoyed socializing with friends. Exhibits not only create an event to celebrate artwork, but also a way to pull like-minded people together who may not have had the opportunity otherwise. Saturday’s reception did not disappoint, we had a little something for everyone, including great food and wine.

The Wassenberg Art Center wishes to thank the Indiana Wildlife Artists for sharing their passion for art and nature. We would also like to thank the Clyde Burt family for sharing the work of their beloved husband, father, and grandfather. After seeing this work in person, one realizes the importance of the contributions Burt made to the American Studio ceramic movement.

Tonight! “Premier Coup” sometimes called alla prima, is where participants create a painting in one evening. This literally translates into “at one sitting”. Bring a bottle of wine to share with friends and you will go home with a finished painting! This class, taught by Brooke Lancey, is designed for non-artists and artists alike to learn how to let loose and have a little fun. It’s also a great activity for parties, corporate activities and morale boosters. Contact us if this is something you would like to learn more about and we’ll arrange something for you or your group.

Wine comes in all shades of color. Because it can stain your carpet, it also makes a great painting medium! “Painting with Wine” is scheduled for next week so hurry and get signed up, classes can fill quickly.

A brand new class taught by oil painting instructor, Sally Geething, called “Mini Oil Me” is a one-night session where you will experiment on a small still life using traditional oil paints. If you’ve always wondered if you would like to try this forgiving medium, this is a great economical opportunity, because we supply all the materials!

For March, Matt Temple will be teaching a “Beginning Anatomy” class, which will help artists and non-artists work around tricky human proportion. Matt has strong skills in life drawing and will help you improve the way you draw the human form.

In conjunction with our upcoming exhibit by the Ohio Watercolor Society, Pat Rayman will offer “Classic Watercolor,” which will demonstrate various techniques concerning how to create some serious watercolor designs.

Doug Heckler, Wassenberg Camera Club president will teach “Beginning Photography.” The technological revolution leaves even the established techie in the dust occasionally. If you would like to learn how to get the most out of your digital camera, sign up for this four-week class. Your camera won’t do the dinner dishes, but you will be surprised at what it can do.

Be sure to visit Walk on the Wild Side and the Clyde Burt exhibit. As with any work of art, photos cannot communicate the profound effect these pieces can have. It’s most definitely worth a trip into the art center to see what the buzz is about. Plus, the coffee is usually brewing and the company is always welcoming!

Contact the art center at 419.238.6837, via wassenbergdirector@embarqmail.com or visit our website at wassenbergartcenter.org. The Wassenberg Art Center is located at 643 South Washington Street in Van Wert.