Sand to Sea

By Hope Wallace

This morning I’m writing to you from the inside of a 1982 Palamino Pop-Up camper. Decked out in tan, rust and earth tone plaids, it is a testament to the fashion of its time. Okay, it’s still in the back yard but life is good as we prepare to launch this year’s vacation adventure. I’m completely impressed and amazed with the care this elderly camper has been given. Am I surprised? Absolutely not. This camper belonged to a gentleman I worked with several years ago who was a member of the company’s maintenance team. This is a person I would first call on when a project I was working on called for it. Why? The job would get done, completely, quickly, with precision and in a cost effective manner. This is a column about art, what in the world does this have to do with art? A lot. On the top of the camper is a bike rack, custom designed and fabricated by the previous owner. The interior, colors and fabrics were created and selected by designers and engineers who choose just the right colors, materials and appropriate assembly techniques to make a product saleable for the time. Are we going to make changes? Probably. The faux wood paneling most likely will be painted in a pattern reminiscent of the 80s in colors complimenting the existing theme. We might update the counter surface, which is showing some wear and tear with something a bit more resilient. These silly, fun projects will occupy part of the summer and I am looking forward to them. It doesn’t matter if you are a maintenance man, engineer or classic painter it’s how you approach your craft that makes you an artist. As human beings, we create. It’s as simple as that.

Our next exhibit, featuring Judith Greavu, sculptor, and Matt Paskiet of Firenation Glass, is another testament to precise craftsmanship, passion for your product and attention to detail. Judith will create an undersea installation in part of our main gallery with a cast bronze sculpture exhibit in the remaining half. Judith says about her work: “sculptures may be abstract or representational, they always are formal expressions of gesture and movement and are enhanced with evocative textural elements…”

Matt studied and worked for world-renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly in Italy and the experience shows in his finely executed detail and color. Matt has work displayed in the permanent collections of the Toledo Museum of Art and numerous other areas throughout the nation. He sees the artist as creator. “They take raw material and transform it into objects that hold aesthetic significance: creating beauty from virtually nothing.” Matt will display his blown glass creations in the front galleries.

Judith, Matt and the Wassenberg Art Center are working hard to bring you a unique art experience. You will be transported to an undersea experience with backlit fused glass, creative lighting and then will see amazing glassblowing techniques employed by Matt. This exhibit will open with a public wine and cheese reception on Saturday, July 7 at 6 p.m. As always, admission is free.

Our current exhibit, The Wassenberg Art Center’s 56^th Annual June Art Exhibit continues through June 29. Approximately 100 pieces of art are on view and many are available for purchase. This exhibit showcases some of the very best of our regional artists. Stop in, see what we and ultimately you, are all about.

We still have a few openings or our summer camps for youth that are occurring in July. Call soon to secure the camp of your child’s choice.

The Wassenberg Art Center’s hours during exhibits are Tuesday through Sunday 1-5 p.m.  Contact the art center by phone at 419.238.6837, by email at info@wassenbergartcenter. org or via our website at: wassenbergartcenter.org. The Wassenberg Art Center is located at 643 South Washington St. in Van Wert.