Positive parade

By Hope Wallace

A spring of positive energy seems to be bubbling to the surface within this community. Maybe it’s the result of an imagination that flaps in parade fashion through my mind, but
I don’t think so. More and more I see evidence of local citizens taking initiatives to fix up, preserve and promote Van Wert as the destination city it already is. The Van Wert County Courthouse is receiving a much needed restoration, downtown store-fronts are being updated, outdoor dining and courtyard areas are being built and new businesses are growing and being established. In addition groups are being formed to support these efforts. Can we hear a collective, YAY!? Since one of the main goals in Charles Wassenberg’s will involves the appreciation of architecture, we naturally have an interest. Secondly, since art, architecture and design have so much to do with every aspect of community improvement projects, the Wassenberg Art Center is available to help in many areas such as art consultation and design. We have an extensive artist network skilled in many areas such as glass, ceramics, interior design, painting, and metal work to name a few. We can help you find the right person for your project and are available to help answer questions.

By July 7 the gallery will once again be transformed into a visual ocean feast and sparkling color seeped glass in our Sand to Sea exhibit. Judith Greavu, sculptor and Matt Paskiet of Firenation Glass will come together to bring you work that represents flora and fauna of the sea and glass borne from sand. Judith will create an undersea installation featuring backlit fused glass and sea creatures created from copper screen and strapping. The other half of that gallery will feature her bronze cast sculptures. Matt Paskiet’s work will be showcased in our front galleries and feature glass spider webs, and deeply color layered Murrini vessels and vases.

This exhibit will open with a public wine and cheese reception on Saturday, July 7, 6-8 p.m. and runs through August 5.  As always, admission is free.

Our current exhibit, The Wassenberg Art Center’s 56^th Annual June Art Exhibit continues through June 29, which is this Friday! 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, some of this artwork might find a happy home with you or stop by to simply to browse and chat.

Back by popular demand is the Around Ohio Chocolate and Wine Tasting with chocolate expert Karen Koch which will occur on August 14. If you have further questions or want to get your name on the list give us a call. More details to come!

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. and you may contact the art center at 419.238.6837, by email: info@wassenbergartcenter. org or via our website at: wassenbergartcenter.org. The Wassenberg Art Center is located at 643 South Washington Street in Van Wert.