Art Center progresses into New Year

By Hope Wallace

After the lull of the holidays we are back on track to bring some cool art, classes, exhibits, programming and a whole new art center to the Van Wert area in 2013.

We’ve been busy working on preparing the Van Wert Armory for its new life and things will start taking shape very soon. In the meantime we’ll be business as usual at our current facility creating classes for both the artist and non-artist. Creating is one of the things people do best and it makes us happy. The first of our winter classes started today with an energetic morning watercolor group and a ceramics class is slated to begin tomorrow. There are still openings and we can handle a latecomer or two, so if you have an interest give us a call.

Starting Saturday, Jan. 12, are our Trader Card classes for youth. Artist Trading Cards (also known as ATCs) are similar to baseball cards only you make and trade them yourself! It’s a great way to learn quick sketching and problem solving skills with no pressure. Medium is unlimited and can be anything from pencil to collage. Give us a call if your young person has an interest.

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and we have just the answer to that age-old dilemma. Make and take a heart-shaped basket. The class is taught by award-winning basket weaver and Van Wert native Jayne Smith.

Shortly after that, we have a glass mosaic class taught by Jerry Mazur. You will have a completed leaded glass sun catcher to take home and flood your room with colored light. At the same time, Matthew Temple will teach the popular “Drawing for the Fraidy Cat”. We know it can be scary, but no fear — Matt, superhero of the pencil, will make mincemeat out of that great blank sheet of paper.

Littles Art is back by popular demand and Ralph Stuckman of Celina will share his latest and greatest techniques of combining clay tiles you make yourself into wooden frames.

On Feb. 5, in conjunction with the Niswonger Performing Arts Center we are hosting a special lunch presentation by the Center for Regional Development and Bowling Green State University. Katerina Ruedi Ray, Director of Art at BGSU and Michael Carroll, Director of CRD will share stunning facts regarding how the arts impact Northwest Ohio economically. Lunch will be provided by Collins Fine Foods. You are invited to attend and the presentation is free of charge. Interested parties can contact us here at the art center.

If you have any questions regarding the classes or programs and would like to sign up please call the Wassenberg Art Center at: 419.238.6837, email: info@wassenbergartcenter.org or register online at: wassenbergartcenter.org. Hours during exhibits are: Tuesday through Sunday 1–5 p.m. The Wassenberg Art Center is located at 643 South Washington Street in Van Wert.