Wassenberg renovating armory building

Wassenberg Art Center news

The Van Wert County Foundation will soon begin renovations on the historic Van Wert Armory building just south of downtown Van Wert. The building was purchased in 2012 with the intention of using it to house the art center, with a tentative opening date for the new location estimated in early June.

Charles Wassenberg, a local philanthropist who made his fortune raising peonies and selling them worldwide, established Wassenberg Art Center in 1954. He and his wife, Vera, traveled extensively, and along with a group of local friends, started the Van Wert County Art Club. Wassenberg’s will specified that his house be used as a community art center and it eventually became Wassenberg Art Center, established as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization in 1963.

In addition to the Wassenbergs’ bequest, funding for the art center comes from membership dues, donations, sponsorships and grants.

Gallery hours during exhibits are 1-5 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday. The Wassenberg Art Center is currently located at 643 S. Washington Street.

Located at 214 S. Washington St. (U.S. 127), the 11,000-square-foot building was constructed in 1938 by the state as a military armory for members of the Ohio National Guard. It was saved from the wrecking ball last year by the Wassenberg Art Center Association and Van Wert County Foundation, which felt the building would be perfect as a new home for the art center.

Relocation of Wassenberg Art Center to the armory is well timed, as it coincides with downtown revitalization taking place under the aegis of Main Street Van Wert, with the aid of a Tier 1 planning grant from the Ohio Department of Development.

“The project is expected to create a positive cultural and economic impact for the entire community,” stated Van Wert Count Foundation Executive Secretary Larry Wendel. “The expansion of the art center and its programming under the leadership of Director Hope Wallace will complement the performance arts program at the Niswonger Performing Arts facility. The renovated armory will be a significant asset to the cultural environment of Van Wert.”

The armory, a single-story brick and steel structure, is currently ADA accessible and its original design facilitates the needs of the art center well. With interior demolition complete, improvements will include a new roof and updates to heating, electrical, plumbing and interior decor.

In addition to an expanded exhibit gallery, the new location will provide additional classroom, studio and artist-in-residence space. Upon completion, the Wassenberg Art Center will host 8-10 art exhibits annually, approximately 10-15 art classes and programs per quarter, and artist residencies. The art center will also be capable of accommodating receptions, band and theater performances, plus offer meeting rooms for area clubs and organizations.

The grounds around the building will feature a veterans’ memorial area, a water feature and walking paths that lead to footbridges crossing Town Creek and connecting the complex to the downtown area. Architect Drew Anderson of Van Wert is creating the design plans, while internationally known sculptor Michael Bendele of Delphos has designed and proposed a 12-foot-high, hand-forged steel entrance archway to welcome visitors to the art center.

To help support funding, the Wassenberg Art-fitter Campaign is being launched this month. With the goal of assisting local businesses and residents to partner in support of the ambitious project, the Art-fitter campaign seeks full or partial donations toward the purchase of art equipment, sculptures, landscaping and memorial pavers. Names of companies and individuals will be prominently displayed near the item they choose to donate.

For questions regarding the relocation project, Art-fitter Campaign, classes or exhibits please call Wassenberg Art Center at 419.238.6837, send email to info@wassenbergartcenter.org or visit the center’s website at wassenbergartcenter.org.