Four letter word

A long time ago a man I knew used to tell the story of how when people asked how he accomplished what he did, he’d answer, “I was just too dumb to know it couldn’t be done.” That man’s name was Erie J. Sauder, founder of Sauder Woodworking Company in Archbold which is today a $450 million company.

I worked in Sauder’s marketing department as a designer for many years. Some of my assignments involved retelling the company history using design. That story has stuck with me throughout the years and I have always gained inspiration from it. Prior to that, when I worked in the toy industry as an associate toy designer, a story filtered down from my boss (who had been a designer at Mattel Toys in California). The then-CEO of Mattel was known to fire an employee if she heard the word “can’t”. Needless to say, even if embellished, that story also stuck.

In the creative process, we often come up against these words.  While they can be discouraging, it often helps to respond either in thought or out loud with “what can be done?” Obviously there are parameters, but often there are just as many alternative avenues.

The personalities of Native Americans such as Sioux, Nez Perce and other tribes have begun to arrive and are beginning to surround us (in a good way). We are honored to have these samplings of the paintings of David Humphreys Miller that will become part of the Faces of Little Bighorn exhibit, later this summer. I wonder how they perceived the word “can’t.”

If you haven’t had a chance to check out the amazing and inventive artwork on display from area students in the Wassenberg High School Art Invitational, now is the time. This exhibit, which definitely shows how important the arts are to our region, runs through May 4. Thanks to our sponsor, Cooper Farms, this exhibit will not only make you smile but has many works that speak to contemporary issues. We again congratulate those students who chose to make statements and express themselves through artwork.

We still have spaces in these classes:
Action Acrylics (age 18-adult), May 6, 13, 20, 27, 10 a.m.-noon, Instructor: Pat Rayman, $30 members, $35 non-members.

More Classic Watercolors (adult) May 7, 14, 21, 28 , 10 a.m.-noon, Instructor: Pat Rayman, $35 members, $40 non-members.

Restorative Yoga (adult) May 7, 14, 21, 28: 6–7 p.m. Instructor: Carla Niblick. For a new “twist” restore your artistic soul with this feel good, easygoing class. Please contact your physician before beginning any exercise program. $40 members/$45 non-members.

Even More Classic Watercolors (adult) June 4, 11, 18, 25, 10 a.m.–noon, Instructor: Pat Rayman,  $35 members, $40 non-members.

Sgraffito Ceramic Carving (age 18-adult), June 5, 12, 19, 26, 10 a.m.-noon, Instructor: Matt Temple, $45 members, $50 non-members.

Summer Studio Camp sign ups are here! Summer Animal Art Studio (ages 5-7) June 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, 27:
10-11:30 a.m., Instructor: Diane Bendele. Youth will study animals in
a myriad of mediums. Explore big and small animals through works of
art and create your own lively animals through drawing and sculpture.
Study the masters and translate shapes into form, using clay, papier
maché, paint and drawing. Exhibit your work at the end of the studio
session. Materials supplied, wear old clothes and bring a paint shirt.
$40 members/$45 non-members.
Summer Animal Art Studio (ages 8 and up) June 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, 27: 12:30–2:30 p.m.

Don’t forget! Starting on May 10, 6–10 p.m. May 11, 9–Midnight, May 12 from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. we are holding an all weekend scrapbooking crop as a fundraiser for the NEW Wassenberg Art Center! This is an excellent opportunity for mothers and all the rest of you who are woefully behind on your projects to finish them or make some great progress! All proceeds benefit the Wassenberg Art Center. Cost for the entire weekend: $50, for Friday, $10, Saturday, $30, Sunday, $20.
Sign up for the entire weekend or partial as priced. Payment can be made at or sent to the Wassenberg Art Center prior to arriving to reserve your table. Snacks will be served on Friday night and Saturday will have a continental breakfast, lunch, and dinner plus snacks. Sunday we will have a continental breakfast, snacks, and lunch. Water, ice and coffee will be provided or you may bring in any other drink of your choice. No alcohol, please. In addition there will be gift packs for all, a raffle table with $1 tickets or 6 tickets for $5, and scrapbook vendors.

Entry dates for our 57^th Annual June Art Exhibit are coming up soon. Check-in days for artwork are May 18 and 19 from 1–5 p.m. here at our current location at 643 S. Washington St. If you or someone you know would like a prospectus we have them available here at the art center, downloadable online or simply call. We will mail one out to you promptly!

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