Three-artist exhibit opening at Wassenberg

By Hope Wallace

Once again we will welcome more artists to the Wassenberg Art Center by holding a public opening reception this Saturday July 13, from 6-8 p.m. Lined up for Van Wert’s artistic pleasure are Matthew Paskiet, former student and employee of the super-famous Dale Chihuly; Chelsea Younkman, an “artist to watch”, and Doug Fiely, professor of art at Defiance College.

Chelsae Younkman recently received her MFA in Art at Bowling Green State University and has been selected to participate in the prestigious ArtPrize Competition in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Her large-scale charcoal drawings depict timeless scenes from American corporate life.

Doug Fiely is no stranger to the Wassenberg Art Center. Doug is originally from Celina and featuring his work in an exhibit near his former home seems only natural. Expression-in-3 Forms will open on July 13 at our current facility and be on view through August 24. We hope to see you check out this dynamic exhibit. Many of the works will be for sale in a broad range of prices.

The day is drawing closer to our watercolor workshop taught by world famous artist Tom Lynch. Cost is $125 per day with a 2-day minimum with the first day of the workshop mandatory. Save $50 for a 4-day sign up, $450. Sign up now, these spaces are going fast!

Lynch brings to his class the same enthusiasm and energy as seen on his (6) national PBS series “Fun with Watercolor” that has been on PBS for the last 20 years. His vast list of accomplishments, credits and awards are listed in “Who’s Who in American Art”.

He is a signature member of the Society of American Impressionists and numerous watercolor societies. His work is featured in all the leading art publications including the American Artist magazine, the International Artist magazine, the Wall Street Journal, Artist Magazine, Southwest Art and Arts and Antiques. He has written six books on watercolor techniques. Among his many prestigious exhibits were a one-man show at the American Embassy in Paris and as the featured artist for four U.S. Open Golf tournaments and numerous PGA events.

Lynch’s list of credentials include: Two “Lifetime Achievement Awards”,“Signature Membership” in many national watercolor societies, election into the illustrious “Society of American Impressionists”, as well as “Who’s Who in American Art”. Tom has been the invited “guest artist” for many art exhibitions including Sedona Plein Air Festival. Tom was honored in the American Embassy in Paris, France with a one-man exhibition. He has been cited in numerous publications including American Artist Magazine, Southwest Art, International Artist Magazine, Art & Antiques, Today’s Great Masters, the Wall Street Journal, and the color front page every Christmas Day for a leading Illinois newspaper.

His video production won a Bronze Award in the “Telly” Competition, which focuses on video production, and compares to the Academy Award Program. Some of Toms’ numerous awards include: “The Municipal Art League of Chicago Award of Excellence”, “Landscape Artist of the Year”, and he was the first American selected for Honorary Membership in the “Canadian Watercolor Society”. He has been the featured artist for the Men’s, Women’s and Seniors U. S. Open Golf Championships and several PGA events and tournaments. Much of his work has been published and many of his best paintings are available in Limited Edition prints. It is no surprise that his paintings are included in private and corporate collections throughout the world.

The Wassenberg Art Center, located at 643 S. Washington St. in Van Wert, is open 1-5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday when exhibits are on display.  For information or to register for classes, contact the art center by email at info@wassenbergartcenter.org, register for classes online at wassenbergartcenter.org or call 419.238.6837.