The Van Wert County Courthouse

Thursday, Mar. 28, 2024

Cowboys and Indians and artwork — oh my!

By Hope Wallace

 David Humphreys Miller as a cavalry soldier on the set during the filming of the movie "Cheyenne Autumn." (Photo submitted.)
David Humphreys Miller as a cavalry soldier on the set during the filming of the movie “Cheyenne Autumn.” (Photo submitted.)

Growing up with my dad and sister I was something of a tomboy — I was more interested in seeing if Barbies would fit on my model horses (they didn’t fit well) so they could go riding out in the garden – than playing with baby dolls. I did love cowboys and Indians. I usually got to be the Indian, which was fine with me, noble and silent with buckskin clothes, feathers, beads, bow and arrows, perfect. Tonto was (and is) my favorite character by far of The Lone Ranger series.

With that early interest in Native Americans, I’d wait for a historical encyclopedia my Dad subscribed to, called “American Heritage,” to arrive in the mail every other month. He always let me open it. Sometimes on a really good month there would be fascinating paintings of a regal Chief in full headdress, warriors in battle or Native Americans quietly sitting with each other. Those books were my favorites.

It’s no wonder I am so excited we are going to be able to share the work of Van Wert’s own David Humphreys Miller very soon. This is a gift that has already started to grow and will continue to do so. We have received movie footage of David in interviews and photos of his collections and works. Once we get through all the dvds we will compile the best stuff, and create videos that we can use to share this story. We have a lot to look forward too, once we are settled and working with Brent and Vicki Stevens, the donors of this amazing collection will be one of those things.

Speaking of getting settled. We will be open for business with our 24th Annual Artist Sale & Exhibit, which will officially begin on Sunday, Nov. 17. The best part is that this exhibit will take place in our new facility! The former Van Wert Armory is officially operating as the Wassenberg Art Center and is located at 214 S. Washington St. While we are only open to the public by appointment at this time, we will be business-as-unusual after Nov. 17. Our exhibit hours will remain the same for the time being — Tuesday through Sunday, 1-5 p.m. and office hours Tuesday through Friday 10 a.m.-5p.m. or by appointment.

This exhibit is sponsored by the Van Wert County Hospital. We have a long list of people to thank for their support, volunteer hours, membership and skills that run the gamut from technical help to yard work.

We are looking for volunteers to help garden, stuff envelopes and work on small projects around the armory. If you have an interest please let us know.

Wetzel Motorcycle Club has once again sponsored us with a donation that we can apply to our summer art camps. Barry Johns presented us with a check last week and we want to take a moment and step back and take a look at how much this group has given back to the community and give them a salute! We hope to pay this gesture forward very soon.

If you have any questions regarding exhibits, classes or programs or would like to get involved please call the Wassenberg Art Center at 419.238.6837, email info@wassenbergartcenter.org or you may register online at wassenbergartcenter.org.

POSTED: 10/30/13 at 12:57 pm. FILED UNDER: What's Up at Wassenberg?