High School Invitational opens Feb. 2

 By Hope Wallace 

The artwork is here for our Annual High School Invitational Exhibit! We are very excited to see some new techniques and are setting up the display to open this Sunday, Feb. 2. We are having a celebratory design your own hot-dog bar for the free public, reception which runs from 1 – 5 p.m. Cash awards will be presented at 2 p.m. This is a great opportunity to support young artists within a 35-mile radius of Van Wert who continue to inspire and push the envelope of art.

Speaking of inspiration, the Wassenberg Art Center lost one of its own this past week. Pat Pancake, a long-time artist affiliated with the Wassenberg Art Center for many years passed away Sunday. What an obituary cannot tell is how Pat’s support of all our endeavors was constant and unwavering. Every art reception and exhibit would find Pat here with her daughter. Pat was a member of the Van Wert County Art Club, and her creative energy was with her constantly. She was able to exhibit her beautiful pastels this past November in our last artist members’ exhibit and it meant a lot to see her face out in the crowd at the opening of our new space. We would like to thank Pat Pancake for helping the Wassenberg Art Center become a source of pride for Van Wert.

The invites have been sent out for our upcoming Big Wassky, however even if you aren’t on our mailing list we do not want to turn anyone away! Give us a call to get in on one of the coolest Van Wert events of the year. RSVP’s are required. The Big Wassky will take place, yep that’s right, on Saint Valentines Day, February 14 from 7:30 p.m. to midnight or so. Celebrate a unique period in American history with us, the roaring 20s. The Big Wassky is a Gatsby-style party based on the emergence of the speakeasy when Prohibition went into full effect. Games and Distant Cousinz,

who regularly play at Hollywood Casino in Toledo will rock the house along with a few other surprises. We have invented signature, hors d’oeuvres with Wild Hare, desserts that resemble tiny, edible sculptures, will be created by Van Wert Manor and Collins Fine Foods will be serving swell spirits. Period flapper fashions encouraged! Do you have your outfit yet? Questions? We’re here to help you resource, give us a call.

Our Watercolor Techniques class taught by Pat Rayman will continue in February on Tuesday mornings at 10 a.m. While this class is ongoing, persons are encouraged to jump in anytime.

For information on exhibits, classes and programs listed on there as well. The Wassenberg Art Center is located at 214 South Washington Street (former Van Wert Armory). We can be reached by telephone at: 419.238.6837, email: info@wassenbergartcenter.org and our website is: wassenbergartcenter.org.