The art of transforming the Armory

By Hope Wallace

One day while approaching the armory, there, leaning up against the brick was a tired and sweaty contractor taking what appeared to be a well-deserved break. This sight was another reminder of how much hard work it takes to create a fully functioning community art center. All of these local contractors are working at a fast pace so we can relocate as soon as possible and their craftsmanship has remained second to none. The main contractor, John Rager of Rager construction has done a great job coordinating challenging and overlapping schedules with many different contractors. He and carpenter Rich have been keeping the pace going and the new windows all around have brightened not only the face of the armory but the interior as well. Momper Insulation has finished insulating almost all areas.

Early on, Ryan Spray of Spray Construction blasted off grime from the glazed ceramic block walls so we wouldn’t have to paint them. In the middle of February, the armory resembled a scene from a cable T.V. ghosthunter program. Jeremy Edwards and Jared Army from Frank Hoffman Plumbing and Heating get the award for the job description that is the least glamorous but entirely essential. Thank you for continuing to endure the crawl space and digging around in the mud in the front lawn. Thank you for installing a heating and cooling system in the front area of the armory, which will keep us toasty in winter and cool in the summer.

Kerry Callow and John Voltz of Current Energy Solutions have been on-site for many months running conduit and wire, crawling around the attic and drilling holes through stubborn block. After school let out, additional electrical assistance appeared. Kerry’s girls have been right alongside their dad, up on scaffolding and helping bring new light in new ways into the Armory.

Dave Williams has been in charged of drywall and paint and has pretty much finished up the areas we felt would do well being dry-walled. Primarily, all exterior walls and art wall panels. During a visit, one day a room could be studs and insulation, the next day, it would have walls.

Nick Dancer has prepared the concrete floor for staining and will finish this process after all of the other work is completed. We have a few surprises planned here but everyone will have to wait and visit us after we open to see them!

Sam Laurent of Laurent landscaping will create our reflecting pond which was funded by the Evergreen Garden Club.

Sculptor Michael Bendele of Delphos has begun the 12-foot sculpture that will act as a transitional portal at the entry of the building. Mike will hand forge the structure and oversee its placement when completed. His neighbor, metal fabricator Larry McClure is rehabbing the massive steel doors original to the armory. He is weatherproofing them and then they will get a fresh powder coat.

The new sprinkling system will make the art center safe for all kinds of fun and is being installed by Armor of Lima. Josh Bly and friends have also had their share of digging around in the mud running the water lines required for the system.

Architect, Drew Anderson of Van Wert has been design, advising and working through plan approval processes and permits. He has also made some wonderful suggestions and overall a wonderful job transitioning an old building for contemporary uses.

There are many more people and volunteers involved in the renovation of the Van Wert Armory including all of our sponsors, donors and of course, Larry Wendel and the Van Wert County Foundation. We will include more the skilled people we have within our own community who can bring about a catalyst of change. Thanks to all of you who have been through the trenches and to those of you just climbing in!

In other creative efforts our opening artist’s reception on Saturday welcomed Douglas Fiely, Stryker, Chelsea Younkman of Bowling Green and the glass art of Matthew Paskiet, Holland. This exhibit is on view until August 24 and the work is getting snapped up quickly! If you could use quality artwork for a room in your home or business that will certainly appreciate in value, stop by. There is dramatic and contrasting charcoal drawings, intaglio, linocuts and woodblock prints along with paintings and glass art created with great depth color and finishes. 

Class spaces are getting close to filling up for the Tom Lynch Watercolor workshop, which begins August 6 and runs through August 9. Immerse yourself in all-day instruction from this world-renowned watercolor artist. Cost is $125 per day with a 2-day minimum (first day of the workshop mandatory). Save $50 for a 4-day sign up, $450. Sign up now, these spaces are going fast! You can sign up on our website or simply call the art center, we’ll be happy to help.

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. Hours during exhibits are: Tuesday through Sunday 1–5 p.m. The Wassenberg Art Center is currently located at 643 S. Washington St. in Van Wert.