Wassenberg opening a success

This past Saturday evening we thanked all those who have helped us morph the former Van Wert Armory into one of the most awesome art spaces in the state. I feel fairly confident in that statement. We thanked donors, our members, board members, volunteers, artists, family and our contractors in a funked-out way. With around 400 people in attendance, we think it’s pretty safe to say everyone had a good time. Steampunk dress was optional with a good majority of the folks in costume. Steampunk is a combination Sci-fi (Will Smith, Wild Wild West) Victorian and the industrial revolution. The public opening followed the next day with an open house.

Performers from Fort Wayne entertained us with a drum circle, LED and fire dancers, stilt walkers, a living statue tribute to our armed forces, and Toledo rock band River Kings closed out the evening. The stilt walkers assisted in unveiling Mike Bendele’s sculpture, the Portal which, was funded by First Federal of Van Wert. Collins Fine Foods provided serving help and supplied the spirits and Kevin Jerome owner of Wild Hare Barbeque surprised all with gourmet hors d’ oeuvres such as bacon apple bacon mini-grilled cheeses, cranberry chicken salad and bruschetta with balsamico. Wonderful, fresh and prepared food was served the entire evening. Van Wert Manor donated 16 huge trays of desserts, which were as delicious as they were beautiful. We have many more out of this world events planned around our exhibits in the not-to-distant future. The best way to stay informed of what is going on around here is to become a member. For $25 an individual membership gets you on the mailing list and provides discounts for classes. Other membership levels are also available. Otherwise visit our website for up to date information or simply give us a call. We’d be happy to tell you what’s in store.

We dedicated and named the large gallery (former drill hall) after Larry Wendel, executive secretary of the Van Wert County Foundation. The Wendel Gallery will always remind us of the gift Larry and the trustees of the Foundation have provided to Van Wert.

In attendance was Marian Whitemouse, great granddaughter of Chief Iron Tail aka Dewey Beard. She flew in from South Dakota and realized that many of her relatives are included in the Faces of Little Bighorn exhibit. Marian even found a photo of her grandmother. It was an honor to meet and have Marian here with us to celebrate her great grandfather. The Faces of Little Bighorn, the David Humphreys Miller collection will be on permanent display during our regular exhibit hours, Tuesday through Sunday, 1–5 p.m.

The 24th Annual Artist’s Exhibit and Sale was opened and artists were presented with the following awards:

Mary McVay Worthington Memorial Award; Douglas Fiely.

Van Wert County Foundation Award: Ed Corle.

Douglas Koch Memorial Award: David Schumm.

Director’s Award: Jaye Bumbaugh.

Clyde Wallace Memorial Award (3D): Carrie Anspaugh.

Gertrude Sluterbeck Memorial Award: Janet Ravas.

Merit Awards (4): John Leatherman, Lois Goudy, Ralph Stuckman, Laura Barnhardt Corle.

Van Wert County Hospital Sponsor Award: Carolyn Stachera Washday.

Honorable Mentions: Pat Pancake, Sally Geething, Robert Minto, Jaye Bumbaugh, Crystelle Bowerman, Carrie Anspaugh, Karen Heitmeyer.

Be sure to stop in and take a look at not one but two amazing collections of artwork. In time for the holidays, choose to support local artists and give a unique gift with meaning. 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