OWS exhibit’s last day is March 30

By Hope Wallace

This week I have been creating a digital file that will be used to develop the most complete online database ever on David Humphreys Miller’s artwork. Beginning with the 72 survivors of the battle of Little Big Horn, the images are being photographed and prepared for linking which involves editing such as color correction and techy naming conventions. With each image there is information on the Native American warrior that is keyed into the main document. Once the survivors are completed we will move on to other Miller portraits and paintings.

Throughout this process I’m learning even more what a valuable gift we have been loaned by Robert Brent Stevens. In fact, in a recent AP news service release, published nationally, stated that a major collection of Miller’s work is being offered for sale and has been valued at 3.8 million dollars. It is located at the Wrangler Gallery in Great Falls, Montana and includes film, negatives, photography and artifacts. Unfortunately the Wassenberg Art Center doesn’t have the funds to acquire it, but would definitely provide a place for the work to be exhibited.

These warriors served under iconic leaders such as Crazy Horse and Sitting Bull, and it is our hope that we can raise awareness through art of just how important this period in American history was and is. Third world living conditions remain in gang-riddled Pine Ridge Reservation where the majority of these noble warriors’ descendants live. For example, during the propane shortage residents were burning clothing and furniture to stay warm and tragically a woman froze to death as a result of that shortage. This is something we find unfathomable.

There is only one more week left for you to visit the Ohio Watercolor Society exhibit, on view here at the Wassenberg Art Center, before it moves on like the migratory birds. If you planned to see this winter-doldrums-depression-alleviator, time is running out. Thanks to First Federal Savings and Loan the exhibit will be up through Sunday, March 30.

ArtReach2 signups are almost full! ArtReach2 classes are held on Mondays and begin on April 7. Classes sessions are one-month long and renewable throughout the school year. If your child wants to participate in the next round of after school art programming please register soon. We like to accommodate anyone who likes to create stuff.  I believe the next project on the books involves…sticks, and one of my favorite things to make things out of.

Classic Watercolor class on Tuesday mornings starting at 10 a.m. is an ongoing Watercolor class taught by Pat Rayman. People are encouraged to jump in anytime. The class is sold in monthly increments.

Want to learn how to paint fog and misty moonlight? “Atmospheric Acrylics,” taught by Pat Rayman, will commence on Friday, April 5 at 10 a.m. An emphasis will be placed on learning to paint atmospheric conditions such as fog and moonlight. Cost of the class will be $35 members/$40 non-members. Additional information will be available shortly through print and via our website.

Our next Vine and Palette painting evening is scheduled for April 8. Participants are encouraged to bring a friend and a bottle of wine to share and we’ll take care of the rest. Class time runs 6:30-9:30 p.m. We provide paints, canvas, brushes and your first glass of wine and great fun. You will need a paint shirt or apron to protect your clothes. Sign up soon. This class is almost full!

Drum roll please…back by popular demand! Anime/Manga Class with office manager/instructor Matthew Temple will again be offered on Tuesday evenings, May 8, from 6–8 p.m. A list of inexpensive materials will be available upon registration.

The Wassenberg Art Center is located at 214 S. Washington St. (former Van Wert Armory). For information, call 419.238.6837, e-mail info@wassenbergartcenter.org, or visit the website at wassenbergartcenter.org.  Hours during exhibits are Tuesday through Sunday, 1-5 p.m.