Wassup at Wassenberg 3/11/15

By Hope Wallace

It is surprising the spaces where creativity can flourish and provide the grounds for transformation. While in Columbus this past weekend we had the opportunity to tour a vast facility which, until a couple years ago was an empty and decaying factory located in the blighted neighborhood of Franklinton in Columbus. The former, D. A. Ebinger sanitary company, built in 1910 is huge; taking up a city block. It was suffering the fate of many defunct manufacturing sites throughout the rust belt until two years ago when artists began moving in. The group made up of both visual and performing artists, working with a local contractor-turned-developer are creating affordable studios and work-spaces. The space currently houses 97 art/design studios, 17 Flex Studio spaces, The 3,500 square-foot {Co-working} space, Ohio State University STEAM factory, an innovative food truck court, an eclectic market featuring fresh produce, uncommon goods, art, and performances are held on the 2nd/4th Saturdays of the month.

Is it pretty? Many might not consider the dirty, old windows, dinged and peeling paint, rusted frames and industrial wood ceilings dotted with former vents and other unrecognizable equipment, pretty. It simply doesn’t matter. The new uses work with the industrial environment and look very cool and most importantly, are functional. In addition, within the two years this project has been in the works, a nice restaurant has set up in the former front offices and a brewery sprung up across the street. In another year, I wouldn’t be surprised to see neighboring, abandoned factory, with spring-melt water pouring through spots in its forgotten roof, to be appointed a new lease on life.

This renaissance is happening everywhere, across the country and right here in Ohio in small towns and large cities. This is not the work of the super-rich. This movement is the group efforts of residents who have decided to create a better existence and completely embodies the American spirit. There is a choice, we can sit on the sidelines and whine or we can jump in and create our own vibrant ways of life.

The Wassenberg Art Center continues to strive to bring creative outlets to our area with our exhibits, classes and events. Our ArtReach classes are planning on putting on a puppet-type production of the children’s classic, Frederick. Frederick is a mouse who’s skills don’t necessarily fall in-line with typical mouse skills, however he brings to his mouse family a meaningful gift. The production date will be announced soon. Our evening pottery, painting and stained glass classes are creating beautiful objects and that has prompted upgrades in our classroom space to facilitate increased needs. New glazes, pottery equipment have been added and plans to explore raku are in the works as soon as we can rely on the weather. Thank you to our instructors Brandon Knott, Kathy Funderburg, Diane Bendele, Pat Rayan and Jerry Mazur for breathing even more life into the Wassenberg Art Center!

Our next upcoming exhibit is our Annual High School Invitational, which will open on April 26 with an opening reception from 1- 5 p.m. and be on view through May 15. Calls of entry are in the hands of students’ art teachers and we can’t wait to see the new round of fresh ideas.

Don’t forget! The next Vine & Palette date is coming up quickly and will be held on Tuesday, April 7 from 6:30–9 p.m. The session includes all painting materials and first glass of wine. Participants may bring a snack to share if they wish. We even provide aprons, because we like to get messy! The cost is $30 for members and $35 for non-members. (21 and over)

Our ongoing watercolor class continues on Tuesday mornings starting at 10 a.m. and the instructor is Pat Rayman. Persons are encouraged to jump in anytime and the class is sold in monthly increments. $35 for members and $40 for non-members.

More classes including more pottery are on the horizon. Stay tuned for announcements. Classes are kept small for more in-depth attention.

For more information on exhibits or to sign for classes and events visit wassenbergartcenter.org. The Wassenberg Art Center is located at 214 S. Washington St. (former Van Wert Armory). We can also be reached by telephone at: 419.238.6837, email: info@wassenbergartcenter.org and our website is: wassenbergartcenter.org.