Wassenberg Art Center news 10/7/15

It’s times like these that add another wonderful dimension to this cool job. Richard Alan Morgan is a relative newcomer to the formal art scene. Morgan was an industrial welder up until a few years ago, then… he “retired.” No proverbial rocking chair was in Richard’s future, however. He began making stuff and wow, he has not slowed down.

Referred to us by a friend of a friend, Richard first seriously exhibited his work right here at the Wassenberg Art Center. He was awarded an award by our juror the first time out of the gate. Morgan has since moved along the art scene with exhibits in Lansing, MI and at the competitive ArtPrize located in Grand Rapids MI. ArtPrize is credited with turning the city economy of Grand Rapids completely around. The competition draws artists from around the world and flood millions into the local economy every year. The photo shows Richard’s work displayed on the ground of Grand Rapids City Hall. Yes, that is an Alexander Calder behind him and we feel they are both in good company. Richard will also be featured in the March edition of the American Welders Society Magazine. We congratulate Richard and everyone who share their creative journey with us. We are humbled that artists choose to exhibit here and look forward to all the art to come!

Join us for the Photography exhibit opening party on Oct. 11, 1-5 p.m. As always, free of charge, free food, cash bar, lively music and a warm welcome. Jerame Wheeler will be entertaining us at the opening reception and has been playing guitar for over 20 years. Originally inspired by his father’s bluegrass band as a young boy, Jerame didn’t hesitate to form his own band called Locally Grown. Locally Grown toured Toledo area venues for over 10 years then Jerame continued playing solo gigs. His many years of experience as an entertainer lead him to be a very eclectic musician covering artists and bands from his father’s era to today. Kindly sponsored by: Citizen’s National Bank. This exhibit runs through November 8.

Do you have a creative young person who would still like to enroll in ArtReach? They can jump right in anytime! Ages 7-11 meet on Tuesdays, and ages 12-15 meet on Thursdays. Both times run from 3:30 – 5 p.m. Costs are $35 regular/$30 members per month and we follow the Van Wert City School calendar for holidays, weather days etc. Please call the art center and capitalize on the effervescent creative spirit in children. Many, many studies show, art helps academic success.

Dr. Wassenstein Freak Show ticket sales are continuing to sell and we don’t want anyone to miss out – It’ll be a scream.  Join us for the greatest show unearthed this Oct. 31. Electro-swing d.j. C.R. Vourteque will return from his home base of Chicago to get your feet dancing! Performers will be risking life and limb in death (almost) defying feats. Creepy clowns, “poodles”, popcorn, peanuts and liquid refreshments a costume contest and other surprises will guarantee your Halloween a perfect success. General ticket sales will open on 9/13. Membership not required, public always welcome. More information can be found at: http://www.wassenbergartcenter.org/announcements/dr-wassensteins-freak-show or call the art center at: 419.238.6837.

We will be offering a drawing class on Friday mornings beginning on October 9 at 10 a.m. taught by Pat Rayman. Cost of the class is $40 regular/$35 members. Materials include Drawing pencils, sketch pad, kneaded eraser, colored pencils and an ink pen.

Whoohoo, pottery is coming back with our shiny new kiln and awesome instructor, Brandon Knott. Class will begin on November 4, 6– 8 p.m. Cost of the class is $35 WAC members and $40 regular. Sign up, this class fill quickly because they make cool stuff!

Don’t forget Art Night is back! We open up our doors, the paint and clay bins, a wine bottle and turn on the tunes. Do you like to play the piano? Great! Come on in. Grab a friend and any project you are working on or start something new. You project can be a craft, painting, sculpture, whatever you are or feel like creating. Gather, relax hang out with friends and make stuff. An instructor will be on hand. We’re here to help. Best of all, it’s free. We meet every Thursday evening at 6 –9 p.m.

Calls for entry will be going out very soon for our Annual Artist Members’ Exhibit. This is a fun, relaxed for all forms of media, which is judged for awards. All works are accepted in this show and just in time for the holiday shopping season!

For more information on exhibits or to sign for classes and events visit wassenbergartcenter.org. The Wassenberg Art Center is located at 214 South Washington Street (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.