(NWPR-OH) – Part of the Wassenberg Art Center’s (WAC) mission is to encourage and support local artists, who a number of the members work in the fine and creative arts, painting, drawing, photography, sculpture, pottery, glasswork, jewelry, woodworking, metalwork, etc are on view in the 21st Annual Members Show and Sale. The exhibit spotlights their talents and gives people the chance to purchase wonderful original art pieces for gifts or home décor.
There are entries from out of the area, such as Steve Frenkel, who is a gallery artist in Marietta, Georgia that produces very detailed and highly imaginative paintings. Another member, Janet Ravas, lives and works in Scotia, New York, does beautiful small watercolors of the New England area and floral subjects.
One of the best things about this show is that it is open to all skill levels, from beginner to professional and everyone in between. It is a judged exhibit, which means that all pieces entered are displayed and eligible for awards. Beginning Van Wert local artist Val Sluterbeck, has three pieces in the exhibit, speaks for many when he says “I like this show because everything gets put in and nothing is left out.”
This year’s winning selections were: Mary McVay Worthington Memorial Award to Steve Frenkel, “Orchard Hill Way”; Van Wert County Foundation Award, Pat Rayman, “A Corner in Wapak”; Douglas Koch Memorial Award, Nancy Longmate, “Wash Day”; Director’s Award, Ann Cathleen Dysinger, “Storm Brewing” ; Gertrude Sluterbeck Memorial Award, Nina Lois Carrico, “Fantasy Flowers”; Barley Charles Award, Kay Sluterbeck, “Samantha”; Merit Awards: Ken Maggi, “Waiting for the Thaw”; William C. LeRoy, “Arches”; Kay Sluterbeck, “Starlite Motel”; and Mary Ainsworth, “Black Gold.” United Art & Education Award, Doug Eblen, “Hotel Lakeside”; Cheap Joe’s Art Supplies Award, Janet Ravas, “On the Road to Vermont”; Honorable Mentions: Timothy J. Smith, “Water and Rocks”; Alice Clem, “Cass”; John Freund, “Roots”; Reggie Buehrer, “Cast Your Net”; and Linda Yenser, “Fish Family.” Art-to-Art Palette Journal Awards: Steve Frenkel, “City Park Lane”; Min Lindsey, “Nap Time”; and Janet Ravas, “Vermont Barn.”
Others in the show are: Wiletta Blevins, Rex Dolby, Anna Talei Fisher, Karen Flesch, Melissa Friemoth, Bill Gallaway, Judy Grone, Tomi Jaycox, Thomas King, Carole S. Macklin, Nanci Mistovich, Pat Pancake, Patricia Strout, Peter K. Temple, Bud Wieging, Joseph Yenser and Val Sluterbeck.
For more information, call WAC at 419.238.6837 or 1.888.238.3837 (toll free), or see www.vanwert.com/wassenberg for current programming, or e-mail wassenberg@embarqmail.com. The Wassenberg Art Center is located at 643 South Washington Street in Van Wert, Ohio.