All of our exhibits are free. They always will be. Charles Wassenberg’s specifically stipulated this in his will. His policy continues in force to this day. Free admission is only one small way to reach out to people.
For example, art centers or art organizations can support the community it represents by linking skilled artisans and craftsmen for community projects such as revitalization efforts. A large network of sculptors, painters, glassblowers, metalsmiths, glass artists and ceramists can apply time honored processes and know-how to facilitate preservation efforts. The Wassenberg Art Center recently mailed out over 450 calls for entry for our 56th Annual June Art Exhibit. In that surprisingly large group of individuals you will find these highly skilled craftsmen. They are all right here, in and around Van Wert.
This community art center involves much more than drawing pretty pictures and is a vital link to local culture and perhaps, surprisingly, economic growth. A successful art center offers supplemental art education for youth with time-cramped student schedules. It offers education for adults and therapy from our stressed lives, the disabled or elderly. Art centers are here to represent and lift up internationally exhibited artists living in our surrounding area by offering competition based exhibits to inspire continued excellence. It is here to offer a venue for its artist members to sell their work. An art center is a wonderful place to interact with peers but encompasses much more than a like-minded social club.
In addition to craftsmen, properly equipped art centers can provide space for these artists by offering ceramic and glass studios, painting and photography studios and design resources. These types of shops attract talent to rural areas where cost of living is relatively low and working as a studio artist can become a reality instead of a dream.
At the time of this writing, the Ohio Watercolor Society exhibit will be on exhibit for 5 more days, making way for our next exhibit the Wassenberg Art Center High School Invitational. This exhibit sponsored by Cooper Farms will run from April 21 through May 12, and will feature some of the very best of our own young artists. We can’t wait to begin promoting the future of our youth through creative expression and we hope you can make it to the public opening reception held Saturday, April 21, 6 – 8 p.m. Awards will be presented at 7.
We still have Wassenberg Camera Club discount cards available for a mere $5! All proceeds benefit the Wassenberg Camera Club. Check out the monthly competition photos on their page on our website. If you want great photography advice feel free to attend a meeting.
Contact the art center at 419.238.6837, by email:admin@wassenbergartcenter.org or via our website at: wassenbergartcenter.org. The Wassenberg Art Center is located at 643 South Washington Street in Van Wert and our regular hours are Tuesday – Sunday, 1–5 p.m. during exhibits, closed Mondays.
By Hope Wallace, Director of Wassenberg Art Center