VAN WERT — Wassenberg Art Center will host a groundbreaking ceremony at 10 a.m. Tuesday to celebrate the new art park to be constructed behind the art center.
The Wassenberg Art Park will feature a large circular green entitled “Central Park.” A re-purposed agricultural grain bin will be turned into a concession stand with circular glow-in-the-dark serving counters and a 15-foot high sculptural shade structure will support a flowering vine and be up lit with color changing LED lights. A life-size sculpture of a raccoon by Detroit artist, David Tonnegato has been installed on the railing of the adjacent footbridge.
According to a spokesperson for the art center, the park will provide improved space for annual festivals such as Town Creek Live, art openings, outdoor events and added atmosphere for art center rentals. The space will also add additional, enhanced walkability to Van Wert and connect the art center property to the historic downtown via a new art alley created by Main Street Van Wert, the Wassenberg Art Center with support from a grant from Edward Jones.
Funding for the expansion came from the Ohio Facility Construction Commission, along with local support from Central Mutual Insurance, First Federal Savings and Loan, Kenn-Feld Group, Maumee Valley Watershed and more than 65 individual contributors in and around Van Wert.
Completion of the first phase of the art park is slated for the end of May, 2018. The park was envisioned by Wassenberg Art Center staff and designed by Edge Design Group, Toledo.
