Published: June 13, 2009 06:42 pm      

Artistic summer

Logansport Art Association offers variety of activities for all ages.

Residents looking for something to spark their artistic abilities, learn something new or simply appreciate the work of others will have several opportunities this summer.

The Logansport Arts Association is holding a number of art shows and activities for adults, children and families.

Art camps, clubs, trips, classes and workshops will be available everyone.

“It’s part of our mission to offer arts to all,” said Jennifer Weinert, administrator of the association. “Different people have different ways of learning. Some enjoy looking at art, some enjoy participating in arts and others enjoy networking.”

Weinert said the art association hoped the opportunities offered would allow for a variety of experiences for the community to enjoy art.

“We have lots of things scheduled for all ages and all abilities,” she said. “Anyone wanting to explore art should come out, no matter what level they are at.”

This summer’s programming kicked off with the 98th annual fine art show. The show is on display at the art association, located at 424 Front St., through July 9. More than 70 two-dimensional and three-dimensional fine art pieces are featured. Artists are represented from Cass, Wabash, Miami, Fulton and Howard counties.

The art can be viewed during normal hours from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Friday.

During the second half of summer, visitors can view the art show, “Celebrated Work” by Marilou Crisman. Crisman was a local artist, and the family is presenting the show from July 15 through Aug. 13.

Also during the second half of summer, visitors can check out the small gallery to see needlework crafts made by the members of the Hoosier Heartland American Needlework Guild.

The 18th Annual Garden Tour will take place from 1 to 5 p.m. June 27, with four gardens featured. A $10 ticket helps support art association programs. Tickets can be purchased at the art association or at any of the gardens the day of the tour.

Featured gardens include; Marge Strong at 2624 Stadium Dr.; Jim and Martha Brown at 2609 Emmet Drive; Barb Wiltshire at 815 W. Linden Ave.; and Alicia Graffton at 610 Meadow Lane.

Artist Studio will also take place all summer long at 6:30 p.m. every fourth Thursday of the month. Anyone interested in learning more about art is welcome to the free event. On June 25, visitors will learn to create small artworks. On July 23, artwork framing instructions will be offered. The Aug. 27 presentation is known as “Art Cafe.” Coffee will be offered, while participants discuss the role of public art.

A variety of programs are also being offered.

The first is scheduled for June 18 and is painting on fabric for ages 14 and up. The event is free and begins at 1:30 p.m.

Introduction to figure drawing, for adults, is planned from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. June 20. A fiber art collage class will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Aug. 22 for ages 16 and up. Both classes cost $30 for materials.

The art adventure trip to Munster will take place from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. July 10, and participants will have the opportunity to tour a sculpture in Munster. The fee is $30 per person and includes transportation and lunch.

Families looking for activities can attend the Family Fun Clay Day from 10 a.m. to noon on Aug. 1. The fee of $15 includes the cost of clay, glaze and firing. Special family discounts will be available.

Family art adventures to Eiteljorge Museum in Indianapolis will be from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 29. Family members can view American Indian and Western Art. Costs are $25 per child and $12 for adults, which includes lunch, snack, transportation, admission, and a craft.

A children’s art club will be offered for students in kindergarten through fifth grade. Both session costs $5 each and are scheduled for 5 to 6 p.m. The melted art theme happens June 16 and back to school fun is slotted for Aug. 18. The fee covers two crafts and a snack.

“Mom, Pop and Me” is scheduled from 10 to 11 a.m. July 8 and Aug. 12 for toddlers and their parents for a $5 fee.

For teenagers in grades six to 12, three sessions will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Each session will cost $12. “Mirror, mirror” will take place June 18, “Unique umbrellas” on July 23 and “Art rocks” on Aug. 13.

Summer Art Camp will round out the summer. This year’s theme will be “Explosion of Color.” The Cass County event will take place at the art association July 20 through 24. Children ages 3 to 7 are scheduled to meet from 10 a.m. until noon, and those ages 8 to 12 are set from 1 to 3 p.m. Fees are $5 a day, and participants can attend individual days or all four.

Deadlines to sign up for each activity is one week before the scheduled date.

The art association is also working on creating a clay studio. Local artist Bill Dahman will be working on a nine-foot tall limestone sculpture during the summer months. People can stop by and watch him work on it during normal business hours.

All programs have financial assistance available for families in need, Weinert added. If someone needs assistance, they need to mention it to someone at the art association.

According to Weinert, the art association decides on the programs after receiving public feedback from other classes held. She said ideas also come from visitors looking for a particular activity.

Weinert would like the summer programs to help others find an interest in art.

“I hope it helps us reach as many people as possible in ways they are able to enjoy the arts,” she said.

• Denise Massie is a staff writer at the Pharos-Tribune. She can be reached at (574) 732-5151 or denise.massie@pharostribune.com



Need info?

Anyone with more questions or who wishes to attend an event can register by calling (574)735-2195, e-mailing loganart@verizon.net or visiting the Logansport Art Association’s Web site at www.loganart.org.

The Logansport Art Association is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.



Want to help?

Anyone interested in helping plan activities for the Logansport Art Association’s 100th year in 2011 is invited to attend a planning meeting at 4:30 p.m. June 25.