Chris Kannel, left, chairman of the board of directors for ArtSpace, a project of the Williams County Arts Council, hosted the program for the Nov. 12th meeting of CHWC-Montpelier Hospital Auxiliary. He was presented an appreciation gift for the program and tour by Auxiliary President Deanna Gipe, center. Also pictured is auxiliary member Fran Geesey, right, one of the local supporters who volunteers at ArtSpace on a regular basis.
Chris Kannel, chairman of the Board of Directors for ArtSpace, located in downtown Montpelier, hosted a program and tour of the gallery for the Nov. 12th monthly meeting of CHWC-Montpelier Hospital Auxiliary.
Promoting tri-state artists and artisans and cultural activities, members of the Williams County Arts Council opened ArtSpace in the summer of 2011. Currently the council organizes demonstrations and performances of various forms of art, maintains a website to feature artists, artwork and events, publishes a calendar of events, organizes traveling exhibitions and promotes education about the arts.
A total of 29 local artists have their works displayed at the gallery where a full range of artwork includes oils, watercolors, blown glass, pottery, bent cold-rolled steel, special photography, jewelry, and special holiday items such as tree ornaments.
During Montpelier’s annual Old Tyme Holiday Gathering this Saturday, ArtSpace will be open during the day and after the parade, five members of the Bryan High School orchestra will play in concert there. ArtSpace is open regularly on Fridays from 4-8 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Each month on the third Tuesday “open mic night” is scheduled at 7:30 p.m. Starting Nov. 19th the gallery will be open Mondays from 5-8 p.m.
ArtSpace has no paid employees with local volunteers helping to staff the gallery and provide needed assistance to the council. In addition to Mr. Kannel, the board of directors consists of David Baratier, vice chr.; Chris Lee, secretary; Alex Wheeler, treasurer; and Jeanne Gardner, Bob Hofbauer, Rebecca Lovelass, Alice Miller, Michelle O’Dell and Neil Obus, at-large members.
Special recognition is given to sponsors at several levels including Col. Steinke Realty Auction & Appraisal Service, The Bryan Times, Maxton Motors, Farmers & Merchants State Bank, and First Federal Bank. Individuals, businesses and groups can offer their support by becoming a “Friend of ArtSpace” or “Sponsor of ArtSpace”. More details can be obtained by contacting a member of the board of directors or use internet website artspace.wmscounty@gmail.com.
This past year, CHWC-Montpelier Hospital Auxiliary purchased and donated nearly $3000 of artwork from ArtSpace for display at the Montpelier Hospital facility.
Following the program, Auxiliary President Deanna Gipe called the regular meeting of the auxiliary to order. Roll call was answered by 14 members to “A veteran you know and facts about him or her.” Various reports were given by the secretary, treasurer, and committees including sunshine, recreation, magazines, and publicity. Jane Williams is in charge of patient favors for November.
Assistant gift shop manager Vivian Brown reported on the recent open house at the hospital gift shop and thanked those who volunteered to help. Volunteers are also needed to help with the auxiliary’s semi-annual Book Fair scheduled Monday, Nov. 19th 9 a.m.-5:00 p.m. in the hospital dining room. Schedule to assist are Vivian Brown, Marty Brace, Fran Geesey, Joyce Schelling, Ruth Cooley, Jean Young, Armeda Sawmiller and Deanna Gipe.
Sunday, Dec. 2nd at 3 p.m. the auxiliary will co-host the annual “Lighting the Way to Christmas” Memorial Luminary Program with CHWC-Hospital Hospice at the First Presbyterian Church, Montpelier. The local auxiliary will assist with greeter Pauline Brillhart and hostesses Ruth Cooley and Jean Young. Forms for luminaries and memorial angels are available at the hospital gift shop or contact Treasurer Barb Dietsch 419-485-3229. In order for names to be included in the memorial program Dec. 2nd, forms must be turned in by Nov. 23rd.
The next regular auxiliary meeting will be Monday, Dec. 10th at 12 noon for the Christmas Luncheon at First United Methodist Church, Montpelier, catered by Smith’s Restaurant of Wauseon. Please contact Deanna Gipe or Barb Dietsch to make luncheon reservations by Dec. 3rd. Members are encouraged to bring guests. Instead of a gift exchange, auxiliary members are asked to bring non-perishable food items for local Christmas food box distribution. Roll call will be “Who has been an angel to you and why?”. Armeda Sawmiller will assist with the Christmas luncheon program and Marty Brace and Joyce Schelling will help with decorating.
Following adjournment, refreshments were served of cookies, fresh fruit, cheese, crackers, punch and coffee.