Art In The Alley

We all know the place, located in the heart of downtown Van Wert is the alley that runs next to the Marsh Hotel. The current pedestrian alleyway serves one purpose, to move people between spaces. However, imagine a space in downtown Van Wert where you can sit and enjoy your lunch, listen to live music on a Friday night with your date or play a game of Giant Jenga with your friends. That's why this project is so important to the community.

Activating an alley will allow residents and businesses to have a space where they can hang-out and socialize in downtown with spectacular views of our Historic Courthouse and an easy two-minute walk to the Wassenberg Arts Center. Bringing friends or family to town, use the alley on a Friday night and enjoy a bite to eat at one of our picnic tables. Check out the creative art and use the space as a way to relax and unwind. The goal is to bring this public space to life with programmed activities, vibrant artistic opportunities and comfortable seating for all seasons...even winter. 

August-September 2017
Purchase Temporary Furniture and Staging Items (planters, lamps, etc.) 
Community Created Temporary Murals on wood that can be displayed in the alley during appropriate seasons

Late September 2017
Stage the alley with the purchased furniture, creative artwork, planters, etc.
Host a Downtown Appreciation event showcasing the completed work and celebrate the community

October 2017
Fall Themed Activities connecting Main Street and the Wassenberg Arts Center
Trick-Or-Treat In The Alley
Community Created Arts Display

November-December 2017 / January-March 2018
Winter Themed Activities connecting Main Street and the Wassenberg Arts Center
A Main Street Christmas themed activity
Community Created Arts Display

April-May 2018
Spring Themed Activities connecting Main Street and the Wassenberg Arts Center
Wassenberg Arts Display
Community Created Arts Display

Summer 2018
Summer Themed Activities connecting Main Street and the Wassenberg Arts Center
Main Street Food Truck events
Community Created Arts Display
 

We believe that Main Street is more than just a road that connects several neighborhoods in the community. Main Street Van Wert is a place where you can raise a family, start a business, build a community and forge the future. Van Wert was built on Main Street and for over one-hundred years, this was the epicenter for all activity. We have the passion to make Main Street Van Wert more than a destination...Main Street should be a community gathering space to share, celebrate and enjoy together. To accomplish this we must provide a gathering space where everyone feels welcome and wants to participate in something greater. 

The alley that connects Main Street to the Wassenberg Arts Center is that kind of place. Imagine being able to go with your friends and loved ones to a space where you can be a part of something, meet others in the community, listen to local music, enjoy artistic displays and more. We believe that having this gathering space in the heart of you to do that while enjoying the social aspects Van Wert.