Mike Major Art Gallery/Champaign County Arts Council
Urbana has an artistic heritage as the birthplace of John Quincy Adams Ward, a 19th century artist recognized as the Dean of American Sculpture. Modern day Champaign County is home to artist Mike Major, whose noted bronze sculptures are in public and private collections across the country. He shares his gallery and studio in historic downtown Urbana with the Champaign County Arts Council, at 119 Miami Street.

The Wassenberg Art Center was founded by prosperous peony farmer, Charles Wassenberg, who died in 1954 and left a trust fund to establish an art center “where art could flourish in Van Wert as the peonies have flourished in my garden.” Today, the art center, which has been favorably compared with upscale galleries in New York and other large cities, presents an average of eight different and unique free exhibits each year, including a March Ohio Watercolor Society Exhibit, an annual June Art Exhibit, and an October Photography Exhibit. It is also home to the Van Wert County Art Club and the Wassenberg Camera Club. They also offer classes and workshops for people of all ages.

Contact the Van Wert Area CVB at 877.989.2282.

The Master Gardeners of Van Wert have created a garden in downtown Van Wert, located in an empty lot between two businesses that had been used as a parking lot. This lovely oasis, called the Garden of the Senses, today contains trees, flowers, herbs, & shrubs with raised beds & brick walkways curving around the flowers & trees with benches to stop & rest and enjoy the peacefulness of the garden. A pergola was built on the spot, which in the summer is adorned with hanging baskets & during the Christmas season houses a stately decorated Christmas tree.

Contact the Van Wert Area CVB at 877.989.2282.

While exploring Ohio’s Historic West, travelers will find themselves in some of Ohio’s most charming villages and towns, such as Versailles. On permanent display is The Sculptural Village of Versailles, which consists of 12 life sized sculptures plus a unique, historical arch and brick wall. Many are located in the downtown area, which gives one the feeling of stepping back to a more simple time in life. The Sculptures depict people engaged in everyday activities such as playing golf, jumping rope, swinging on a swing, playing ball, reading a book with a friend and playing musical instruments. The newest sculpture on display is Monet sitting in front of his easel painting a portrait. Visitors will marvel at the life-like qualities and superb workmanship. While you are in this lovely village, enjoy lunch or dinner at the award winning Inn at Versailles. Experience world-class cuisine in a French-country atmosphere. Also, take time to tour the Winery at Versailles. Sample their award winning wines.

For more information, contact the Darke County Visitors Bureau, 800.504.2995; www.discoverourlegends.com

The Dayton Art Institute, one of the nation's finest mid-sized art museums, features more than 20,000 objects spanning 5,000 years of art history. This beautiful 88 year old building is on the National Register of Historic Places. Highlights include the museum's outstanding Asian collection, 17th century Baroque paintings, 18th & 19th century American art and contemporary art collection. In addition to its diverse collection, the museum features world-class special exhibitions, a wide variety of educational programs & an interactive, family-oriented Experiencenter gallery. Dayton, Ohio 800/296-4426. Open 365 days a year. Group tours of The Dayton Art Institute's permanent collection are free. However, prices vary for group tours of the museum's special exhibitions. Advance reservations are required.

For more information please contact: 937.223.5277 ext. 337. www.daytonartinstitute.org

The history of St. Marys, from its beginning as a fort to prosperity as a canal town to the present day, is depicted in vivid imagery in the mural “Traces of St. Marys”. The three large art pieces grace the wall of Heritage Park in downtown St. Marys. New Bremen Artist Dan Keyes spent nearly a year researching and painting the three intricate mural pieces. A narrative brochure is provided that
explains the many images and how they pertain to the history of the area. The mural serves as a focal point in the park that is designed with German and Japanese influences to honor St. Marys’ two sister cities.

For more information, contact the Auglaize/Mercer CVB at 800.860.4726; www.seemore.org

Quilts on barns? What an unusual idea! Relax, unwind, and experience yesteryear as you travel the beautiful countryside in this unique driving tour of Miam County, with over 60 Barn Quilts on their tour, and more in the making. The Barn Quilt concept was started as a way to bring visitors to experience all that each community in the county has to offer. Designed to highlight the agricultural heritage as well as the important folk art of quilting, the Barn Quilt Tour features large, painted renditions of traditional patchwork quilt blocks, hung or painted on the sides of barns, a growing trend that has captured the spirit of heritage tourism. While connecting the rural countryside and our lovely historic downtowns with a colorful array of painted Barn Quilts, the tour provides a new and exciting way for visitors to enjoy the beauty and simple elegance of the land as they make their way from town to town. Map brochures are available for those interested in taking the self-guided tour.

For more information, contact Miami County Visitors & Convention Bureau at 800.348.8993;
www.visitmiamicounty.org