Antiques, shopping
Though the popularity of antique shops may have dwindled since its peak in the ’80s and ’90s, Waynesville still has its share, even calling itself “the antiques capital of the Midwest.” But in addition to its many charming antique shops, the town has added a number of home décor shops and art galleries to its palette as well. Three such décor shops are Class and Sass, 48 S. Main St. (www.classandsassgifts.com), American Home Comfort and The Peddler House, both of which are located at 258 Main St. in Scioto Square, a charming little lane off South Main Street. For more information on these shops, visit www.waynesvilleshops.com.
Art
Also located in Scioto Square is Wombat Art Works. Debbie Lentz of Wombat says she believes fine art and fine craft venues are doing their share to bring the town to life. Lentz and partner Trish Jeffers-Zeh opened Wombat Art Works in May 2010 along with their former partner Cassandra Graham.
“We have some incredibly talented nationally and internationally-known artists, such as bronze sculptor Mark Henn (who also is a Disney animator),” Lentz explained. The gallery will soon have more works from John Ruthven of Cincinnati (known as “the Modern Day Audubon”) and other wildlife illustrators DeVere Burt; Linda Bittner; historical, nature and portrait painter Mary Louise Holt; and Dayton-area sculptor Christine Knapp.
“Wombat is home to over 25 local, national and international artists in all types of media,” Lentz said. It also offers art classes, including sculpture, painting, drawing, quilting, educational events, including a collaboration with the Cincinnati Zoo, and more. “Our goal is to keep the arts alive and keep people interested and informed of all the different types of art.
For more information on the gallery visit www.WombatArtWorks .com, email info@wombatart works.com or call (513) 897-7174.
The Fish House Art Studio, 188 N. Main St., (513) 897-1280, also offers art classes as well as clothing alterations. Other art galleries in town include The Canada Goose Gallery at 97 S. Main St., (513) 897-4348,www.canadagoosegallerypbuckleymoss.com; and The Framing Place and Art Gallery, 215 S. Main St., (513) 897-2787, www.theframingplaceandartgallery.com.
Attractions, special events
Waynesville’s Second Saturday Street Faires are a welcome addition to the town’s community spirit. They include artist demonstrations, author appearances, food, performances and other family-friendly activities. This month’s event on Aug. 13 will include a history tour of “Waynesville’s Famous and Infamous” by the Museum at the Friends Home at Fourth and Miami streets. For more information, call (513) 897-1607 or visit www.friendshomemuseum.org. For more information on the monthly event, visit www.secondsaturdaystroll.com.
Here’s another treat: since Waynesville’s downtown is basically one long, wide Main Street surrounded by farmland and rural residences, it makes sense that it would offer the community and visitors a garden center. The Secret Garden, at 4107 E. Ohio 73, allows visitors to browse or buy the perfect adornments for gardens. Visit www.secretgardenwaynesville.com or call (877) 897-5505.
And, of course, if you choose to visit Waynesville during the month of October, you can always attend the famous Sauerkraut Festival. The 42nd celebration will be Oct. 8-9. For more information, visit the festival’s site at www.sauerkraut festival.com.
Sites to See: Waynesville’s central clearinghouse of how to get around, what to do, where to dine and where to stay, along with lots of downloadable discount coupons for many of the local businesses, can be found at www.waynesville ohio.com.
Christine Klinger is a Dayton writer and photographer. She can be reached at christineklinger@earth link.net.
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