Arts Commission of Greater Toledo Announces Young Artists at Work Open House Event

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Arts Commission of Greater Toledo (ACGT) is pleased to announce an Open House Event commemorating the near completion of the 2011 Young Artists at Work (YAAW) program. The event is open to media, program sponsors, donors and partners, families of the YAAW apprentices, and the general public .

On Thursday, August 4, from 5 – 7 p.m., the YAAW 2011 worksite will be open for visitors. Attendees will have the opportunity to mix and mingle with the 2011 YAAW apprentices, view works of art created through the program, and purchase art work created by this year’s student apprentices.

The YAAW worksite is located in the basement of the University of Toledo’s Center for Visual Arts, 620 Grove Place, Toledo, OH 43624 (the gray building next to TMA). Parking is in the student lot, closest to Collingwood Blvd.

To attend the Open House, please RSVP by Wednesday, August 3.

Please call Emily at 419-254-2787, or email efinkel@acgt.org.

Program support for the 2011 YAAW program is provided by: AIGA- Toledo Chapter, Ms. Julie Beckert, Ms. Sally Binard, Barbara Chappell and Ace Acebedo, Charter One Bank, Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, Sara Jane  and Bill DeHoff, Mark and Mollie Dixon, Findlay Davies, Inc., Ms. Edith Franklin, Ms. Penny Gentieu, Mr. and Mrs. David Guip, Hanson Inc., HCR Manor Care, Health Care REIT, Mrs. Marcia Helman, Sharon A. Kerstetter, Key Bank, Kingston HealthCare Co., Dr. and Mrs. Allan Kirsner, Lakeside Interior Contractors, Inc., Leadership Toledo, Libbey Inc., Lighthouse Branding & Merchandising, Mr. Tedd Long, Lucas County Job and Family Services, Lucas County Summer Youth Employment Program, McDonald Partners, Jim Moore and Tim Valko, Mr. Michael Moran, Ohio Arts Council, OptiVue, Owens Corning, PART OF IT Project, The Perfect Measuring Tape, ProMedica Health System, Margaret and Richard Ressner, Rudolph/Libbe Companies, Savage & Associates, Mr. and Mrs. Edwin S. Skinner, Jr., The Stranahan Foundation, Studio Sans Nom, TARTA, Toledo Blade, Toledo Community Foundation, Toledo Edison, Toledo.com, Toledo Museum of Art, Mr. and Mrs. Scott Trumbull, United North, University of Toledo College of Visual and Performing Arts, Wal-Mart Foundation and Facility #8139, Mr. and Mrs. David Weinberg, Mr. and Mrs. Bob Zimmerman, Mr. Robert Zollweg, Mr. Edward Zraik, and Mr. and Mrs. Thomas G. Zraik.

This year’s apprentices are:
Colin Amos (Toledo School for the Arts), Kia Awls (Start High School), Kelly Barfield (Ottawa Hills High School), Karen Becerra (Waite High School), Christopher Bradford II (Summit Academy), Brooke Breckenridge (Perrysburg High School), Michael Burgete (Phoenix Academy), Jason Burgete (Phoenix Academy),Brandi Cabell (Start High School), Chelsie Cree (Bowsher High School), Jenna Daugherty (Rogers High School), Brianna DuBose (Summit Academy), Jerry J. Easter Jr. (Whitmer High School), Caitlin Fitzgerald (Phoenix Academy), Halle Foss (Sylvania Northview High School), La’Marious Harris (Achieve Career Preparatory Academy), Trenton Hertzfield (Perryburg Junior High), Morgan Hilbert (Anthony Wayne High School), Hasaan Hunter (Rogers High School), Caroline Jardine (Cardinal Stritch High School), Modesty Johnson (ECOT), Scott Johnson (Summit Academy), Kareem Jones (Waite High School), Allison Kuhr (Toledo School for the Arts), Vannessia Lawson (Bowsher High School), La' marquitta Long (Achieve Career Preparatory Academy), Tanasio Loudermill (Toledo Early College High School), Joseph Martin (Phoenix Academy), Treva Mathis (Phoenix Academy), Kalisa McCalland (Horizon Science Academy-Toledo), Bryanna McClure (Waite High School), Adriaonna McDuffey (Phoenix Academy), Jacob Menden (Sylvania Southview High School), Ryan Middlebrooks (Whitmer High School), Nadejda Mirochnitchenko (Sylvania Southview High School), My’Kaja Nash (Blessed Sacrament Junior High), Tori Nelson (Start High School), Erica Parker (Start High School), Steven Pedro (Anthony Wayne High School), David Person (Start High School), Nancy Ransom (Maumee Country Day School), Conner Restorick (Sylvania Southview High School), Robert Roberson (Penta Career Center), Salvador Rodriquez (Waite High School), Hannah Skowronek (Bedford Senior High), Marissa Stewart (Bowsher High School), Camille Sturdivant (Notre Dame Academy), Andrew Thomas (Toledo School for the Arts), Simone Tilmon (Horizon Science Academy-Toledo), Katelin Uhinck (Queen of Apostles Junior High), Devante Urbina (Woodward High School), Armand Velez (Summit Academy), Levia Warrick (Start High School), Paris Wells (Waite High School), Molly Wetter (Ladywood High School), Ettel Williams (Waite High School), and Pearline Young (Horizon Science Academy-Toledo).

Since 1994, the Arts Commission has sponsored the award winning YAAW program. This six-week summer employment opportunity enables diverse and at-risk youth to benefit from an intense exposure to the arts. The objective of YAAW is to provide an intensive arts experience that fosters artistic self-expression and a quality work ethic that can impact the youth throughout adulthood. The opportunity provides exposure to the concept of art as a business, as well as the creation of public art for the greater Toledo community.

To learn more about the YAAW program, please visit www.acgt.org

The Arts Commission of Greater Toledo is the longest standing arts commission in the state of Ohio that develops and promotes the arts in the community, serving Northwest Ohio since 1959.

Red Reader #1

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Red Reader #1 is the first in a series of print publications aimed at promoting the work of underground and under-recognized writers and artists. In conjunction with Lit Vision Press, Red Fez Publications will release a limited print edition of Red Reader #1 on August 6, 2011. Edited and designed by Michele McDannold, this limited edition is a 8 ½ x 11 side-stapled book with a sandpaper cover and full-color interior pages.

Pre-Order Red Reader #1 now until July 29th at the discounted rate of $9.99USD (plus shipping). All pre-ordered books will ship on August 1st. Regular orders for Red Reader #1 will begin on August 6th at $12.99USD (plus shipping).

Contributors: Lynn Alexander, Shane Allison, Shaindel Beers, Tyson Bley, April Michelle Bratten, Judy L. Brekke, Brad Burjan, Paul Corman-Roberts, Aleathia Drehmer, Mary Ann Loesch, Leopold McGinnis, Mathias Nelson, Puma Perl, Misti Rainwater-Lites and Luis Rivas.

For more information or to purchase visit http://theliteraryunderground.org/redreader1

 

Zygote in my Fez 2011

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Zygote in my Coffee and Red Fez Publications invite you to join them for Zygote in my Fez 2011, a poetry feztival, brought to you with generous support from the Toledo Free Press.

Hosted by Michael Grover and Brian Fugett on August 6th at the Collingwood Arts Center in Toledo, past contributors to Zygote and Red Fez will be performing in the theater from 4-10pm. Following will be an after-party and open mic at the Blarney, 601 Monroe St., Downtown Toledo.

For more information and a list of performers, please visit http://www.redfez.net/zyfez .

Imagenes Mexicanas

I have not seen Imagenes Mexicanas dance at the Toledo Zoo but I have seen them perform at other community events and they are always wonderful.

Tango

It is so much fun to watch people doing the tango.....

100 Thousand Poets for Change

On September 24, 2011 there will be a celebration of the worldwide event, "100 Thousand Poets for Change", at the University of Toledo's Small Theater.

This is an excellent opportunity to share your artistic talent and to be a part of a historic event. If you are interested in participating, please contact Jonie McIntire at jonier.mcintire@gmail.com.

For more information on this event, you can visit the 100 Thousand Poets for Change website.

Juried Art Competition - Theme "Seasons" - Apply Now

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Light Space & Time Online Art Gallery announces a Juried Art Competition for the month of August with theme “Seasons”. A Group exhibition of the top five finalists will be held online at the Light Space & Time Art Gallery for the month of September 2011.  The theme is Seasons, you decide, so send us your best “Seasons” art now!

Awards will be for 1st, 2nd and 3rd places, honorable mention and special recognition . All winners will be selected, announced and featured on the Light Space & Time website on September 1, 2011. Thereafter, the artworks will remain online in the Light Space & Time Archives with links to the artist’s websites.  Extensive worldwide publicity for the winners.

Deadline to apply is August 29, 2011 - Apply through the website http://www.lightspacetime.com/ 

Local author John Rataczak releases book "“The Ramifications of Our Salvation”

Local author, John Rataczak, has recently released a book titled "The Ramifications of Our Salvation".

According to John's website, http://www.eleutherosbooks.com/, he "was born in Columbia, Missouri and raised in the St. Louis area.  He was saved at an early age through the ministry of the Chatham Bible Church of Wellston, Missouri (now located in Hazelwood, Missouri).

His father was a chemical engineer and his mother was a housewife.  Both were saved during  John’s early childhood years.  Certainly the truth of Acts 16:31 applies in this case: in a short time all the members of the family received Christ as Savior!  Both Ed and Mary (his parents) are now with the Lord.

God led John to become involved in full time Christian work during his freshman year at Bob Jones University.  Since that calling, he has earned a B.A. in Bible, an M.A. in Pastoral Studies, and a Ph.D. in New Testament Text (Greek).

His teaching  experience includes teaching Greek, Hebrew, Theology, Apologetics, Church History, English Bible, and various Biblical Backgrounds courses in three Christian colleges and two graduate schools.  In addition, he served as a soccer coach in two ministries.

His pastoral experience includes ministries in Pennsylvania and Ohio.  He has filled the pulpit of many Bible-believing churches in a number of states as well and plans to initiate a Bible Conference ministry as God supplies the opportunity.

Presently he is the founder and sole proprietor of Eleutheros Books.

He is the father of two sons and resides in Ohio.

Of course his main interest is to study the Word and win the lost to Christ, but he also has interests in sports and current events."

If you would like to purchase a copy of the book, you can order copies online.

Arts Commission of Greater Toledo Announces July Art Walk Venues & Features

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Arts Commission of Greater Toledo (ACGT) is pleased to announce that Art Walk series will continue on Thursday, July 21. Art Walk is held each summer, on the third Thursday of each month, May through September. This is the Art Walk’s fourth season. 

Remaining 2011 Art Walk dates are August 18 and September 15. Hours are 6 – 9 p.m. 

The program is presented as part of the Arts Commission of Greater Toledo’s Live Work Create Toledo initiative, embracing economic development and revitalization through the arts. Under this umbrella, Art Walk is the sister program of Artomatic 419! and The Gallery Loop. 

The Art Walk has grown exponentially in its previous three short years, growing from featuring less than 10 venues in its first year and a slim attendance, to finishing the 2010 season with a peak attendance of more than 700, and featuring an average of 20 venues each month. 

The Art Walk offers Toledoans an opportunity to come out and explore their Downtown, visiting great locally-owned galleries, businesses, artist studios and other venues while perusing and purchasing unique, locally-crafted one-of-a-kind art work and gifts – all while enjoying the fresh summer air and getting a little exercise, be it walking, biking, or otherwise. 

This year, ACGT will continue the 2010 implementation of sponsoring local performers with “busking” (a.k.a. street performing) licenses from the City of Toledo, allowing them to perform legally on city sidewalks during the event while collecting tips. 

July’s sponsored street performers will be musicians Meaghan Roberts and Lucian Townes (both solo acoustic guitar players), musician Ian Welch, performance artist Katie Komuniecki, performance artist Bianca Marcia, experimental rock/jazz duo What’s Next and the funky musings of Earl Cookie.  

Also up-coming this season will be the installation of nearly 20 more “Art Benches” installed in the Arts Zone/Warehouse District. Ten of these colorful benches were installed during the 2010 season to help spruce up the streets of the neighborhood and increase its identity and visibility as an arts district. The benches were painted by youth apprentices in the award-winning Young Artists at Work program, which employs diverse and at-risk teens for six weeks in the summer, exposing them to an intensive multi-media arts training and long-lasting job training skills. 

Continuing this year will be the use of ACGT’s teal Live Work Create Toledo flags, which Art Walk-goers can use to identify participating venues during the event, and creative-based businesses throughout the season. 

New this year is the addition of a local pedicab (bicycle taxis) service offering event goers rides from the St. Clair Village to Uptown, and vice versa.  

July Art Walk Venues:
Maps and venue/artist details are available for download from http://www.acgt.org/. Maps will also be available at participating venues the day of the event. 

ARTS ZONE / WAREHOUSE DISTRICT
1. Shared Lives Studios Gallery 20 N. St. Clair St.
"Artist Review," showcases Linda Richards, Jennifer Schefft, Jeffrey O'neil, Craig Toczynski, Marc Arnett, Beth Robinson, James Dungan, and Bianca Roberts. The July Art Walk also includes Chalk-o-lott : A celebration of chalk drawings.  A large chalk board will be set up for all visitors to add their own personal artwork to the mix.

2. Studios of Carol Imes-Luscombe 321 Perry St. Same building as Shared Live Studios Gallery, but on the third floor. 
Features the working studio of printmaker and painter Carol Imes-Luscombe. 

3. 20 North Gallery 18 N. St. Clair St.  419.241.2400
40 Greatest Hits, this career retrospective of Toledo native Phil Hazard spans his mid-70s work as a pioneering neon artist in NYC, to his more recent pop art paintings.  

4. T-Shirts by Max Reddish near the corner of St. Clair and Washington
An array of unique, Toledo pride-themed t-shirts are for sale.

5. Sur Saint Clair 1 S. St. Clair St. 419.241.7100
Showcasing several talented local artists for the July Art Walk:  Michael Provenza (surreal and magical contemporary landscape oil paintings), Mr. Atomic (whimsical and humor-filled paintings inspired by comic books, Saturday morning cartoons, and sci-fi movies), Rodriguez-Lehmann (pop culture inspired ceramics),  Brooke Harland Isabell (distinct eclectic sassy and classy handcrafted jewelry), Mary Ellen Graham (glass works that freeze the power and perfection of a moment), Sandy Hall (elegant to chic jewelry designs incorporating semiprecious stones, freshwater pearls, hand-forged metalwork, handmade lamp work glass beads, and more).

6. Jack Wilson Gallery 19 S. St. Clair St. Gallery entrance is up the stairs in the rear of the building.  Features metal-worker Jack Wilson’s sculpture and pottery by Red Stanley.

7. Art Supply Depo 29 S. St. Clair St.
The first week of business for downtown’s new locally owned art supply store. The Art Supply Depo will provide high-quality materials at affordable prices, while creating an inviting atmosphere where artists can network and feel like they're a part of a community. The Depo features an art reading room and meeting space, free wifi, gallery space, and a flexible store floor that will be able to support a multitude of activities in Toledo's Art Zone.  Check out some of their featured products during the Art Walk.

8. Homeslice Pizza 28 S. St. Clair St.  419.724.7437
Paintings by Jerry Gray, Kerry Krow, Jason Vahle, Yusuf Lateef, Nathan Masternak and Helen Grubb.

9. Ahava Spa & Wellness Center 34 S. St. Clair St.  419.241.5877
Details to be confirmed.

10. Downtown Latte 44 S. St. Clair St.  419.243.6032
Details to be confirmed.

11. Swank Gifts 48 S. St. Clair St.  419.241.9340
Swank Gifts boutique shop specializes in unique, affordable gifts. View a large selection of one-of-a-kind jewelry, and an array of products from talented local artists.

12. Young Artist at Work Booth near the corner of St. Clair and Lafayette
Come buy some great, affordable art from local young artists.  Since 1994, ACGT has presented the award winning Young Artists at Work (YAAW) program.  This six-week summer employment opportunity enables diverse and at-risk youth to benefit from an intense exposure to the arts.  Student apprentices between the ages of 14 and 18 were selected in a competitive process for 6 weeks of summer employment as working artists.  The objective of YAAW is to provide an intensive arts experience that fosters artistic self-expression and a quality work ethic that can impact the youth throughout adulthood.  The program encourages expression, refinement, cross-cultural sharing, and the exchange of ideas.  The opportunity provides exposure to the concept of art as a business, as well as the creation of public art for the greater Toledo community.

13. Bozarts 151 S. St. Clair St.  419.464.5785 
Note Books & Sketches Exhibition. ALL ARTISTS ARE WELCOME TO BRING WORK for "pin up" display or passing around. The evening will also feature live painting, live music & performances, & a film showing at 9pm following the Art Walk.

14. Olive Street Studios 252 Ottawa St.
Enjoy open studio tours, featuring:  Brad Bechtel, Brian Juchartz, Carl Porreca, Crisstoffer Muntz, Dan Wallace, Doug Kampfer, Jessica Besterman, Jodie S. Peace, Mike Cerveny, Renee Spillis, Richard Reed, and Scott Ziegler.

UPTOWN / OLD WEST END

15. Toledo Free Press Warehouse Huron at Washington Street www.toledofreepress.com
Toledo Free Press will host a poetry reading as part of the event, featuring local poets John Dorsey, Michael Grover, Kayla Marie Williams, Christina Brooks, Mike Hackney and Greg Peters. The readings will take pace at the Toledo Free Press warehouse at the corner of Huron and Washington streets across from Fifth Third Field.

16. Secor Studios 425 Jefferson Ave.  419.514.7496
(Take elevators to floors 5, 6 & 7) In the historic, former Secor Hotel, The Secor Artists host Open Studio Night. Visitors are encouraged to roam the studios of more than 15 artists located on the 5th, 6th, and 7th floors, as well as the 1st Floor Gallery. 

17. Space 237 237 Michigan 419.255.5117 space237.com
Space 237’s summer show “Visions of Beauty and Consequence” opening night is Thursday, July 21st from 6-9 pm. What a great way to start Thursday's Art Walk with our opening reception and attending artists Sandra Jane Heard and Ani Avanian.  Heard’s pieces are organic and portrayed in the round which juxtapose nicely with Avanian’s flat monochromatic drawings.  Refreshments and free parking will be provided.

18. Zyndorf Glass & Arts 320 N. Michigan St., 2nd Floor (across from library)
Presents unique and creative expressions in glass, chic and unique women's clothing as well as many other art forms from an array of talented artists. Wearable, functional and decorative art at affordable prices.

19. Sidewalk Chalk Project Main Branch of the Toledo – Lucas County Public Library 325 N. Michigan St.
As part of Etsy Craft Day the public is invited to create a large-scale sidewalk chalk project from 1-5pm at the Main Branch of the Library. The Library has approximately 429 squares for chalking.  Hopes are to have a completed sidewalk chalk masterpiece in time for the Art Walk event.

20. Gallerie 333 at TSA 333 14th Street www.ts4a.org
The current exhibit is Kaleidoscope 2011.  In addition to our exhibit, TSA has invited area Etsy Sellers to hold a sale in our gallery.  This event is known as the Etsy Craft Party.  The sale is from 5-9pm (one hour prior to Art Walk).  The Etsy Craft Party is a collaboration of http://www.shoptsa.etsy.com/ and http://www.colorsofeden.etsy.com/.

21. Toledo Emerging Artists Booth on Adams between 14th and 15th   419.297.4994
Toledo Emerging Artists is a group of artists making a living through their artwork, also sharing resources, ideas, and professional encouragement with their fellow artists from the Northwest Ohio region.

22. Music Expo Booth near the Toledo City Paper Offices
Toledo Music Expo will present information and line-up for their Saturday, June 23 musical networking and performance event.

23. Toledo City Paper Offices 1120 Adams St. 419.244.9859  www.toledocitypaper.com
The Toledo City Paper welcomes visual artist Steven Athanas and photographer Daniel Steck. Live music and drinks will be provided.

24. Glass City Cafe 1107 Jackson St. 419.241.4519 www.glasscitycafe.com
The Café stays open late with live music, great, homemade food and its amazing collection of historic Toledo memorabilia on display, along with the best collection of locally-based merchandise, including Toledo-themed T-shirts and hoodies and Shine Ceramics for sale.  For July, GCC proudly displays photographs by well known and long time Toledo photographer Mark Packo. The exhibit will feature selected pieces from his previous exhibit, "Iron Town, Maumee Bay & The Glass City".

25. Madhouse Gallery 1215 Jackson St. 419.873.0538 www.madmadmad.com
Brought to you by Madhouse and AIGA Toledo Chapter is an exhibition titled Hand Lettered.  No fancy pants technology, just good old fashioned homemade letters. Show runs through July 28. 

26. Manos Garden Mural w/ Toledo Grows/ACT Corner of Jackson & 14th Streets www.artcornertoledo.com
The mural at Manos Garden was designed and painted by Har Simrit-Singh as an Art Corner Toledo Project.  This is a partnership between the artist and local urban agriculture agency, Toledo GROWS.  Enjoy live music and see the seedling of a new community garden, just beginning to bloom.

27. Peep Show 1500 Adams, next to Manhattan’s Restaurant
Area artists exploring their libido in an uncensored exhibition of erotic art.  Over 30 local artists have works on display.  Please note adult content.  You must be 18 years of age to enter.

28. Scrap 4 Art 1501 Adams St. 419.720.2978
Scrap4Art is a nonprofit with a mission of reducing waste and making low cost materials and supplies available to educators and artists. Come make a project or enjoy a snack. 

29. Truth Art Gallery 1811 Adams St. www.thetruthtoledo.com
The Truth Gallery features a fine collection of African art works in its latest exhibition, “Art of Ghana.”  The exhibit features striking wood carvings, traditional masks, wall profiles, shadow statues, and more. This evening also features a live jazz band. 

30. Collingwood Arts Center 2413 Collingwood Blvd.  419.244.ARTS www.cactoledo.org
Resident artists show work in this 100+ year-old architectural treasure, be sure to see all three galleries. 

The Arts Commission of Greater Toledo is the longest standing arts commission in the state of Ohio that develops and promotes the arts in the community, serving Northwest Ohio since 1959.

Arts Commission of Greater Toledo Announces 2011 YAAWTM Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Arts Commission of Greater Toledo (ACGT) is pleased to announce that the 2011 Young Artists At Work (YAAW) Program is currently underway.  Our organization is very thankful to hold our program in the University of Toledo’s Center for Visual Arts facility, located in the Frank Gehry Building attached to the Toledo Museum of Art, again for a second year.  Names and schools of this year’s YAAW apprentices are included at the end of the release.

Since 1994, ACGT has presented the award winning Young Artists at Work (YAAW) program.  This six-week summer employment opportunity enables diverse and at-risk youth to benefit from an intense exposure to the arts.  Student apprentices between the ages of 14 and 18 were selected in a competitive process for 6 weeks of summer employment as working artists.  The objective of YAAW is to provide an intensive arts experience that fosters artistic self-expression and a quality work ethic that can impact the youth throughout adulthood.  The program encourages expression, refinement, cross-cultural sharing, and the exchange of ideas.  The opportunity provides exposure to the concept of art as a business, as well as the creation of public art for the greater Toledo community.

The apprentices in this year’s program include 57 students representing more than 27 area high schools, including private, parochial, charter, and public schools.  The 2011 YAAW apprentices will work on a number of projects this summer under the mentorship of talented local artists and art educators.  The larger and more community-oriented projects include the painting of public murals for a Toledo GROWs community garden and the Lucas County Juvenile Justice Center, along with muraled park benches to find permanent locations in the Old West End neighborhood. The apprentices are also participating in writing workshops to create poetry that will be featured on transit buses for the Art in TARTA program.  These buses also feature design work from graphic design students at Bowling Green State University, and will be unveiled in December.  

Even the first three weeks of the program have incited growth and inspiration for both the apprentices and art instruction staff alike.

The 2011 YAAW Coordinator, Jimmy McGhee, said of the young artists that the program has employed for this summer: “I find this year’s apprentices to be excited, talented and very passionate about art and the experience they have already begun”.

Assistant Instructor Alexis Lyman is enjoying her first year working as staff in the program.  She admits:  “I think I am learning more from these kids than they are learning from me!”

YAAW Apprentice Hasaan Hunter, age 18, describes: “The YAAW program is something that I have never experienced before, and I am having an awesome time as I progress”.

YAAW Apprentice Hannah Skowronek, age 18, enjoys working at YAAW: “I feel like I am the luckiest girl in the world, because I get paid to do what I love.  What the Arts Commission of Greater Toledo does is very important to the community, and I am so excited to be a part of that”.

YAAW Apprentice Caroline Jardine, age 17, was an apprentice in YAAW in 2010 as well.  She exclaims: “I absolutely LOVE working at YAAW.  YAAW is an environment where creativity is embraced.  YAAW is a place where people from all different backgrounds use their talents to create artwork that beautifies Toledo. YAAW is definitely a place to grow”.

The press is invited to tour the 2011 YAAW site during the three remaining weeks of the program.  The last date the program will be in session if Friday, August 5, 2011.  To schedule an interview or tour, please contact Michelle Carlson at 419-254-ARTS (2787) or via email, at mcarlson@acgt.org. 

This year’s apprentices are:
Colin Amos (Toledo School for the Arts), Kia Awls (Start High School), Kelly Barfield (Ottawa Hills High School), Karen Becerra (Waite High School), Christopher Bradford II (Summit Academy), Brooke Breckenridge (Perrysburg High School), Michael Burgete (Phoenix Academy), Jason Burgete (Phoenix Academy),Brandi Cabell (Start High School), Chelsie Cree (Bowsher High School), Jenna Daugherty (Rogers High School), Brianna DuBose (Summit Academy), Jerry J. Easter Jr. (Whitmer High School), Caitlin Fitzgerald (Phoenix Academy), Halle Foss (Sylvania Northview High School), La’Marious Harris (Achieve Career Preparatory Academy), Trenton Hertzfield (Perryburg Junior High), Morgan Hilbert (Anthony Wayne High School), Hasaan Hunter (Rogers High School), Caroline Jardine (Cardinal Stritch High School), Modesty Johnson (ECOT), Scott Johnson (Summit Academy), Kareem Jones (Waite High School), Allison Kuhr (Toledo School for the Arts), Vannessia Lawson (Bowsher High School), La' marquitta Long (Achieve Career Preparatory Academy), Tanasio Loudermill (Toledo Early College High School), Joseph Martin (Phoenix Academy), Treva Mathis (Phoenix Academy), Kalisa McCalland (Horizon Science Academy-Toledo), Bryanna McClure (Waite High School), Adriaonna McDuffey (Phoenix Academy), Jacob Menden (Sylvania Southview High School), Ryan Middlebrooks (Whitmer High School), Nadejda Mirochnitchenko (Sylvania Southview High School), My’Kaja Nash (Blessed Sacrament Junior High), Tori Nelson (Start High School), Erica Parker (Start High School), Steven Pedro (Anthony Wayne High School), David Person (Start High School), Nancy Ransom (Maumee Country Day School), Conner Restorick (Sylvania Southview High School), Robert Roberson (Penta Career Center), Salvador Rodriquez (Waite High School), Hannah Skowronek (Bedford Senior High), Marissa Stewart (Bowsher High School), Camille Sturdivant (Notre Dame Academy), Andrew Thomas (Toledo School for the Arts), Simone Tilmon (Horizon Science Academy-Toledo), Katelin Uhinck (Queen of Apostles Junior High), Devante Urbina (Woodward High School), Armand Velez (Summit Academy), Levia Warrick (Start High School), Paris Wells (Waite High School), Molly Wetter (Ladywood High School), Ettel Williams (Waite High School), and Pearline Young (Horizon Science Academy-Toledo).

Program support for the 2011 YAAW program is provided by: AIGA- Toledo Chapter, Ms. Julie Beckert, Ms. Sally Binard, Barbara Chappell and Ace Acebedo, Charter One Bank, Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, Sara Jane  and Bill DeHoff, Mark and Mollie Dixon, Findlay Davies, Inc., Ms. Edith Franklin, Ms. Penny Gentieu, Mr. and Mrs. David Guip, Hanson Inc., HCR Manor Care, Health Care REIT, Mrs. Marcia Helman, Sharon A. Kerstetter, Key Bank, Kingston HealthCare Co., Dr. and Mrs. Allan Kirsner, Lakeside Interior Contractors, Inc., Leadership Toledo, Libbey Inc., Lighthouse Branding & Merchandising, Mr. Tedd Long, Lucas County Job and Family Services, Lucas County Summer Youth Employment Program, McDonald Partners, Jim Moore and Tim Valko, Mr. Michael Moran, Ohio Arts Council, OptiVue, Owens Corning, PART OF IT Project, The Perfect Measuring Tape, ProMedica Health System, Margaret and Richard Ressner, Rudolph/Libbe Companies, Savage & Associates, Mr. and Mrs. Edwin S. Skinner, Jr., The Stranahan Foundation, Studio Sans Nom, TARTA, Toledo Blade, Toledo Community Foundation, Toledo Edison, Toledo.com, Toledo Museum of Art, Mr. and Mrs. Scott Trumbull, United North, University of Toledo College of Visual and Performing Arts, Wal-Mart Foundation and Facility #8139, Mr. and Mrs. David Weinberg, Mr. and Mrs. Bob Zimmerman, Mr. Robert Zollweg, Mr. Edward Zraik, and Mr. and Mrs. Thomas G. Zraik. 

To learn more about the YAAW program, please visit http://www.acgt.org/

The Arts Commission of Greater Toledo is the longest standing arts commission in the state of Ohio that develops and promotes the arts in the community, serving Northwest Ohio since 1959. http://www.acgt.org/. 419-254-ARTS

PRIZM Creative Community Sponsors a Master Class in Visual Narratives and Illustration with Author/Artist Domonic Catalano

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PRIZM Creative Community, a local non-profit for service and education in the arts, is sponsoring a Master Class in Visual Narratives and Illustration with Author/Artist Domonic Catalano. Both those interested in authoring books and manuscripts, as well as those wanting to effectively illustrate written materials, will find value in the workshop.

The three day class will be held at the Way Public Library at 101 E. Indiana Ave in Perrysburg. Dates and times are Tuesday July 12^th and Thursday July 14^th from 5:30-8:30 p.m. and Saturday July 16 from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Fee for the workshop is $95.00 for Prizm members and $125.00 for Prizm guests. Registration is limited to fourteen participants. To reserve your space, receive a supply list, or inquire about availability please contact Debra Buchanan @ 419-693-3289. Registration is also available online @ www.myprizm.com.

Participants in the workshop will learn how to distill written text to images that will impart meaning and impact to the story line. Discussion and examples of effective sketches will be explored, while the student will have ample opportunity to practice applications and receive feedback and experienced editing from Dr. Catalano. Techniques for different medias will be discussed such as the graphic novel, children’s picture books, comics, and novel covers. Illustration techniques for effective illustration will also be discussed, demonstrated and practiced including, Pen and Ink, Wash Techniques, and powdered pigments.

When: Tuesday July the 12th & Thursday July 14th, 5:30- 8:30 p.m. and Sat. July 16th 9-5 pm.

Where: Way Public Library, 101 E. Indiana Ave., Perrysburg.

Cost for Workshop: $95.00 PRIZM Members and $125.00 Non-members

Dr. Catalano who has been a professor at Bowling Green State University recently accepted a job in China,  where he will be teaching Art Education at the Zhuhai International School.   This community workshop is a chance to learn from Dr. Catalano at a fraction of the cost of similar workshops he has presented on the national level for the Highlights Foundation.  His illustrations have appeared in a number of children’s magazines and he has illustrated twenty-seven children’s books.  He has also illustrated books he has authored including Wolf Plays Alone, Frog Went A-Courting, Santa and the Three Bears, Mr. Basset Plays and Hush, A Fantasy in Verse.

During the July workshop, Dr. Catalano’s topics will include creating the form and structure of the manuscript, and scene development. He will cover the relationship between written and visual texts, and how to create your storyboard. Details of artistic concepts such as character development, point of view, and scene development will be explored. Insights on how to effectively portray the storyline with visual representation will be covered with a discussion of drawing, and hand painting techniques as well as available computer graphic tools. Preparing the story book dummy and market proposal will be explored. Case studies will be shared, and participants may ask questions and receive critique of their personal story books.

PRIZM Creative Community is a 501 c. 3 nonprofit organization currently receiving partial funding from the Ohio Arts Council and Toledo Community Foundation. For more information on upcoming PRIZM educational workshops in the visual and literary arts visit the website @ www.myprizm.com, email prizm@bex.net or call 419-931-8732.

Arts Commission of Greater Toledo Announces Christensen, Labuda & Masternak Exhibition

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Christensen, Labuda, Masternak Exhibition will be on display June 27 through August 12, 2011 in the Parkwood Gallery.  The public is invited to join us for a reception for the exhibition on Friday, July 8 from 6 to 8 pm.

This collection of artworks encourages the viewer to explore their understanding and relationship to space and moments through many different artistic mediums. One might observe details that may be deemed irrelevant, random or minor. To another it is measured very abstractly and spiritually. The work of all three artists deliver a sense of understanding of life and the depths of space through both living and non living objects. 

Artist Katie Christensen finds inspiration in literature and research, self reflection and silent meditative retreat, embedding her abstract monotypes with rich peacefulness.  Christensen explains “each moment has become precious, never the same as the one before or the next one to come. This awareness and the attention called to it have become significant to my work.” She has found an understanding of the devotion and discipline it takes to live a balanced life in our hectic world.

Mitch Labuda is a self-taught local artist practicing and creating work within the Toledo and surrounding areas.  Featured in the gallery are his photographs that show the Pictorialist period of Photography, as well as impressionist and abstract expressionist views. Labuda’s technique is to draw the viewer in while stimulating the senses of the viewer.

Nate Masternak’s mixed media paintings exemplify the belief that the norm of contemporary lifestyles is to “take a look at the big picture,” while making no attempt to decipher or respect some finer points.  A portion of Masternak’s artistic style is to portray energy through motion, thoughts, and light made through exploring concepts and subjects that are seldom thought of.  “It may be revealed to someone who has an acute or refined understanding on what comes from my work that I am a deep thinking person, who endeavors to illustrate feelings, communication, knowledge and thoughts.  I am somebody who grows from what is seen and experienced and who does not always limit possibilities by simply jumping swiftly to conclusions.”

The Parkwood Gallery is open Monday thru Friday 8:30 am – 4:30pm and is located at 1838 Parkwood Avenue, Suite 120 off of Monroe Street in Downtown Toledo.

The Arts Commission of Greater Toledo is the longest standing arts commission in the state of Ohio that develops and promotes the arts in the community, serving Northwest Ohio since 1959. http://www.acgt.org/. 419-254-ARTS