The Arts Commission Announces Brown, LaBay, LaValley & Yager Exhibition

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Brown, LaBay, LaValley & Yager Exhibition will be on display January 17 –February 24, 2012 in the Parkwood Gallery.  The public is invited to joinus for a reception for the exhibition on Friday, February 3 from 6 to 8 pm.

The artists in this exhibition are united in a conceptual approach to art making.

Alyssa Brown uses photography as a documenting tool to explore how identity is created in one’s personal space and attire.  Sherepresents the memories that are attached to a single piece of clothing.  Thisseries pairs a journalistic photograph with a written statement recording a personal reflection from the subject of the photograph.  Alyssa is pursuing her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with concentration in New Media at the University of Toledo.

Another University of Toledo artist, Julia La Bay, uses casts of her own body to represent the raw emotion of specific life altering decisions. She captures the struggles that any woman may go through from relationships to abuse to motherhood.  Julia is completing her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree concentrating in Sculpture with a minor in Printmaking.

The artwork of Antoinette LaValley, M.D. reflects upon life of the individual and family through their bones. She connects the transformation of bones during life to the impact left on thebones at death.  Dr. LaValley has worked as a diagnostic neuroradiologistsince 1990.

Last, but certainly not least, the installation of Michael Yager provokes curiosity.  He encourages the viewer to interactwith his so-named space coconuts.  Interaction elicits light and soundresponses from this interactive installation.  Michael currently teachesas adjunct faculty at OwensCommunity College.

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 is the longest standing arts commission in the state of Ohio that develops and promotes the arts in thecommunity, serving Northwest Ohio since 1959.www.theartscommission.org. 419-254-ARTS

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.

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

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

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Arts Commission of Greater Toledo (ACGT) is pleased to announce that the Art Walk series will continue on Thursday, June 16. 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 July 21, 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.

June’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, and experimental rock/jazz duo What’s Next.  

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.

June Art Walk Venues:

Maps and venue/artist details are available for download from 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, Bianca Roberts.

2. 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. 

3. Sur Saint Clair 1 S. St. Clair St. 419.241.7100

Kelly Crosser-Alge (glass bowls, collages and jewelry), Dawn Ann Culp-Hailstock (acrylics). Ruth Foote (photography), Tim Hacker (photography), Jennifer Muse (glass), Elyse M. Osborne (paintings).

4. 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, pottery by Red Stanley, and drawings and paintings of 2011 Toledo School for the Arts graduates, Gabrielle Grumelot and Katherine Davis. 
 
5. The Office of Paul R. Sullivan 23 S. St. Clair St.

New designs in the popular, functional and decorative pottery of Shine Ceramics, created by Julie Webster, as well as unique steel sculptures by H & H Metalsmiths.

6. 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.

7. Ahava Spa & Wellness Center 34 S. St. Clair St.  419.241.5877

In the Wellness Center, nature photography by Carol Besticker, glass work by Firenation’s Mathew Paskiet, and painting from KA Von Hasenbalg, plus glass jewelry by Pam & Bob Vollmar.

8. Downtown Latte 44 S. St. Clair St.  419.243.6032

Danielle Herrera’s innovative art works uses recycled materials as their main medium.

9. 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.

10. T-Shirts by Max Reddish Corner of St. Clair & Lafayette Streets

An array of unique, Toledo pride-themed t-shirts are for sale.

11. 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.

12. 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

13. Toledo Free Press Warehouse Huron at Washington Street www.toledofreepress.com

The evening will include readings by featured poet Michael Grover, along with local art works.

14. 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 1^st Floor Gallery.

15. Space 237 237 Michigan 419.255.5117 space237.com

Flamingos, Dust Bunnies & Decay, features 14 national & regional artists exploring contemporary social problems & ominous natural disasters. Work ranges fro humorous to dark. Art is in the 1st & 4th floor galleries. Thru June 24.

16. Zyndorf Glass & Arts
320 N. Michigan St., 2^nd 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.

17. Studio M Printmakers
320 N. Michigan St., 3^nd Floor (across from library)

Image and Text - Dajnak and Kress: An exhibit of artwork and poetry that coexist in print. Including published books with illustrations, original artwork, and collaborative prints by Mania Dajnak and Leonard Kress. Poetry Reading by Kress at 8 p.m.

18. Toledo City Paper Offices 1120 Adams St. 419.244.9859  www.toledocitypaper.com

Judy Paschalis, an edgy quilt artist whose sociopolitical commentary and satirical touch blows the doors off a normally tame art form. Also displaying, Marcie Sigrist, a mixed-media artist with light-hearted, relaxing pieces.

19. 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.

20. Madhouse Gallery 1215 Jackson St. 419.873.0538 www.madmadmad.com
Arturo Rodriguez brings his unique perspective on his blended Cuban and American cultures to Madhouse Gallery. Pop-aganda is a mixture of cultures and pop culture in what Rodriguez says is "a reminder of what a wonderfully absurd place the world can be." Show runs through June 30.

21. Manos Garden Mural w/ Toledo Grows/ACT Corner of Jackson & 14^th 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.

22. Gallerie 333 at TSA 333 14^th Street www.ts4a.org

Gallerie 333 will be featuring student works from Kaleidoscope 2011 for the month of June, with the exhibit opening June 7 during our annual fundraiser, "Death by Chocolate". The students featured are from grades 6 - 12 and pieces were selected for the end of the year showcase.

23. Lifetime Building 1505 Adams St. 419-509-3338
www.thelifetimebuilding.com

Enjoy the Toledo premiere of visiting artist Amelia Schroeder; she will present new, vibrant, eco-abstract paintings. The show will also include watercolors by Collingwood Arts Center resident, Mary Dunkin.

24. 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.

25. Collingwood Arts Center2413 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.

Arts Commission of Greater Toledo Announces the 2011 Art Walk Series May Kick-off Event

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Arts Commission of Greater Toledo (ACGT) is pleased to announce that its popular Art Walk series will continue again in 2011, kicking off on Thursday, May 19. Art Walk is held each summer, on the third Thursday of each month, May through September. This is the Art Walk’s fourth season.

The 2011 Art Walk dates are May 19, June 16, July 21, 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 over 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.

May’s sponsored street performers will be musicians Meaghan Roberts and Lucian Townes (both solo acoustic guitar players) and performance artist Katie Komuniecki.

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.

Also 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.

August Art Walk Venues:

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

ST. CLAIR VILLAGE / WAREHOUSE DISTRICT

1. Shared Lives Studios

20 N. St. Clair St.

Shared Lives Studios, a division of Lott Industries that provides a creative outlet for its employees with developmental disabilities, features its spring show, “What's Blooming: A celebration of Flowers,” featuring two and three dimensional work.

2. 20 North Gallery

18 N. St. Clair St.  419.241.2400

20 North Gallery presents the latest incarnation of their Emerging Artist Exhibition, ARTOLEDO 2011, the commercial gallery debut of three rising regional artists: Molly Corfman; Daniel Steck, Jr. and Guy Sutherland. The show features a dynamic combination of mixed media, pop art, sculpture and digital photography. The exhibit will continue through June 3, 2011.

ARTOLEDO 2011 gives 20 North Gallery the opportunity to promote the professional development of promising new talent in the Toledo art landscape.  All three of the artists selected for the show have been establishing their artistic identities in the community, but have not yet been featured in a major commercial gallery setting.

3. Sur Saint Clair

1 S. St. Clair St. 419.241.7100

Sur Saint Clair Gallery will be featuring Jelise A. Roberts.  She comes from a family full of musicians.  At an early age she realized she had another passion besides music and that is ART!  Jelise decided to pursue her passion and received a scholarship and earned her degree at Columbus College of Art and Design.  She has started a movement called “My Music is Major”.  This movement was put together to help raise awareness about the importance of music and music education.  Today the arts are in danger of being stripped from our schools which would leave our children without a way to express themselves creatively.  Jelise is preparing to showcase her love of art and music.

Mindy Czech is a musician from Toledo, Ohio who has been creating jewelry on a loom.  Her unique bracelets come in many different designs, colors and sizes.

4. Jack Wilson Gallery

19 S. St. Clair St.

Gallery entrance is up the stairs in the rear of the building. 

The gallery above metal-worker Jack Wilson’s first-floor work space displays his unique, and often droll metal art, along with pottery by Red Stanley.

5. The Office of Paul R. Sullivan

23 S. St. Clair St.

The Office of Paul R. Sullivan is pleased to feature functional and decorative pottery by Shine Ceramics and unique steel sculptures by H & H Metalsmiths.

6. Homeslice Pizza

28 N. St. Clair St.  419.724.7437

Homeslice features work by Quest for Fire Studios Artists Jerry Gray and Kerry Krow, as well as pieces by Jason Vahle, Yusuf Lateef, Nathan Masternak and Helen Grubb.

7. Downtown Latte

44 S. St. Clair St.  419.243.6032

The current exhibition, Easel & Tripod: Interacting Paintings and Photographs by Jim Seaman & Don Cellini explores the relationship of two different types of media interacting with one another.

8. 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.

9. Bozarts Fine Art & Music Gallery

151 S. St. Clair St.  419.464.5785

Exhibition will feature Note Books & Sketches. ALL ARTISTS ARE WELCOME TO BRING WORK for "pin up" display or passing around. Bring it with you OR make it there and be part of the show (some tables and materials will be supplied). Free gifts for all currently and previously licensed buskers (license required). Live Painting. Live Music & Performances, and a movie following the Art Walk (visit Bozarts on Facebook for details).

10. Secor Studios

425 Jefferson Ave.  419.514.7496

The Secor Artists host Open Studio Night. Visitors are encouraged to roam the studios of more than 15 artists located on the 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th floors.

UPTOWN / OLD WEST END

 11. Space 237

237 N. Michigan  419.255.5117  www.space237.com

“Flamingos, Dust Bunnies & Decay”, Space 237’s current art exhibit features 14 national & regional artists exploring contemporary social problems & ominous natural disasters. The range of media and technical styles are unique and runs the gamut from charmingly sweet to seriously dark. The art is in the 1st & 4th floor galleries. Show runs through June 24th.

12. Zyndorf Glass & Arts

320 N. Michigan St., 2^nd 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.

13. Toledo City Paper Offices

1120 Adams St.  419.244.9859  www.toledocitypaper.com

The City Paper is opening the doors of its fun and funky offices. Stop by to view unique, vibrant paintings from Mr. Atomic and stick around to check out a few acoustic acts. Drinks and light refreshments will be provided.

14. Glass City Café

1107 Jackson  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.

15. Truth 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.

16. Collingwood Arts Center

2413 Collingwood Blvd.  419.244.ARTS www.cactoledo.org

John Walz Photography: If a picture is worth a thousand words, then the Collingwood Arts Center’s latest exhibition is sure to have local shutterbugs lined up around the block. The solo exhibition by renowned photographer John Walz is currently on display now through the end of May. There will be a free public recption on Friday, May 13, from 7-10pm.

CAC Resident Artists Exhibition: If you’ve ever been to a local arts event in the city of Toledo, then chances are you’ve seen work by a Collingwood Arts Center resident, either past, present, or future. The Center’s latest exhibition is a celebration of some of best work its current residents have to offer.

The CAC Resident Artists Exhibition is set to open on May 6, at 7pm and will be showcased throughout the building’s many gallery spaces. The reception is free and open to the public and will feature both visual artwork and live performances until 10pm. Light refreshments will be available. The show will remain on display throughout the month.

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.
www.acgt.org. 419-254-ARTS