Toledo Art & Culture News
City Pages: Women Speak: Empowering Women’s Voices and Stories
Women Speak, an event presented by the Women of Appalachia Project, takes place on Saturday, May 17, from 2-4pm at the Main Library. This powerful pre
Life on the Art Farm: Artist Dean Davis paints vibrancy into Gardner Building
Dean Davis creates art that is, literally, unmissable. He specializes in large scale public art along the Maumee River, his most famous project being
Art Notes May 2025
Hyter Portrait Group Artists of all levels are welcome to explore figure drawing with the Hyter Portrait Group, meeting Saturdays in May from 10 am–12
Music Notes May 2025
Glass City Record Show Explore 65 tables filled with thousands of music items. Discover new and pre-loved LPs, 45s, CDs, cassettes, memorabilia, poste
TSA’s Spinning Pig Records prepares for inaugural release
The halls of Toledo School for the Arts are filled with budding singers and songwriters, many of whom are already recording and releasing their musica
3rd Annual National Arab American Heritage Month Event
On April 25th the third annual National Arab American heritage month event will be held at the Al-Madinah Community Center in partnership with the MEN
Snow White Enchants at the Toledo Ballet April 25 & 26
Hot on the heels of a controversial Disney remake of their own animated Snow White film, Toledo Ballet welcomes audiences to an innovative spin on the
Glass City Expo celebrates glass art, live music, and good vibes
Take the fiery creativity of glassblowing, add an eclectic and energetic lineup of bands, invite a bunch of other artists to come show off their skill
Art Notes April 2025
Michael Harding Wins Alaska Railroad’s Catch the Train Photo Contest Congratulations to Michael Harding of Ottawa Hills for winning the Catch the Trai
Robert Vanitvelt’s 45-Foot Whale: A Monumental Art Installation
In the Way Public Library, the belly of a 45 ft by 12 ft humpback whale looms on the side of the wall. When I asked artist Robert Vantivelt about how
Listen Hear: Record Store Day 2025: Exclusive Vinyl & Events in Toledo
April may be mired in the holiday doldrums between St. Patrick’s Day and Memorial Day, but for vinyl fans it’s the most wonderful time of the year. Th
University of Toledo reimagines Shakespeare with inclusion
The University of Toledo’s Department of Theatre and Film is advocating for inclusion in the arts with its musical production of Shakespeare’s “A Mids
New TMA Exhibit Tells Life Story of Artist Chilly Rodriguez
Artist Chilly Rodriguez was born and raised in Toledo. He grew up bouncing between the homes of different family members due to his parents’ struggle
Art To Heart: Survivor Art Exhibit Challenges Victim-Blaming Myths
A Survivor Art Installation In 2013 the “What Were You Wearing?” Survivor Art Installation originated at the University of Arkansas. Inspired by a poe
Ode To The Zipcode 2025 Finalists
Your ZIP code is part of your identity. The Toledo City Paper has made an effort to mission, the Toledo Lucas County Public Library, The Fair Housing
Art & Culture Events
Archives
Toledo Black Authors Book Expo
Attend the Toledo Black Authors Book Expo on July 8 where authors will take to the stage to talk about their featured works, as well as to showcase th
Exploring the creative landscape
It’s hard to ignore the booming art development in our great town. To showcase our diverse talent, integrative programs, world-class museum and progra
Collaborate or dissipate
Bozartists at the TSA is a forthcoming exhibition staged in cooperation with Bozarts, LLC and The Toledo School for the Arts (TSA). The show aims to i
Toledo Public Art Honoring Martin Luther King, Jr.
In 1957, Martin Luther King, Jr. said to an audience in Montgomery, Alabama one of his most profound and memorable statements: “Life’s most persistent
Wrasslin’ Around
A play presented at BGSU later this month will look familiar to anyone who has attended a high school wrestling match. After opponents shake hands and
artist focus meetings at the arts commission
If you’ve been counting the days to the next Artomatic 419 since the biennial non-juried arts event was last held in April 2015, you’re likely looking
Applications now accepted for TFAS art show
The Toledo Federation of Art Societies (TFAS) is now accepting applications for its juried exhibition of artists in the Toledo area. “TFAS100+5” is an
Multimedia Exhibit at The Frederick Douglass Community Center helps support Renovat
In the heart of the city, The Frederick Douglass Community Center provides community resources, programming, outdoor gardens and a space to gather. Su
“Rick James” in da house
Thursday, 4.23-Saturday, 4.25 / The Fillmore Detroit Known for his role in the the cult-stoner film Half Baked and his apropos stand-up comedy, Dave C
NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt Exhibit
A beautiful reminder of people whose lives have been lost due to AIDS, the Memorial Quilt stands as a symbol of the fight to eradicate the disease, a
Painted Clovers Vintage Market stops at the Wood County Fairground
Got an eye for vintage? Join Bowling Green’s popular shopping destination, Painted Clovers Vintage Market for a pop up market full of all things vinta
The spirit of the Christmas Weed lives on
The tale of Toledo’s Christmas Weed— which was decorated by area residents after being spotted growing out of sidewalk at the corner of Secor and Alex
Scott Horn/Skot Horn
Known in Toledo for his expressive, energetic style of colorful, abstract painting, Scott Horn has made a name for himself as one of the Glass City’s
The Art of Zen: Sylvania Coloring Club for Adults
Check out the adult coloring trend with free programs offered by the Toledo Lucas County Public Library. The Art of Zen: Sylvania Coloring Club for Ad
Mojo on the Maumee
River House Arts in downtown Perrysburg is getting a taste of Detroit. Desafinado Detroit, an exhibition featuring works of four accomplished artists
Holiday show roundup
It’s a Wonderful Life, radio play, with the Village Players The Village Players continues its annual tradition of producing a holiday radio play, dire
New TMA Exhibit Tells Life Story of Artist Chilly Rodriguez
Artist Chilly Rodriguez was born and raised in Toledo. He grew up bouncing between the homes of different family members due to his parents’ struggle
An adventurer comes home
Judy Pfaffenberger, a retired teacher and local author, traveled to Australia and New Zealand almost a decade ago. On Tuesday, July 23, she will be ta
‘Lust for Life’ celebrates regional arts
What does it mean to have a lust for life? On Saturday, January 20, a free, one-of-a-kind event will answer that question. ‘I Got a Lust for Life’: Th
See more at the Secor
To find the best local artistic talent, check out the 10th annual ‘Tis the Secor. Performances and pieces include works by Secor Artists, UT3D Student
Chalk it up
Local artist Abigail Bruce has been creating since she could first draw or write; however, it wasn’t until 2018 that she began working with chalk as a
TMA Exhibits Rare, Historic Paintings in ‘The Brilliance of Caravaggio’
Paintings have a gripping ability to tell a story. Through brushstrokes, viewers can often visit far away places, understand the deep emotions of the
Art Notes – July 2022
Arts Commission CEO joins national Arts board Marc Folk, the President and CEO of the Arts Commission of Greater Toledo, was named a member of the boa
Toledo Botanical Gardens holds annual Heralding the Holidays showcase
See works by the hundreds of members of 15 resident organizations in the Artist Village at the Toledo Botanical Gardens during the annual Heralding th
7th Annual Barrio Latino Art Festival
Spend a minute in the 1200 block of Broadway to get a sense of the community’s creativity. With colorful, large murals, vibrant buildings and a commun
Hallowed be thy name
History and mythology junkies are sure to enjoy this reading and discussion led by Priscilla Vogelbacher, author of Hallowed Be Thy Name: Lucifer, Ori
ArtPrize Bus Trip
The Artprize Festival, September 24 to October 12 in Grand Rapids, MI, has been a favorite for area locals and dedicated patrons who travel from far a
A Good Union
The best poetry comes from experience and hard work. Support two of the “finest blue-collar poets in the UAW Local 12,” Adrian Lime and Dan Denton dur
TMA presents Design Briefs: The Great Outdoors
Nature, long a source of inspiration for artists, will soon serve as the theme for AIGA Toledo and the The Toledo Museum of Art’s partnership, bi-annu
Avian inspiration
Nature-lovers celebrating NW Ohio’s Biggest Week in American Birding (May 8-17) often enjoy capturing their most exciting bird watching moments. Looki
Poets of Toledo
Sharing a community’s art is amazing. Toledo’s growing artistic community, beyond music and traditional art, boasts talented writers and poets, finall
Contemporary native
On Thursday, April 25, River House Arts is presenting Indian Enough, an exhibition of work by nationally recognized Seattle photographer and social do
Cafe Havana
Cafe Havana will make its debut at Bowling Green’s First Friday Gallery Hop on Feb 1. The cafe and hookah bar will present paintings in oil by Beth Ge
Author Charlie Rowell book signing
Charlie Rowell, a local attorney and writer of books such as My Cousin, Charlene and Pandora’s Box, holds a book signing at The Pub on Monroe St., on
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
The Black Swamp Players (BSP) have been producing and performing as a local theater group in the Bowling Green area since 1968. BSP President Heath Di
Learn the Art of Ceramics: Beginners & Beyond
Want to get your hands dirty and learn a new craft? The Sylvania Franciscan Village is offering a leisurely Sunday evening class for both novice and e
Bloody mary, bloody mary, bloody mary…
Photo by Klara Kulikova on Unsplash Do you miss sharing a Bloody Mary with friends? Why not sign up for the 2021 Spring edition of the Bloody Mary Fes
Color in Your Love with Jupmode’s “You will do better in Toledo” coloring book
John Amato, founder of beloved local screen printing company, Jupmode, teamed up with his wife, artist and teacher Maura Meyers Amato, to create a han
Creative Natives: A Community Exhibition
Enjoy November’s 3rd Thursday Loop and stop by the Toledo School for the Art’s Gallerie 333’s exhibition of the series, Creative Natives: A Community
‘Tears from the Hood’ Book Release Party
Toledo poet Melvin Douglas Johnson has been writing poems his entire life. Now, in his late 70s, Johnson shows no signs of slowing down. Join the belo
Jennifer Cannon discusses debut novel
A story of addiction, heartbreak and hope is at the core of Spoons and Needles, a debut novel by Jennifer Cannon. Gathering Volumes hosts and event to
Counterweight to apathy
Dennis Sawan is an energetic law student and a clerk to a judge in Toledo Municipal Court, but Sawan spends his free time scouring satellite photos fo
Film Notes July
Rent a screen for yourself at Maumee Indoor Theatre If you’re still feeling a little uncertain about seeing a movie in a crowd, the Maumee Indoor Thea
2019 Roche De Boeuf Festival
Explore the work of local artists and artisans at the Roche De Boeuf Festival, where you’ll find an impressive display of unique work from our region.
Kesha Valentine Spreads Rhythm and Melody of Spoken Word
The Toledo poetry and performance art scene is alive and vibrant. For Kesha “Kay Renee” Valentine, poetry is part of who she is, and she shares that b
Collaborate On An Original Song
Whether you’re looking to improve your songwriting or you’re just getting started, this is the perfect opportunity. Award winning singer-songwriter Fi
2023 Merit Awards Announced by The Arts Commission
The Arts Commission of Greater Toledo announced the winners of the 2023 Merit Awards this month. Four local artists received awards from The Arts Comm
Theater Notes: September 2022
Wherefore art thou? At the Peristyle Theater Perhaps the most famous of all Shakespeare’s works, Romeo & Juliet has an unmatched theatrical legacy. On
Vamp Your Portfolio at the April Group Photo Shoot
Working photo professionals, looking to vamp up your portfolio? Network with other photographers, models, stylists, makeup artists, videographers, ven