In 2015, The Arts Commission expanded monthly Art Walks into a more defined monthly series: the 3rd Thursday Art Loop. During the pilot year, the Art Loop featured around 30 creative spaces offering special events, art demonstrations, drink and food specials and more.
With continued growth, the Art Loop will enter its fourth year even bigger and even better than before: the new season boasts almost 100 participating venues, two bus lines with 19 stops total, and a full season of themes. New stops this season include Imagination Station, Ottawa Street Studios, Oliver House, Market on the Green/Uptown Green, and Jupmode.
While the last Art Loop was held last December, the 2018 Art Loop season officially kicks off on a perfect day to celebrate Toledo pride: 419 Day (also known as April 19).
April: Art & Ingenuity
What does the future look like? See how Toledoans blend art and technology to create unique, innovative visions of tomorrow during April’s Art Loop, themed “Art & Ingenuity.” Join in on the fun, and get inspired by downtown Toledo’s galleries, artists, murals, musicians and other creatives, by stopping at these highlights:
1. Creative Renaissance
The Renaissance Toledo Downtown Hotel will offer a feast of 419 flavors for eyes and stomachs. View works by local artists, participate in a live painting with Matt Taylor, enjoy appetizers and refreshments, and vie for your chance to win a complimentary future night’s stay in the hotel’s 419 room. 5-9pm.
2. Hang 10
Love to cover your walls with décor? Don’t let tape wreck the paint. Learn more than 50 creative ways to display artwork, photos, and more at HeART Gallery and Studios. Check out the ideas, enjoy refreshments, and listen to live music by Scott Biddle from 5-8pm. The exhibit will also be on view from 5-8pm on Friday and from 11am-2pm on Saturday.
3. Spark your imagination.
The Imagination Station is new to the Loop this year, and there might not be a better place to celebrate the theme of creative technology. Explore hands-on exhibits and discover interactive and educational activities perfect for all ages. After 5pm during the Loops, Imagination Station offers a reduced rate of $5 per person, with featured free activities in the lobby and outside, weather permitting.
4. Honorable Mentions
As much as we’d love to highlight the Ode the ZIP Code event at the Main Library or the Handmade Toledo Mini-Mart, we already did. Check out more about the poetry reading on pg. 28, and learn more about Handmade Toledo’s 419 Day celebration.
Lend a hand
The Arts Commission makes the Art Loop, and most of their events, free and open to the public— but they can’t do this without your support. Help support the arts organization by attending their ticketed event, The Mix Beacon on Friday, April 20.
Can’t afford to attend a fundraiser, or just want to help more? Considering volunteering for the Art Loop, or other events, to lend a hand (for details, visit theartscommission.org/volunteer).
