Local artists, many without representation or a way to have their work shown, are getting a chance from local businesses that need their interiors livened up. Art Explosion Toledo is organizing artists’ showcases, showing select local pieces at local businesses. Each showcase, the first of which begins in February at Ukazoo Books, opens with a reception, allowing enthusiasts to meet the artists while enjoying refreshments while perusing the artwork.
Both artists and business owners benefit — artists gain a place to showcase their work, while businesses beautify their space, making it more visually interesting, free of charge. Door prizes distributed at the end of the reception and silent auction items will be a mix of artistic creations, donated books, and sponsor contributions.
Featured artists include: Amy Hernandez-Bullano, Chris Eicchenberg, Chris McAnall, Dani Herrera, Greg Justus, Jace Ryan, Janet Ritter Davis, Jeannine Dailey, Jeff Weisner, Klair Russell, Sarah Sobel-Poage, and Vicki Lee. “We’ll have … two or three musicians playing acoustic music,” added local artist and founder of Art Explosion Toledo, Michael Palmer, describing what he calls a “carnival atmosphere.” February’s opening reception is “designed to generate excitement around the Showcases and recognize the scope of talent within the Toledo arts community. They also give the public access to artwork they may not otherwise have an opportunity [to] enjoy.”
Local venues, beginning with Ukazoo Books, will be transformed with displayed art, enjoying increased foot traffic as the artwork draws art enthusiasts and potential customers. Preceding the opening receptions will be parties, where artists will come to the business to arrange the display of artwork.
“We have over 1,800 people invited through social media,” said Palmer, about the Feb. 9 opening at Ukazoo Books. “We hope to get four to five hundred people in the venue. It’s a huge warehouse full of used books.”
There will be pieces ranging from $10 to $3,000, including Valentine’s Day-themed work perfect for unique gifts, and a live painter who will take requests from patrons. The showcase will run at Ukazoo Books until the end of February. “We’re hoping to do another event in March, at a different venue,” which would benefit from their own art explosion.
Opening Reception: Saturday, February 9, 4pm-9pm. Ukazoo Books, 830 N. Westwood Ave. Artists’ Showcase through February.
