Small Sizes, Big Ideas is the latest exhibition up for display at the Toledo Artists’ Club, a hub for local artists to show their work, sell it, and get the opportunity to work alongside other fellow artists. The concept of Small Sizes, Big Ideas is to portray big ideas in small settings, mostly panel or paper, however some 3D art is featured as well.
The exhibition has all types of art from oil painting to watercolor, from sketches to photographs. The Artists’ Club is currently trying to expand their member profile to include more sculptors and potters so that more variation is available for viewing.
Origin of TAC
Founded in 1943 The Toledo Artists’ Club began as a way to celebrate local fine artists and to provide camaraderie between said artists. Their mission began and continues to be promoting the appreciation of arts to its members and to the general public. As of the end of 2024 the club has around 200 active members, according to Laura Williams, Gallery and Studio Manager. Being a member of the Artists’ Club has many benefits including studio space, a gift shop in which artists can sell their works, opportunities for classes, and the biggest draw, the exhibitions. “The exhibitions are a big deal for our members, the fine artists in particular are looking solely to participate in those to be seen.”
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The Toledo Artists’ Club moved into their current hub tucked in the Toledo Botanical Gardens in 1979 and because of that have been able to increase their outreach and accessibility. “In the summertime because of the gardens we get a lot of people coming to see what we’re all about.” Laura mentioned one of the clubs current goals is to increase the amount of traffic during the winter months and they hope that these exhibitions contribute to that.
Small Art, Big Impact
The exhibitions at the Toledo Artists’ Club rotate every 60 to 90 days and the themes of these exhibitions are chosen by the Exhibitions Committee, composed of members Linda Shetzer, John Arquette, and Bill Horvath. The inspiration for the Small Sizes, Big Ideas theme came from a need for accessible art. Bren Clixby, president of the Toledo Artists’ Club said that since the exhibit opened around the holidays there was a desire to have art available at a variety of price points. “It was an experiment to see if smaller paintings more affordably priced would sell.”
Every exhibition awards a best of show, then, first, second, and third place award to the artist, along with a few honorable mentions. Best of Show was awarded to a colored pencil drawing done by Nancy Honaker. First place was awarded to a watercolor painting done by Norma Thomas-Herr. Second and third were awarded to acrylic paintings done by Janet Wharry and Linda Shetzer. “We have a juror from the art field come and judge our shows and the winners earn cash prizes.” These awards usually help the artists gain publicity and often lead to more sales of their work.
Goals for 2025
The Small Sizes, Big Ideas exhibition is the first exhibition to kick off 2025. However, the full year of exhibitions is planned out so there will be new art to check out almost every month. Laura Williams mentioned that the Artists’ Club hopes to bring in more members specializing in sculpture and 3D art. “We’d love to diversify the art we get to display and sculptures to bring in a new clientele.” The Toledo Artists’ Club is excited for what 2025 will bring and is always hoping to gain new exposure from the community.
Small Sizes, Big Ideas runs through January 31, 2025 at the Toledo Artists’ Club located at 5403 Elmer Drive, Toledo, Ohio 43615. The exhibition is available for public viewing Tuesday-Saturday from 11-3.
