This past Friday was the opening night of Har Simrit Singh’s one-man-show at Bozarts Gallery, downtown.

The gallery was packed with people nibbling food, drinking wine, and enjoying some really great artwork.

The works were a mix of portraits and fine lettering with strong color choices, in a nice flat graphic style.

You can check it out for yourself at the closing party on Saturday, March 27th, from 6pm on. Sometimes the closing parties at Bozarts are even more packed!

Bozarts Gallery | 151 S. St. Clair | Downtown in the Warehouse District

The gallery is across the street from the Erie Street Market’s parking lot.

Friday night was a blast! We started at the Toledo Museum of Art’s Glass Pavilion for a wine tasting. After a flight of 4 wines and some tasty cheese, we wandered around the building.

The TMA plays host to live glass blowing all the time. And the wine tastings are going on every Friday, for weeks in a row. Check out the calendar. The house was packed with familiar and unfamiliar faces… all enjoying a wonderful piece of Toledo’s cultural pie.

Our next stop was Space 237 Gallery for the unveiling of Toledo’s Urban Forest Project, another wonderful AIGA Toledo project.

The attendance was impressive, as were the banners designed by a sliver of Toledo’s talented graphic designers. By mid-April these 50 banners, promoting the environment, will be scattered about Downtown Toledo thanks to support from the AIGA and The Arts Commission of Greater Toledo.

And once the banners come down, they will be made into tote bags and sold to benefit the Arts Commission of Toledo’s Young Artists at Work program. Good deal, all around.

Toledo Museum of Art | 2445 Monroe Street | Old West End | (419) 255-8000

Toledo’s Urban Forest Project | Downtown Toledo

UPDATE! There is a fantastic video about the Toledo Urban Forest Project filmed at the opening by Toledo.com and viewable here.

On Friday we enjoyed a stroll through The Toledo Museum of Art before dinner (Mac & Tong’s). The TMA is home to a great permanent collection, including Josef Albers…

… curious African masks, and much more.

The museum also plays host to some epic international exhibitions. Currently there is some Dale Chihuly in the Glass Pavilion, award-winning illustrations from children’s books, typographic-charged works in Word Play (including an Ed Ruscha who is one of my all-time faves), and LitGraphic: The World of the Graphic Novel (runs from through January 3rd).

The TMA extends open hours on Friday until 10pm for their FREE “It’s Friday!” programming. Check the calendar for tours, live music, etc.–it’s a great date night and the cafe is open until 7:30 on Fridays in case you’re feeling peckish.

The Toledo Museum of Art | 2445 Monroe Street | 419-255-8000

This weekend began with an opening party at The Bozarts Gallery for the “B” Collective. It’s the first group show at this new-ish Downtown spot.

The “B” Collective works include paintings, drawings, ceramics, and mixed media by Adam Russell, Har Simrit Singh, Yusuf Lateef & Kelly Lever.

The show runs through Saturday, October 17th–when there will be another party for the closing. Bozarts was started by local artist Jerry Gray and I think he’s done a really great job with the space.

After leaving the gallery we drove by the Art Tatum Memorial at the Arena to see it at night, finally. The changing lights inside the Arena are pretty nice.

Last night, we met up with friends at the Ottawa Tavern for drinks and a few bands. The closing band was The Falling Spikes, a Velvet Underground cover band complete with a girl drummer ala Mo Tucker and projections while they played. Well done.

Bozarts  Gallery | 151 S St Clair Street | (419) 464-5785

Ottawa Tavern | 1815 Adams Street | (419) 275-LIVE

This Saturday and Sunday, June 6 & 7, the Old West End opens it’s doors (literally) and invites you to festival weekend. Come and enjoy The King Wamba Parade’s 100th Anniversary on Saturday, beginning at 10:00 am. Immediately following will be The King Wamba and Queen Sancha Coronation Ceremony at Mansion View. There will be a Classic and Antique Car Show in front of the Park Lane, Saturday from 9am to 3pm.

Both Saturday and Sunday, house tours will be featuring beautiful historic homes. Also to enjoy: an art fair, live entertainment on a stage at Woodruff, children’s activities, food, and of course yard sales.

More information is available on the Old West End Association’s site.

Below is a Google Map of the parade route on Saturday:

While I was in the garden today D. attended an opening for new works of Dan Hernandez at that Madhouse gallery. He’s kindly written the below for us:

Tonight I swung by Mad House’s new gallery (in uptown) for Dan Hernandez’s opening. They are showcasing his recent works.

I’m constantly blown away by the artistic output of Toledoans and it’s always exciting to discover new artists. I first saw Dan’s work at Artomatic 419, and was excited to see more.

This show is not to be missed! Hernandez mixes pop culture on so many levels–it’s an inspiration to see someone local making work very suitable for a national stage.

Do yourself a favor and check out Mad House’s new spot. They are a fantastic design agency that has truly invested in Toledo. Their new gallery is instantly one of the best in the city and they deserve your support!

Thank you, D., for the post! And thanks to Madhouse for creating a great space for local art of note.

Dan Hernandez at Madhouse Gallery | 1215 Jackson Street | (419) 873-0538

D. and I pulled the bikes out Friday afternoon and rode downtown. The city was full of activity, including a MudHens game.

We closed the night with a couple manhattans… at Manhattan’s.

Saturday was the second Artomatic 419! weekend for ‘09, so we spent our day with several hundred fellow Toledoans enjoying local visual and performing arts.

Artomatic has been a complete success… so do come out next Saturday for the final day (May 2nd).

Post-Artomatic activities included dinner at the Oliver House, more bike riding, and cocktails with friends on the back patio of Wesley’s.

D. started his Sunday with a visit to the Toledo Bicycle Co-op!

They have a gazillion bikes ready for you to claim and ride away with.

Next up…

The Ice Cream Social!

Thanks to everyone who came out, supported a great local business, and enjoyed some ice cream! I had a really great time celebrating the 1st birthday of this little Toledo blog with all of you.

… and this entirely pleasant dog! An extra special thanks to Marcia and co. at Lickity Split!

A few hours later had us enjoying R.’s birthday BBQ in the Old West End. A popular dish was the red hot sausages, but they frightened me a little so I declined.

All said and done, it was a great Toledo weekend–we have so many more to come!

Manhattan’s | 1516 Adams St | (419) 243-6675

Artomatic 419! | 201 Morris St | 419-254-ARTS (2787)

Wesley’s | 1201 Adams St | (419) 255-3333

Toledo Bicycle CO-OP | 2272 Collingwood (St. Mark’s Episcopalian Church) | (419) 386-6090

Lickity Split | 2021 Glendale Ave | (419) 382-3285

This Saturday was the opening weekend for Artomatic 419! so we spent a good deal of the day at the building looking at the work, listening to performances, and catching up with friends.

This year’s Artomatic 419! location is in the old “Blade Printing Co.” building. This huge space is filled with photography, painting, sculpture and ceramics, along with art cars, performance art, sketch books and installations.

Works are hung salon-style on the walls (many of which were constructed by volunteers in previous weeks). At the end of the day aprox. 1,500 visitors walked through the doors–fantastic turnout! Don’t miss the next Two (2) Saturdays of FREE art and entertainment.

We took a break later in the day for a bite to eat at The Oliver House, next door. The restaurant was quite busy so we ended up sharing our table with E., and his friends P. + B.–which was nice because the conversation was great, as was the food. I ordered an absolutely delicious white pizza and these curious little fried balls of sauerkraut which were great to share with the table.

The night was capped off with cocktails at Wesley’s on the back patio. Happened into a reader that emailed EnjoyingToledo.com last year, while she was still living in New York. And now she lives down the street in the Old West End. Small world!

In closing… Artomatic is great, the white pizza delish, and new friends wonderful.

Artomatic 419! | Two Saturdays remaining: April 25th and May 2nd

The Oliver House | 27 Broadway | (419) 241 – 1253

Saturday was the last scheduled day to hang work for Artomatic 419! We spent the afternoon with I-don’t-know-how-many fellow local artists, putting finishing touches on our respective works.

This Saturday the event opens to the public, FREE of charge. It will be the first Saturday of Three (3)–April 18th, 25th, and May 2nd–full of arts and entertainment. Check the online schedule for the poetry, music and dance happenings!

This year Artomatic is downtown, next door to the Oliver House (Maumee Bay Brewing Co.), so you can have dinner and a drink and make a day of it!

Visit Artomatic 419!’s online home here.

This Saturday night was The Arts Commission of Greater Toledo’s annual “Mix UP” party which has been a hit every Spring for as long as I can remember (in my relatively short time in Toledo).

There was a good deal to see, experience, and taste at this event. We walked past fire breathers and jazz onto a tantalizing spread of food, incredible art being auctioned off, dancing people, a large-scale “photo booth”, and open artist studios on the upper floors of The Secor Building in downtown.

It was a veritable who’s who of Toledo, but if you missed it no worries. Simply attend next year’s party as this weekend set a strong precedent for years to come. As in the music was fantastic. The food was totally yummy and flowing. The art exhibited on the first floor, along with the open studios upstairs, was really great. And the energy was bonkers.

The Mix UP! | Presented by the Arts Commission of Greater Toledo

Last Friday night started out with pizza from HomeSlice, downtown. Next, we headed uptown to the Ottawa Tavern. They were hosting a benefit party for this year’s Artomatic 419! — which is going to be epic.

The entertainment for the night was “Desire”, a group of chicks and a DJ that really know how to get down — Motown, R&B, and all. After a couple drinks we scooted down the street to meet up with friends at Wesleys, which is the same as it’s always been.

It’s Friday again! Where did the week go?

HomeSlice | 28 S Saint Clair St. | (419) 724-7437
Ottawa Tavern | 1817 Adams St. | (419) 725-5483
Wesley’s | 1201 Adams St. | (419) 255-3333

Artists are picking their spaces and getting prepared for the 2009 Artomatic 419! event. How exciting! This year’s Artomatic is in an amazing building next to the Oliver House in the Warehouse District, Downtown.

This 100% volunteer-driven and coordinated event is one of the more successful programs supported by The Arts Commission of Greater Toledo. Local artists—both visual and performing—will take over this building and open it up to the public for 3 weekends in late April, early May. Do not miss out on this free cultural event featuring the talents of hundreds of Toledoans. And it’s not too late to get involved! Volunteers are always welcome and it’s a great way to meet other local creative-minded folk.

Artomatic 419! | April 18th, 25th and May 2nd, 2009

Space 237 Gallery opened thier newest show this Friday titled “Winter Haitus”. What could easily have been muddy grays and sallow-filled paintings were thankfully not. Artworks were brightly hued with invigorating patterns peaking out from the edges. Greg Justus, Kelly Lever, Adam Russell, and Julie Shine Webster are exhibiting work now through February 21st.

Of note are Julie’s wonderful bowls and other ceramic loveliness. There are quite a few “Jules Shine” followers in Toledo, collecting piece by piece wherever they find her work shown. And rightly so! I love her signature use of color… red-oranges and eggshell blue.

“Winter Hiatus” is a great show and worth a visit. Be sure to check it out and don’t miss upcoming Space 237 openings. Coupled with dinner, they make a great date night.

Space 237 Gallery | 237 N. Michigan | (419) 255-5117

The Glass City, Toledo.

We visited Baker O’Brien at the Labino studio, her home in Grand Rapids, with a few of our good friends this Fall. Baker gave us a tour of her amazing home/studio and demonstrated glass blowing. We brought bottles of wine and were showered with great food—which happened to be catered by our friend R.’s mother-in-law. Baker is a very notable glass artist from our area, but I’ll just speak for myself in saying I left very inspired by the visit and loved sharing that experience with our friends.

Baker O’Brien’s Studio | By Appointment (419) 832-2105

Friday night was the Second Annual ‘Tis the Secor Show at the Secor Building downtown. Highlights included an exhibit of works from 40+ local artists, open studios and live music.

One of my favorite pieces was front and center in the lobby — a portrait by Richard Reed of his friend Marty.

It’s beautifully done.

There was live music in the lobby including Toledo’s best experimental group, KDB.

After leaving the Secor show we met up with friends for drinks at Wesley’s in uptown. It’s a sure bet on Friday nights and features some of my favorite pro-Toledo decor, including the infamous “You Will Do Better in Toledo” sign, the original of which is sadly long gone.

We finished things up with a nightcap at The Attic on Adams the new hotspot above Manos. Hope to see you there soon!

The Secor Building | 425 Jefferson St @ Superior | Downtown

KBD | myspace.com/kbdtoledo

Wesley’s | 1201 Adams Street | 419-255-3333

The Attic on Adams | 1701 Adams St. | 419-243-5350

On Saturday morning we drove down to Bowling Green for the Black Swamp Arts Festival. BG has one of the cutest Main Streets ever.

There were quite a few booths… most being more craft than art, but regardless there was plenty to see. One surprisingly cute booth had little animals and creatures formed of everyday rope.

We also spent some time checking out the shows at the electronic stage. Above is HMNLCD.

The Wookalar (from Wicked Lung and the Wookalar of Columbus) played. See above. Wicked Lung did a set too.

We made sure to catch the Secret Swords show before leaving the festival.

Cheers! And thanks for putting up with the poor video quality!

Black Swamp Arts Festival | Bowling Green, OH

Last night saw the 8th Meet & Greet event merge with the Arts Zone Third Thursday Art Walk. There was a bus loop going between aprox. 8 different stops, including the Parkwood Gallery, Collingwood Arts Center, UT’s Center for the Arts, and the Toledo Repertoire Theatre. Eleven galleries were open (to walk or bus to) and we started with Space 237 which had the Toledo AIGA’s “Design What?” show up.

We choose to ride our bikes rather than take the bus, which was a lot of fun and J. joined us. Biking downtown at night was pretty great with little-to-no traffic and breezy weather.

We ran into the great Toledo ambassador, John Henry Fullen at Erie Street Market. He was hosting 2 newcomers to Toledo, Kalpak and Lars (L to R. Kalpak, Jody, John Henry, Lars).

20 North is showing a tribute/retrospective to Joe Ann Cousino right now and I totally recommend you check it out. There is some great sculpture, photos, and news clippings exhibited.

D. got a treat when walking into the Blue Heron Gallery (@ The Oliver House). A watercolor in the hallway clearly showed his grandmother’s house/spa in Grand Rapids, The Kerr House. It was obviously before the renovations that happened in the late 70s. The artist, Jim Brower, was in attendance and D. was happy to meet him. His watercolors will be showing through September 29th.

Before making our way to the after party at The Blarney, we strolled down to the Morris Street Studios. There was live music outside the studio and also at the Blarney, which was packed full of people inside and out. Again, a great night out in Downtown Toledo.

Third Thursday Arts Walks | Every third Thursday through October | Live Work Create Toledo Arts Zone

Meet & Greets | Twice a year | Various locations in Toledo

We are having some carpentry work done on the exterior of the house… trim, wood shingles, porch spindles. We visited Architectural Artifacts, housing remnants of homes past, to check out their collection of spindles.

The second floor (where we found a new “old” door a few weeks ago) reminds me of a scene in Logan’s Run. Remember when they found the old man? Yes, that one.

There are some severely expensive objects for sale in the huge expanse of a warehouse, but there are some very fine cats to pet while you are browsing. Not that the two cancel each other out…

Architectural Artifacts | 20 S Ontario St | Downtown | (419) 243-6916

It rained on and off most of the day, but a couple of raincoats and a dash of determination remedied that. We got breakfast (or nachos for me) at the Dorr Street Cafe, then scored a great parking spot for the festival. I recognized many of the artists and crafts-folk from last year. In fact, we ended up leaving with a bench and basket from the same gentleman who sold us a table the year before.

Look at that crazy monkey atop the camel, atop the chaise. Whaaaat!

Toledo Botanical Garden | 5403 Elmer Dr. | (419) 936-2986

There is a great installation at the Secor Gallery right now (through July 12th). The Secor Gallery artists paired up with artists from the Detroit Industrial Projects to create several works within the vast space.

The show invokes “the connectivity between development and re-urbanism occurring in both Detroit and Toledo”… and presents work by Kevin Beasley, Elizabeth Bernblum, Jada Bowden, Robert Garcia, Doug Kampfer, Nate Masternack, Jody Russ, Salvatore Schiciano, Jeanette Strezinski, and Andrew Thompson.

The opening was Saturday night with The Drawers playing in the lobby. David Lynch’s Eraserhead was playing on a backdrop behind them, which I hadn’t seen since I was in high school.

There happened to be a Mud Hens game going on so a few of us stepped around the corner to watch the fireworks at the end of the game. The night was capped off with an after-party at Mickey Finns. It was packed with people, many I hadn’t seen in quite a while, and bands playing both inside and on the back patio.

Secor Building and Artist Studios | 425 Jefferson Ave. | (419) 450 3683

I stopped by the Arts Commission building today and got a chance to view the current show at the Parkwood Gallery. I fell in love with Michael Arrigo’s work. His fantastic paintings are up along with some great sculpture by Joe Meiser.

The show is up through June 20th.

Parkwood Gallery (ACGT) | 1838 Parkwood Ave, Suite 120 | 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM | 419-254-ARTS (2787)