Local Artists Rub Elbows with Renoir

helps the museum continue to keep up with the organic nature of Toledo's art community, a community the museum strives to support.

"It's important for the museum to participate in the community, and that doesn't happen very much elsewhere. We have one of the longest running shows of its kind that gives artists this opportunity. We are a nationally recognized institution and that's exciting for artists," he said, explaining the difference between having your works displayed at home versus in a gallery facing a panel of judges.

"The jurors are saying something about your work and it's a good feeling to get in the show. It's validation as an artist. You put a work in a case and suddenly now it's elevated, it's precious."

"You're in the museum in some respects what could be better?"

The Toledo Area Artists Exhibition opens this Friday, July 10 and runs through August 23, 2009 inside the Canaday Gallery. Admission is free. For more information visit Toledomuseum.org or call 419-254-577.