The Toledo Art Scene Is Blowing Up

Eye On Art | 01/09/2013 9:00 am

Toledo artist Michael Palmer wants the local arts scene to explode--a full-blown, in-your-face, look at this art(!) explosion. And one way to cause such an uproar is to bring a number of artists together to display in an alternative venue (atypical of galleries and studios) for a significant amount of time. The Art Explosion Toledo movement (spearheaded by Palmer) asks for area artists to create and showcase work for month-long intervals in places such as book stores, coffee shops and restaurants.

"I know there are a lot of local artists without representation," Palmer said. "This means a lot of art sitting in studios, not being shown. On the other side, there are many businesses that need traffic and have empty wall space. My thinking is, let's match these two up and have an event!"

The impact of the Art Explosion is meant to be felt by both the artists (who will hopefully gain new fans who have never been in contact with their work) and the participating venue (which will feel the energy and presence of an arts community finding a temporary home). Palmer wants this sensation to be felt three times by the business: at the Hanging Party, the Opening Reception, and during the Art Removal process.

"My belief is that with the right momentum, this idea can be marketed to the venues for a small fee which will allow the artists to be paid for hanging their work. For the venue it can be the lowest cost per new visitor advertising," Palmer said. "This has already allowed me to be able to offer the artists the opportunity to show their art in an active environment for 30 days, with zero commissions!"

The inaugural Art Explosion event is set for the month of February at Ukazoo Books (830 N. Westwood Ave.). With 11 artists already on the roster, the book store will come alive with 10-12 pieces of art from each participant. The current list includes Klair Russell, Amy Hernandez-Bullano, Dani Herrera, Chris McAnall, Vicki Lee, Greg Justus, Jeff Weisner, Jeannine Dailey, Jace Ryan, Sarah Sobel-Poage and Michael Palmer.

A second Artists Planning Meeting takes place at the book store on January 18th from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. (where the final line-up will be discussed). The Hanging Party runs from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on February 2nd and an Opening Reception runs from 4-9 p.m. on February 9th. Utilizing the powers of social media, the artists are hoping for 500 people to turn up during the reception hours.

For more information on Art Explosion Toledo, visit their Facebook page- http://www.facebook.com/ArtExplosionToledo and RSVP for the group's first Opening Reception here- http://www.facebook.com/events/402641773144158/?suggestsessionid=209063121357753532