ACGT: Thursday Art Walk, Friday Art Opening

Bunchs Lunchbox  |  08/24/2010 7:00 am

I'm not just a fan of the Arts Commission of Greater Toledo (ACGT) because I work there, I've been a big supporter of their programs for a few years now. I feel thankful to work for something I think is so vital to the city.

At the core of ACGT are a number of programs whose intent is to help transform Toledo's post-industrial culture into an arts and entertainment-based one. It's all ho-hum and serious, but that's deep in the intent of the programs. On the surface, they are just fun!

This week, ACGT hits with a double shot, featuring an Art Walk on Thursday evening, August 26, and a Gallery Opening on Friday evening, August 27. I hope you can attend both, not just to see a couple of pieces of the many things the organization is up to, but to see what a vibrant artistic community Toledo has to offer.

You can always find out more about ACGT's programs and events by visiting www.acgt.org or calling 419-254-ARTS (2787).

ART WALK

On Thursday evening, 6-9 p.m., stroll, pedal, or drive on downtown for the monthly Art Walk series. This hip happening takes place on the fourth Thursday of each month, May through September. This is the second-to-last Art Walk of the 2010 season. The final Art Walk this year will take place September 23.

This month, there are more than 20 venues featured on the Walk, and each features a multitude of artists, all working in a vast array of media. At one gallery you'll find local handmade art, at another, amazing sculpture, still another, regional installation pieces, and another yet, national artists. It really is a wide scope, and there is something for everyone.

New to this year's series is the addition of Street Performers to the event! That's right, as you walk, enjoy the on-street entertainment of live musicians, performance artists, and other entertainers. This month you can catch Americana outfit Old State Line, jazz saxman Jesse Coleman, and performers from Old West End Records, among others.

The cool thing about the Art Walk is that there are a couple of cool things about the Art Walk:

1.) You get a chance to see a wealth of venues, if you choose, in one evening, which provides a nice sampling of the availability of spaces and styles in the downtown area. Plus, you can get some exercise (or just go for a nice bike ride or drive) and visit parts of the city you maybe haven't seen before (no worries, it's all safe).

2.) Whether you're aware of the local arts scene, or couldn't know less about it, this is a great way to discover new talent, new people, and other things that might be new. New things can be very exciting. You can support local creatives and businesses by picking up some great art to gift, or decorate your home or office. Plus, a lot of the art is functional, so, if you're not into wall hangings, perhaps you are interested in having the coolest scarf or coffee mug at the office.

3.) Seeing so many people out on the street is inspiring. When the sidewalks are filled and street performers are filling the air with tunes, Toledo feels more like what you imagine a "real city" feels like. And it feels nice.

You can download maps and venue info from ACGT's site, or, just show up, and all the venues will have maps available for you.

Happy walking! Have fun!

Watch Toledo.com's video about Art Walk here.

BOY GIRL BOY GIRL EXHIBIT

On Friday night, ACGT's Parkwood Gallery will celebrate the opening reception of the Boy Girl Boy Girl Exhibition. The idea behind this exhibition is pretty simple, but definitely brilliant.

Here, you'll find the work of four couples -- four fellas, four ladies -- none of whom share the same last name. They are all artists, however, and their work will be hung in a simple boy-girl-boy-girl format. It is up to the viewer to play the game and guess which beau belongs to which lass.

This exhibition is more than just a clever concept though, the individual work in the show comes together under a common aesthetic theme of often humorous and charming, yet experimental and visually striking work. Anticipate lots of great color, nostalgia, and impressive technique.

Artists represented in the show are: Lisa Simon, Jay Noble,  Judy Glantzman, Dan Hernandez, Heidi Leitzke, Jim Doiron,  Kelly Tegen and Gary Leib.  

The opening runs 6 - 8 p.m., features snacks and beverages, and, of course, all the wonderful work is for sale.

The Parkwood Gallery is located at 1838 Parkwood Ave. in the Professional Building across from the Toledo Museum of Art.

*Pictured above, Wall Fragment by Dan Hernandez.