Keep Toledo/Lucas County Beautiful and River Gallery Studio Announce “100 Works of Art” Partnership

Daily Dose  |  12/04/2025 1:00 pm

Keep Toledo/Lucas County Beautiful and the River Gallery Studio are joining forces to bring a bold new vision for public art to Northwest Ohio. The two organizations will officially announce their partnership and unveil the “100 Works of Art” initiative during a press event on Monday, December 8th at 10:00 a.m. at the Glass City Pavilion

The “100 Works of Art” project builds on the success of the River Gallery Project, launched by local artist Dean Davis, which originally envisioned 23 murals along the Maumee River celebrating Toledo’s industrial history and creative spirit. The new partnership expands that vision to create 100 large-scale murals across Lucas County, transforming public spaces into powerful expressions of community pride, local culture, and collaboration.

Glass City Metropark provides the ideal setting for this announcement, situated along the Maumee River where the vision for up to 23 River Gallery Project murals is already taking shape. From this location, attendees can view two completed murals and see firsthand how public art is transforming the riverfront and building momentum for the expanded 100 Works of Art plan.

“Beautification is more than just improving how a place looks, just as with planting trees and eliminating litter, murals change how people feel about where they live,” said Adam Cassi, Executive Director of Keep Toledo/Lucas County Beautiful. “When neighborhoods are vibrant and filled with art, it lifts spirits, builds pride, and strengthens connections between people and their community. Projects like this remind us that creativity and care for our surroundings can truly shape the culture and future of Toledo.”

The event will also highlight the next planned installation: a Veterans Memorial mural, which will honor those who have served while continuing the project’s mission of using art to tell the stories that shape our community.  This mural will be just northeast of the Glass City Metropark, on the pillars under the I-280 Veterans' Glass City Skyway / Toledo Skyway Bridge.

“Designing and creating 100 public art installations across Greater Toledo is going to make a tremendous impact for our region. This initiative will draw more people to Toledo while honoring the incredible history and stories across the county. We want everyone to feel energized by this project,” said Dean Davis.

Attendees will learn how they can donate and support future murals through the One Hundred Works of Art Fund, established at the Greater Toledo Community Foundation to sustain this multi-year regional effort. Donations can be made online at toledocf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=10669, and with the provided QR Code.