ARTSY types and wannabes gathered after a six-year hiatus for the Toledo Federation of Art Societies juried exhibition for artists in the greater Toledo region. Hosted by 20 North Gallery, the TFAS100+3: Juried Members' Exhibit included 74 works of art by 55 artists from Toledo, northwest Ohio, and southeast Michigan.
The exhibit is a new project of the TFAS, a not-for-profit entity established in 1917 to unite area arts organizations, promote area artists, and maintain a permanent collection of area artists’ work.
The awards ceremony was outdoors on Oct. 9 at Hensville's Fleetwood’s Beer Garden next door to 20 North. Masks and social distancing were a must at the free, open-to-the-public event, and those who needed extra social distancing wore a visible orange heart tag to indicate to others to maintain a distance of at least 10 feet. The Toledo School for the Arts alumni drum band added pep to one's step. A cash bar with touchless payment was available, and “snackable” items were sold. The We Be Ribs mobile unit was there, too. The rules were, you must be seated to remove your mask and eat or drink, and no wandering and mingling with a glass. Folks perused the exhibit, only a few at a time, in 15 minute intervals, and masks were required.
Awards given totaled $4,450:
■ The Kingston Healthcare Purchase Award ($1,500) went to Aaron Bivins for his watercolor, Young Beauty. Bivins’ work will now forever be a part of the Toledo Federation of Art Societies’ permanent collection!
■ Rocked It,a charcoal self-portrait by Chelsea Younkman, received the Founders Best of Show Award ($1,000), sponsored by the TFAS founders, Toledo Museum of Art, Athena Art Society and the Tile Club of Toledo and presented by Carol Sicha of Athena and Fred Harrington of the Tile Club. The Toledo Museum's Adam Levine had planned to be there, but an unexpected family event occurred just prior to the reception. He sent his best wishes to the attendees and is calling Younkman personally to give her congrats.
■ The Carol Block First Award ($750) was presented by Mrs. Block's daughter, Diana Block and sponsored in memory of Carol Block by her husband Bill Block Jr. and four of Mrs. Block’s dear friends, Jeannie Dennler, Mary Fedderke, Susan Horvath, and Sandra Migani-Wall. The winner was Debutante in Waiting (mixed media assemblage) by Timothy Tyree.
■ The UT / BGSU Second Award ($500) was presented by Deb Davis, a professor in the UT department of art, and Margaret Lockwood-Lass, BGSU School of Art instructor and first vice president of TFAS. The winner was Dreamscape (photograph) by Ellen Loeffler-Kalinoski.
■ The Arts Commission Third Award ( $250), sponsored by ACGT, was presented by John Eikost, Arts Commission of Greater Toledo board president. The winner was Touch of Reality (abstract, mixed media oil pastel) by Kay Weprin.
There were four honorable mentions ($100):
■ Rhododendron maximum (Wild Rhododendron), photography by Ruth Foote, sponsored and presented by Douglass Adams-Arman, president of TFAS.
■ Seed Dreams, encaustic photo with mixed media by Margaret Lockwood-Lass, sponsored by David Gierke, Toledo School for the Arts, and presented by Stephen Johnston, also of Toledo School for the Arts and TFAS treasurer.
■ Crucible Series: Stella, ceramic by Tom Marino, sponsored and presented by Stephen Johnston.
■ Sacraments of the Sick II, mixed media collage by Anastasia Wagner, sponsored and presented by Greg Logue, Lake Erie Leadership Development.
Voting for the $50 Community Choice Award continues through Nov. 6 and the winner will be announced on Nov. 7. Voting may be done in the gallery, or online through the 20 North. (One vote per email address.) Email info@20northgallery.com.
A printed exhibition catalog of all the accepted artwork and a listing of all award winners, artists, and exhibition information was sold for $20. They are still available for purchase at 20 North.
TFAS100+3 continues through Dec. 26 at 20 North Gallery, noon to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. No tickets are required, however, call at least 15 minutes in advance of your visit at 419-241-2400. It's a COVID-safe operation. Art is for sale, but browsers are also welcome. Note cards of the TFAS permanent collection including this year's winner, Aaron Bivins, are for sale, too.
A video tour of the exhibit is on the 20 North Gallery website.
THE FALL Open Air Expo 2020 at Aldersgate United Methodist Church was a fun free event that was open to the public and that also gathered non-perishable food items for the church’s food pantry. While attendees followed the strict social distancing and mask guidelines, they shopped for unique items while they networked, according to event organizer Donnetta Carter. Thanks go to sponsors including Taylor Automotive Group, the Truth Newspaper, Paramount, Aldersgate Church, and JoJo's Food Truck.
A LATE afternoon recital with Toledo Opera Resident Artists performing opera arias and other musical selections was at the Ottawa Hills home of board chairman Dr. Allen and wife Hindea Markowicz.
Kevin Bylsma, Toledo Opera’s head of music preparation, was the narrator and played the piano as resident artists filled the air with their beautiful voices: Grace Wipfli, soprano, Olivia Johnson, mezzo soprano, and Andrew Payne, baritone.
The guests were pleased to be out in public enjoying live opera in a lovely setting, even with masks on and remaining socially distanced. Wine was served with fruit and petite sandwiches.
Among guests, which were limited to 25, were MaryLouise and Pat Bowe, Dr. Tom and Denise Colturi; Joe and Judith and daughter Susan Conda, Andrea and Gary Delman, Clare and Joel Gorski, Ava Harter, Jim and Kristi Hoffman, Gregory Postel, JB Rorick, and Jim and Elisabeth Willey.
First Published October 18, 2020, 10:00 a.m.
