Live, Work, Create enlivens downtown Toledo

By Hope Wallace

One only has to type the words arts and economy in a search engine to find lead after lead of how the arts continue to do their part in maintaining and increasing economic impact in their respective communities. Live, Work, Create located in Toledo is one such example. Working under the Arts Commission of Greater Toledo, the group has created an Art Zone which contains over 60 live/work studios in a downtown neighborhood and are not only revitalizing that area they are providing financial stability for many artists through the program. Established in 2007, this program attracted more than $50,000 in city support, tax credits and professional development opportunities as well as $122,000 in federal funding spearheaded by congresswoman Marcy Kaptur. The initiative also fosters collaboration between municipal government, real estate developers, businesses, restaurants, pubs, homeowners, and arts communities as a whole.

Our Annual High School Invitational will open on April 26 with an opening reception from 1- 5 p.m. and be on view through May 15. We continue to brainstorm new creative outlets to our area with our exhibits, classes and events. Our ArtReach classes are preparing for their puppet-type production of the children’s classic, Frederick. (Frederick is a mouse whose skills don’t necessarily fall in-line with typical mouse skills. However, he brings to his mouse family a meaningful gift). In addition to live music, and a hot dog bar, the play will premier during our High School Invitational exhibit opening, Sunday April.

Come to our next Vine & Palette on Tuesday, April 7 from 6:30–9 p.m. Welcome in spring with friends, wine and a fresh swath of color! The session includes all painting materials and first glass of wine. Participants may bring a snack to share if they wish. We even provide aprons, because we like to get messy! The cost is $30 for members and $35 for non-members. (21 and over).

Our ongoing watercolor class continues on Tuesday mornings starting at 10 a.m. and the instructor is Pat Rayman. Persons are encouraged to jump in anytime and the class is sold in monthly increments. $35 for members and $40 for non-members.

Return of the clay! Pottery with Brandon Knott will resume on April 22 at 6 p.m. This will be another 8-week long course ending on New techniques are going to be explored and as the weather warms we’ll take to the outdoors!

For more information on exhibits or to sign for classes and events visit wassenbergartcenter.org. The Wassenberg Art Center is located at 214 South Washington Street (former Van Wert Armory). We can also be reached by telephone at: 419.238.6837, email: info@wassenbergartcenter.org and our website is: wassenbergartcenter.org.