Aug 2026 News and Notes
New Paragraph
Avoid distant views, paint objects close up. If the foreground is well done, the distance will take care of itself. By having the big lines of the composition go out of the canvas, your imagination can wander beyond the edge. It will make it seem part of a large composition. Have as much fun as you can and don't feel the edge of your canvas confines you–let your vision go right on.
–Charles Hawthorne
FROM THE QUOTABLE ARTIST, BY PEGGY HADDEN
A Heartfelt Thank You for an Incredible Festival
As we reflect on the 2026 Toledo Festival of the Arts, one word comes to mind - gratitude.
Thank you to every volunteer, artist, sponsor, and visitor who helped make this year's festival such a wonderful success. Taking on this event was a big undertaking, and because of your enthusiasm, hard work, and support, it exceeded our expectations.
The comments from participating artists remind us why this effort mattered:
"Thank you for saving this festival. I am eternally grateful for your efforts. For what was essentially a 'reboot,' it was an incredible success. I am very much looking forward to how it continues to grow." - K.P.
"Well done! I loved the artist community in Toledo! And enjoyed the event!" -L.R.
"I've already recommended the venue to a few other artists I know... they may be interested in incorporating the Toledo Festival into their schedules if they know to apply!" -D.S.
"I believe the show will have a long and auspicious run at the new venue." -A. & H. J.
"Congratulations on an excellent job with such a complex event." -P. B.
The artist survey echoed these sentiments. Of those who completed the survey, 84% rated their overall experience as Excellent or Very Good, and another 8% as Good. Even more encouraging, no one rated the festival Poor. Those numbers tell us we're headed in the right direction and give us an exciting foundation on which to build.
We're also pleased to share that, while final invoices are still being processed, the festival has generated more than $20,000 in profit for the Toledo Artists' Club. We'll report the final amount once all expenses have been finalized.
But perhaps the greatest measure of success can't be found on a balance sheet.
This festival was about far more than raising funds. It was about bringing artists and our community together, creating opportunities to exhibit, connect, and inspire. In doing so, we strengthened appreciation for local art while helping to ensure that the Toledo Artists' Club can continue to support exhibitions, educational programs, and scholarships for years to come.
Every volunteer who greeted guests, set up tents, directed traffic, staffed booths, or quietly worked behind the scenes played an important role in making this happen. A special thank you to the volunteers from Five Lakes Church without whom we couldn't have done this. Every artist who trusted us with their work, every sponsor who believed in our vision, and every visitor who came to celebrate the arts helped write this exciting new chapter.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for believing in the Toledo Festival of the Arts and in the mission of the Toledo Artists' Club. We are excited for what we've started together, and we can't wait to see where this journey takes us next.
Paul Lyon, President
Linda Shetzer, Vice President
Saturday, August 8th is our annual Art in the Garden Event, 11 am - 4 pm.
This year, we're inviting artists to reserve a table and sell their own artwork in a comfortable, air-conditioned setting. It's a wonderful opportunity to meet visitors, share your work, and enjoy a relaxing day in the Artist Village.
We'll also be offering a selection of donated, high-quality art supplies for sale - perfect for artists, students, and anyone looking for creative treasures. If the weather cooperates, the art supplies will be available outside under a canopy tent.
Interested in volunteering or selling your work?
Please complete this Jotform to reserve a table or sign up to volunteer:
Art in the Garden Volunteer & Table Reservation Form
We also need volunteers!
Art in the Garden is one of the Artist Village's three major events of the year, and we'd love your help. Even a few hours make a difference. Volunteers are needed to:
- Set up before the event
- Welcome and assist visitors
- Help with the art supply sale
- Tear down at the end of the day
All of the Artist Village associations will be open, making it a fun and lively day for artists and visitors alike.
Whether you can volunteer, reserve a table, or simply stop by to support the artists, we hope you'll join us for this special event. Thank you for helping make Art in the Garden a success!
DO YOU WANT TO IMPROVE YOUR DRAWING SKILLS?
Sign up for
DRAWING BOOT CAMP:
Part 2
A three-week series
by Michelle Arnold Paine
September 3, 10, 17, 2026
6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. | Toledo Artists' Club
5403 Elmer Drive
Toledo, Ohio | 419.531.4079
Toledo Artists' Club members $110
Others $125
Exhibition News
Call for Entries is Now Open!
Entries are now being accepted for our upcoming exhibition:
Landscapes & Urban Structures
Whether your work captures the beauty of the natural world, bustling cityscapes, historic architecture, or contemporary structures, we invite you to submit your artwork for this exciting exhibition.
View the prospectus and submission details here:
https://www.toledoartistclub.com/2026-landscapes-and-urban-structures-show
Entry deadline: August 29. We look forward to seeing your work!
Congratulations to the award winners from our current shows.
Freedom to Create
Best of Show
William Horvath
Peaceable Kingdom
1st place
Carol Gorney
Soothing
2nd place
William Horvath
Sea Oat Abstract
3rd place
Paul Brand Transformers
Honorable Mentions
Michael Hill
Punk Canna
Linda Shetzer
After the Storm
Michael Hill
Backyard Harvest
Vyto Bendoraitis
Spikey Vase
New Member Show
Best of Show
Michelle Robison
Messenger
1st place
Christopher Gallagher
Curcurbita Pepo Winger Gourd II
2nd place
Kelly L Chalfant
Once and Again
3rd place
Sharron Cygnor
Full Moon over Traverse Bay
Exhibition Committee Meeting
The Exhibition Committee will meet on Wednesday, August 12, at 4:00 p.m. in the Toledo Artists' Club classroom.
We'll be planning the 2027 exhibition calendar. If you're interested in helping shape next year's exhibitions, we'd love to have you join the committee.
Exhibitions Committee
This Committee is responsible for all facets of any and all exhibits sponsored by TAC. The duties include:
• Arranging for in house and virtual exhibits sponsored by TAC
• Arranging for jurors and payments (or other recognition) to jurors for all juried exhibits
• Arranging for prizes and other recognition for award winners at exhibits
• Arranging a prospectus for all exhibits which can be published on the TAC website
• Arranging for receptions for exhibits
• Preparing works entered into exhibits for electronic presentation to jurors and for final publication on the TAC website.
• Any other responsibilities as directed by the Board
PLease emailand let us know you'll be there. If you're unable to attend the meeting but would still like to serve on the committee, please email Linda at
info@toledoartistclub.com.
Image: Peaceable Kingdom by William Horvath
Messenger by Michelle Robison
Help Plan Heralding the Holidays!
Would you like to help us plan as we plan for Heralding the Holidays- Dec 4-6, 2026
The holiday season may seem a long way off, but now is the perfect time to start planning one of the Toledo Artists' Club's favorite annual traditions - Heralding the Holidays!
Whether you've helped in the past or are brand new to the event, we'd love to have your ideas, creativity, and enthusiasm. Planning this event is a wonderful way to meet fellow members, share your talents, and help create a festive experience for our artists and the community.
Join us for our planning meeting:
๐
Wednesday, September 2
๐ 6:00 p.m.
๐ Classroom at the Toledo Artists' Club
If you're interested in helping, please sign up using the JotForm so we know who's coming. Even if you can only volunteer a little time, your help makes a big difference.
Together, we can make this year's Heralding the Holidays our best celebration yet. We hope to see you there!
So much is happening in and around the area!
Check out these events and support local artists!
Red Bird Plein Air Festival, Aug 2 - 7th,
Sale opens to the public in conjunction with Red Bird Sylvania First Friday. Exhibition and sales will take place during our Red Bird First Friday, August 7th, 5 PM – 8 PM:
Hudson Gallery
Fuller Art House
Heritage Sylvania
Artwork will remain on display through the 22nd for the community to purchase!
Call For Artists!
12th Annual Art Walk on the Bay in Point Place
Saturday, September 19th, 2026 . Click the link to apply!
