Founded 1943

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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

It's almost here!

The Toledo Artists Club is proud to present

The Toledo Festival of the Arts,

set amid the scenic beauty of the Toledo Botanical Garden.

Saturday, June 27, 2026 10 am – 6 pm

Sunday, June 28, 2026 11 am – 4 pm

Back, Reimagined, and Free:
The Toledo Festival of the Arts Comeback Tour

Saturday, June 27, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Sunday, June 28, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The Toledo Festival of the Arts is making its biggest change yet—admission is free.

After six decades of bringing artists and art lovers together, one of Northwest Ohio's most beloved cultural traditions is embarking on a true comeback tour. Back with a renewed vision, a new location, expanded programming, and free admission for all, the Toledo Festival of the Arts is reintroducing itself to the community while honoring its rich history.

Since its beginnings as the Rose Garden Art Festival, the event has evolved through several names-including the Toledo Festival of the Arts and the Crosby Festival of the Arts—before returning to its original identity as the Toledo Festival of the Arts. The festival has also journeyed from its downtown Toledo roots to its longtime home at Toledo Botanical Garden, where it continues to grow and adapt for future generations.

This year marks another exciting chapter as the festival relocates within the Garden from the Elmer Drive entrance to a new site at the Bancroft Street entrance. Set among the Garden's beautiful Prairie Exhibit, the new festival location offers easier access for artists and visitors, improved drainage in the event of rain, full accessibility for guests with disabilities, and reduced impact on the Garden's grounds and landscaping.

Presented by the Toledo Artist Club, the 2026 Toledo Festival of the Arts will feature more than 130 artists exhibiting original works in a wide variety of mediums. Visitors will also enjoy food trucks, beer and wine, soft drinks, live artist demonstrations, and family-friendly activities throughout the weekend.

The comeback extends beyond the festival grounds. At the Elmer Drive entrance, the Toledo Artist Club will open its doors to visitors, showcasing its classrooms and featuring its current exhibit, "Birds, Bugs and Blooms," in its art gallery.

For the first time during the festival, the Artist Village guilds will also be open to the public. Visitors can explore pottery, glassblowing, photography, and other artistic disciplines while visiting the Unruly Arts Studio, which showcases the creativity and talents of artists with disabilities.

Throughout Toledo Botanical Garden, plein air painters will capture the beauty of the landscape, while guests are encouraged to explore the Garden's many attractions, including the Rose Garden, Herb Garden, Hosta Garden, and numerous specialty collections.

The biggest headline of all is that admission is now free, opening the festival to more families, more visitors, and more opportunities to experience art, creativity, and community.

Visitors to the festival are encouraged to take advantage of convenient shuttle service provided by TARTA from the Meijer store on Central Avenue. The shuttle operates throughout festival hours, with rides available for $3 as part of TARTA's all-day pass program.



To help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all attendees, security throughout the festival grounds will be provided by the Rangers of the Metroparks Toledo, who are certified Ohio peace officers.

After 60 years, the Toledo Festival of the Arts is proving that great traditions can evolve while staying true to their roots. Back with a new look, a new location, and free admission for everyone, this year's festival is more than

an event—it's a comeback tour for one of Toledo's most cherished cultural celebrations.

For more information contact the Toledo Artist Club at 419-531-4079 or email to info@toledoartistclub.com.

Remember to sign up for Susan Ritters Gouache workshop on July 25th ~Register soon!