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s of this writing, it has been two and a half years since Detroit, and the automotive companies headquartertered there, embarked on the greatest re-branding campaign in recent memory. Readers may remember the excellent “Imported From Detroit” Chrysler commercial, which starred rapper Eminem and aired during the Superbowl. Chrysler is stick-ing with their slogan, even after Detroit’s bank-ruptcy filing. The post-industrial midwest is ex-periencing a deficit of more than just money—the region has an identity crisis. Neighboring cities, like Detroit, are asking themselves: what will we produce now that the age of the American factory is over?

Toledo has no such crisis. We know what we will produce: art. Lucas County residents enjoy easy access to a sur-plus of artistic experiences. Fine art thrives at our internationally-renowned museum, with its cutting-edge Glass Pavilion, as well as at smaller local gal-leries. On stage, the Toledo Opera and The Toledo Ballet’s events, as well as productions by the Toledo Repertoire Theater and The Village Players prove that America’s oldest forms of entertainment flourish here. Meanwhile, private studios abound—those in the Secor Building, for example—relatively new and unknown artists, many of them graduates from Bowling Green State University or the University of Toledo, are pump-ing out high-quality work.

Toledoans are, perhaps, spoiled. As proof, consider The Arts Commission of Great-

er Toledo’s biannual Artomatic 419!, which assembles hundreds of creatives of every style in one location and accompanies them with live music, poetry, and small-scale theater performances. The only other event of its kind, the original Artomatic, resides in Washington D.C.

Our art scene, in all of its disciplines, is precious and needs to be safeguarded. The arts will not turn America’s

economy around, and because of that, they are easy to ignore and mistreat. Detroit, immediately following its bankruptcy filing, had the Detroit Institute of Art’s collection assessed. An assessment is not a sale, but it’s enough to lead people to breaking a sweat. Great art venues close all the time—R.I.P. 20North—and our opportunities to cherish them can be brief.

The arts give communities a sense of identity. Our museums offer windows into the history of the world. Events like Art-o-matic and the annual Art Walks give people of all ages, ethnicities and tax brackets a reason to leave their homes and interact. Art levels the play-ing field, because anyone can appreciate beauty, or ugli-ness—after all, everyone has an opinion.

The easiest way for anyone to support the arts is also the most simple: spend money on them.Want to own a completely original piece of art? Consider that mini-mum wage is only 7.85 an hour, and that composing sculpture or painting, from sketch to final realization, can take hours. Imagine a piece sold for $300 after forty hours of work—not to mention the materials used, the talent and skill the artist would have made slightly less than minimum wage. The price for something local, and completely original, is almost always more than fair.

The state of the arts, in Toledo at least, is strong. It will take continued and increasing support to maintain it. In 2013, it is easier than ever to connect with artists, and purchase art, through social media like Facebook and Pinterest, as well as through face-to-face inter-action. Here are some of the choicest arts-re-lated events in Toledo for the remainder of the year. Thursday, September 12 provides the per-fect opportunity to start your own collection: the final Art Walk of the year. Introduce yourself to an artist and support Toledo’s precious commodity by owning a piece of it, imported from nowhere—made right here.

AThe State of the Arts Addressing the future of Toledo's most important commodityby Joseph Schafer

ArtsFOCUS on the

SeptemberS bSeptemberSeptemberSeptember ThurSday Final Art Walk

Bicycle BonanzaDuring the Toledo Arts Commission final

Art Walk of the year, there will still be plenty of art, food and music, as well as a Bicycle Bonanza. For more information see our Art note on pg.28. 6-9pm. UpTown, Adams Street. 419-254-2787. theartscommission.org

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Each fall, we round up some of the best upcom-ing arts-related events, whether pop culture or fine art, including operas, plays, gallery exhibitions and even rock bands, and place them into the Fo-cus on the Arts calendar. Fire up, culture-lovers, this listing gives you our picks through the rest of 2013.

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Wednesday Art of Prevention

@ St. Clair GalleryThe Art of Prevention challenges artists

to incorporate condoms into new paintings, sculptures, mixed media and other works. Attendees can then vote on their favorites and possibly make some artistic, prophy-lactic purchases. The event, sponsored by Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio, will benefit the Toledo Health Center. See our feature on pg.28 for more details. 6-8pm. Sur St. Clair Gallery, 1 S. St. Clair St. 419-241-7100. sur-stclair.com

Thursday Kishi Bashi,

@ FrankiesThis experimental multi-instrumentalist,

who has toured with indie rockers like Regina Spektor and of Montreal, recently released an EP’s worth of joyous, avant-garde noise rock. He’ll bring the sound of space-age violin to Toledo on Thursday, September 26. 8pm. $8 advance, $10 door. Frankie’s, 308 Main St. 419-269-9255. www.innovationconcerts.com.

Wednesday Trombone Shorty, &

Orleans AvenueThe savvy trumpeter/trombonist/composer

and his band will perform their unique blend of jazz, funk and hip-hop at the TMA’s Peristyle Theater, courtesy of the Art Tatum Jazz Heri-tage Society. Tickets available at The Stranahan Box Office. $25-75. 8pm. Toledo Museum of Art, 2445 Monroe St. 419-381-8851. etix.com

Wednesday- Thursday All RachmaninoffYou may not recognize the name, but

you will recognize his music. The Toledo Symphony Orchestra and special guest international pianist Phillipe Bianconi will perform the legendary composer’s final opus, The Symphonic Dances, and his Pia-no Concerto No. 3. Second show Saturday, September 21. $22-52. 8-10pm. Toledo Museum of Art Peristyle, 2445 Monroe St. 419-246-8000. toledosymphony.com

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Wednesday Authors Authors!:

Jimmy Santiago BacaSince learning how to read and write during

a five-year prison sentence, American author and poet Jimmy Santiago Baca’s works, like his popular memoir “A Place to Stand,” have garnered him the Pushcart Prize and the Amer-ican Book Award, among other accolades. Baca will speak about his life and works as part of the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library’s Authors! Authors! series. 7pm. McMaster Center, Main Library, 325 Michigan St. 419-259-5266. toledolibrary.org

Friday Early Modern Japanese

Prints @ TMAFirst Impressions: Early Modern Japa-

nese Prints. The Toledo Museum of Art was one of the first museums in America to show modern Japanese prints, so it’s only fitting that they’re coming back for more. The Canaday Gallery will host 343 modern Japanese woodblock prints, mixing tradi-tional Japanese printmaking techniques with more Western compositional ideas. Free. Toledo Museum of Art, 2445 Monroe St. 419-255-8000. toledomuseum.org

Friday AidaThe Toledo Opera takes on Giuseppe

Verdi’s masterpiece, “Aida,” a grand and time-less tale of forbidden romance. This was the first opera produced in Toledo in 1959, and this production will feature several world-renowned guest performers. $40-90. 7:30pm. A second showing is scheduled for 2pm, Sunday, October 6. The Valentine Theatre, 410 Adams St. 419-255-7464. toledoopera.org

saturday Africa Exhibition

@ Hudson GalleryAfricas—Contemporary Work from the

Continent. The always-excellent Hudson Gallery will display over 60 works of contemporary art from Africa, in a variety of mediums from prints to paintings and even textile works. Opens Saturday, October 5, and runs through Saturday, November 2. Free. 5645 N. Main St., Sylvania. 419-885-8381. www.hudsongallery.net.

tHursday ISRAEL at 65 :

A celebration of art Over 1000 pieces of artwork imported

from Israel will be displayed by the Toledo’s Jewish Family Service. An opening gala for sponsors and patrons will take place Thursday, and the exhibit will be open to the public through Sunday, October 20. All the art will be for sale and will support JSA. Open Friday 9am-3pm, Saturday 8am-11pm, Sunday 9am-4pm. Congregation B’nai Israel Synagogue, 6526 Sylvania Ave., Sylvania. 419-885-4461. jewishtoledo.org

saturday Motion City Soundtrack

@ MainstreetIf you were a teenager during the 00’s,

there was no escaping Motion City Sound-track—their lyrics were on the lips of every pubescent pop punk fan’s lips. The Minne-apolis five-piece will bring their twee-core sound back to Toledo on Saturday, October 19. 6:30pm. $18.50 advance, $22 door. Mainstreet Bar and Grill, 141 Main St. 419-697-6297. www.toledomainstreet.com

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Thursday “For the Devil Tells Me

So” Glacity Theatre Collective

For the Devil Tells Me So is a unique domestic-horror experience: the show will take place within an undisclosed Toledo house and the audience will be limited to 10 people per show. The show continues Glacity Theatre Collective’s tradition of performing original, experimental works and supporting local art-ists. Showings start at 9pm on October 24-26, 30, 31 and November 1. $5, limited tickets. To make reservations and for more info, email meg.aherne7@gmail.com.

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saTurday Jerry Gray Resident

Artist Exhibition Opening, and 3rd Annual Chili Cook-Off

Bozarts, the charming, creekside art gallery in the warehouse district, will display a retrospective of mastermind Jerry Gray’s work from before his Fall 2013 residency program. The main man’s work will be heavily discounted, so to support the arts, here’s a great opportunity. 6pm. Bozart’s Fine Art & Music Gallery. 51 S. St. Clair St. 419-464-5785

sunday Toledo Symphony

Orchestra Halloween Spooktacular

The Toledo Symphony’s annual Halloween Spooktacular will give you goosebumps and the shakes — in a fun way, of course — with terrifying tunes like “The Monster Mash” and the Jaws theme. Kid-friendly activities include an instrument petting zoo and costume parade across the stage. Part of the Toledo Symphony’s Family Series. $75, one adult and one child for the entire series. Kids’ activities start at 2pm, show starts at 3pm. The Valentine Theatre, 410 Adams St. 419-246-800. toledosymphony.com

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The diversity, talent and production of local art (both privately and publicly) is at an all time high in Toledo. The support from fellow artists, the public, the city and local businesses is a full 360 from where we were just 10 years ago. People are stepping up and others are taking notice and ap-preciating it as well as recognizing they can do “it” to. I believe in a very short period of time Toledo will become more and more recognized as the in-cubator and welcoming place that it is, as artists begin to venture out and cultivate relationships in other cities with both galleries and fellow artisans of all types

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Friday Lettice and LovageThe Village Players Theatre presents the

acclaimed English play “Lettice and Lovage,” the story of free-spirited tour guide Lettice Duffet’s battle of wits against Lotte Schon by-the-book Preservation Trust inspector. $16 general admission, $14 students and seniors. 8pm. Performances run every Thursday through Saturday from November 1-16. The Village Players Theatre, 2470 Upton Ave. 419-472-6817. thevillageplayers.org

Saturday Tribute to ElvisThe King is in the building! World-

renowned Elvis impersonator Kraig Parker and his Royal Tribute Band will team up with the Toledo Symphony Orchestra to bring you the King’s songs like you’ve never heard them before. $30-70. 8-10pm. Stranahan Theater, 4645 Heatherdowns Blvd. 419-246-8000. toledosymphony.com

thurSday The Addams FamilyDadada dum. Snap! Snap! Everyone

knows the theme song, and everyone loves the most morbid family in American pop culture. The Valentine Theater will bring the antics of Gomez, Morticia, Uncle Fester and the rest to Toledo for one night of horribly good fun. 7pm. $46-65. Valentine Theater. 410 Adams St. 419-242-3490. valentinetheatre.com.

Friday Arsenic and Old LaceIf it tastes like almonds, stop drinking! It

might be Arsenic. The Toledo Rep is uniting a stellar cast of local acting matriarchs to present Joseph Kesselring’s classic black comedy, one of the most beloved american plays of this century. Friday, November 8. $20. The Toledo Rep, 16 10th St. 419-243-9277. toledorep.org

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Saturday Make It-Indie Crafter

FairThe Uptown Association is presenting a fair

on the edge, one which offers a little more than your standard knickknacks and baubles. The fair seeks adventurous designs and bold choices at this celebration of all things DIY. 10am-7-pm. $1 suggested donation. 1717 Adams St. applications are available online at makeitindie.com

Saturday The Holiday LoopThe Arts Commission of Greater Toledo

won’t let the cold keep you away—the bus loop will take art lovers to every must-see gallery Downtown, Uptown, and in the Old West End, many with special exhibits and displays just for this night. 5pm. Free. 419-254-2787. theartscomission.org.

Monday James Carville lecture

@ UTOne the most famous analysts in politics

comes to Toledo. The “Ragin’ Cajun” will discuss his career and experiences as part of UT’s Jesup Scott Honors College Distinguished Lecture Series. All lectures take place in The Doermann Theater in University Hall. Limited seating. $25 general admission, $10 students. 7pm. 2810 W. Bancroft St. 419-530-2738. utoledo.edu/honorslecture

tHurSday Paul Timman, Hollywood

tattoo artistToledo native Paul Timman specializes

in tribal and Japanese-inspired artwork, and he has inked celebrities like Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt. He will speak about his work and experiences in the Peristyle as part of TMA’s Masters Series. Free. 6pm. Toledo Museum of Art, 2445 Monroe St. 419-255-8000. toledomuseum.org

Friday A Christmas CarolFor one weekend only, the Toledo Rep

is bringing christmas cheer to the Valentine Theater for its annual winter production of Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol. Featuring lavish staging, this rendition of one of the most beloved christmas stories of all time is frequently a highlight of the Rep’s season. $25. Valentine Theater. 410 Adams St. 419-243-9277. toledorep.org

Saturday The NutcrackerTchaikovsky’s timeless and grand musical

tale for its 73rd annual production, courtesy the Toledo Ballet and the Toledo Symphony making it the longest running Nutcracker production in the ENTIRE country. Bring the family for an evening of sugar plum fairies, awesome Russian dancing and more. Showings scheduled for Saturday, December 14, at 2 and 7pm, and Sunday, December 15, at 2pm. Call the Stranahan box office for ticket prices. Stranahan Theater, 4645 Heatherdowns Blvd. 419-381-8851. stranahantheater.org

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Friday It’s A Wonderful Life”What better way to close out a season of

arts with the quintessential holiday film? Frank Capra’s 1946 classic, “It’s A Wonderful Life,” shows the positive effect one man can have on an entire town. $5. 7:30pm. The Valentine Theatre, 410 Adams St. 419-242-2787. valentinetheatre.com

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