The ART Toledo (the Arts Revitalization of Toledo) committee is pleased to announce the selection of seven applicants as the inaugural artists that will have their work displayed in Toledo’s new Phantom Galleries that will be installed on Toledo’s Main Street. Please join us from 3-5pm on April 17th outside City Hall at 206 N. Main Street in Toledo for our grand opening!
All told, 26 artists submitted over 125 pieces of art for consideration. Members of the ART Toledo committee met at Toledo’s City Hall to evaluate the submissions on artistic merit, the cohesiveness of an artist’s submissions and the social and cultural significance of the submitted work. The selected artists are Nate Burke, Jim Franklin, Sylvia Hosie, Herb Kateley, Moe Snyder and Jill Perry Townsend. One of the Phantom Gallery spaces will also showcase student artwork from Toledo High School.
“Once again I realize the incredible visual arts range that exists here on the central Oregon coast," said Catherine Rickbone, retired Executive Director of the Oregon Coast Council for the Arts and ART Toledo committee member. "The Arts Revitalization of Toledo committee strived for diversity in artistic expression from young Toledo High School artists, to tribal points of view, to local Lincoln County artists in 2D and 3D media."
The Phantom Galleries will set up by a team of volunteers in early April and will be available for public viewing starting April 17th. The inaugural artist will have their work shown for approximately 90 days. Phantom Galleries are small, temporary art galleries created in vacant storefronts to allow visitors to enjoy the works of local and regional artists in a COVID-safe environment. The galleries will not only enliven Toledo’s Main Street but will also showcase available street-level storefronts that are ripe for new business development.
Each gallery will have information about the artist, their displayed work and how it can be purchased as well as the commercial space and its amenities. QR codes will allow visitors to scan and then visit the artist’s page on ARTToledo.com. "The Phantom Galleries are just the start of our Arts Revitalization of Toledo,” said Rod Cross, Mayor of Toledo. “This has been a dream that is over 15 years in the making. It started with former Mayor Sharon Branstiter's Mural wall at City Hall, and now we are working to enliven and reinvigorate the rest of Main Street and all of Toledo."
“This project directly aligns with our organization's mission to inspire travel and strengthen collaboration to create and steward a sustainable coastal economy,” said Jesse Dolin, a Destination Coordinator with the Oregon Coast Visitors Association. “ART Toledo will help highlight Toledo's vibrant art community, drawing visitors to discover this off-the-beaten path, wonderful downtown experience; one full of art, culture, history, open public spaces and beautiful waterfront views.”
Future Toledo ART projects include art events, Main Street beautification work and a new mural program. If you would like to learn how to get involved in Toledo ART, please contact Rachael Maddock-Hughes at rachael@sequoiaconsulting.org. The Arts Revitalization of Toledo (ART) is a project launched by the City of Toledo and supported by local businesses, non-profits, the County and other stakeholders who are dedicated to revitalizing downtown to serve the needs of current residents and to breathe new life into Toledo’s Main Street.
ART Committee members include: the Timbers Restaurant and Lounge; Crow’s Nest Gallery; Port of Toledo; the Economic Development Alliance of Lincoln County; Yaquina Pacific Railroad Historical Society; Yaquina River Museum of Art; Oregon Coast Visitors Association, local artists; Toledo High School; Toledo Chamber of Commerce, Bank of the West, members of the community, and more.
photo from the Art Toledo facebook page