"Artworks Toledo is the brainchild of New York artist and art show producer Richard Rothbard, a frequent exhibitor at the city’s annual Crosby Festival of the Arts who saw potential here for a major indoor art show."
"Among area artists displaying their work will be Annette Morrin of Lambertville, jewelry; C.A. Harris and Dave Kohli of Ravenworks Deerskin, Mount Victory, Ohio, leather; Todd Richter of Clinton, Mich., metal; Jean Boger of Toledo, Micael Goettner of Sylvania, and Norma Thomas Herr of Wauseon, painting; Chris Maher of Lambertville, photography; Ann Tubbs and Phil and Gail Sellers, all of Ottawa Lake, Mich., ceramics, and glass artists Michael and Scott Boyd of Sylvania, Berry and Scott Davis of Celina, Ohio, Tim McAfee of Temperance, and Shawn Messenger and Meredith Wenzel of Toledo."
posted by jr at 10:15 A.M. EST on Sat Oct 25, 2003 #
I enjoyed the Artworks show from a couple of Saturdays ago. Incredible talent and creativity was displayed. Our household made a few purchases. But I fear it was a one-and-done event.
In the Letters section of the Oct 30th version of the Toledo City Paper, there was a letter by a local artist who also attended the show.
"Artworks Toledo 2003 has come and gone from Toledo. Much of the art lived up to its billing and was magnificent. Unfortunately, despite spending several tens of thousands of dollars in advertising and receiving several thousands more in free advertising, the expected crowds for the show did not seem to materialize. I attended the show mid-Sunday afternoon expecting to see several thousand in attendance; I would be generous to say that there were only a few hundred instead."
"The bottom line from many of the exhibitors I talked to was, they barely, if at all, made their show fees and expenses, let alone take home a profit. As a participant in several art shows myself, I found that the show fees for this first-time show to be rather high compared to other art shows in the state. In addition, the show promoter wanted the artists to kickback to the Arts Commission of Greater Toledo 10 percent of their sales figures. The promoter pretty much should have covered all of his expenses through the show fees generated by his artists. It also appears that he may have received some financial support not only from the city, but also from some businesses and organizations in the area. If anyone left Toledo with a smile on his face and a dollar in his pocket then the promoter did, as whatever revenue was generated by the show’s admissions would be above and beyond his expenses."
"Once word spreads of the slow show, I’m sure he will have a much tougher time convincing artists to participate in another show next year."
"Dave Grabarczyk - Perrysburg
President, The Toledo Craftsman’s Guild"
posted by jr at 08:06 P.M. EST on Wed Nov 05, 2003 #
My husband and I attended Saturday, late afternoon. We were not sure what to expect, and we loved it. We were a bit concerned, because of the time of day. We always make sure that we hit the Crosby show as soon as it opens. Arriving any later you are not able to view the artwork or speak to the artist - as if you were at a "going out of business" sale -the set up does not make for an enjoyable time. The Artworks Toldo was planned very well, flowed nicely, a very high quality skill of work and a chance to see artist's that we've never seen before. We didn't feel like we had to run in, scurry around, and leave. The artist's that I spoke to said that they try to attend all of Rothbards shows because they have done so well at them. One artist, who makes jewerly, drove 36 hours to come here. As far as sales go I was told a few times, that they were "good, not great". I understand this was a "higher end" show, (sipping on wine, or beer with wonderful music set a lovely tone), and there was not the high numbers of people expected, but I hope there will be another one. We made more purchases here then we ever have at Crosby. I think we are going to forgo Crosby next year and budget for Artworks Toledo!
posted by Guest at 08:50 P.M. EST on Thu Nov 06, 2003 #
That's encouraging. I hope there's another Artworks in '04. I liked this show better than the Crosby show. There were a lot of high-end works at the show. My eyes spent thousands.
I was amazed at how far some of the artists came. One was from England, although he and his wife have a condo in Florida. A few artists were from Quebec. I loved the alley photography by the guy from Montreal. My favorite artist at the show, Dale Jarrett is from Kansas. No, he's not the NASCAR driver. There were also a few local artists present with excellent works too.
posted by jr at 09:35 P.M. EST on Thu Nov 06, 2003 #
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