The Arts Commission

06/03/2026

Art Loop: Starburst is one week away! Join us for the first Art Loop of the year on Thursday, June 11 from 5–9pm, part of Metroparks Toledo's Watershed Weekend celebrating the Glass City Riverwalk.

Enjoy live performances, an international vendor market, salsa classes, and a sunset silent disco dance party featuring and at the newly completed International Cove (Main Street & MLK Bridge).

Admission and all activities are free! Food, drinks, and artwork will be available for purchase.

Learn more at theartscommission.org/projects/starburst

06/03/2026

06/02/2026

See you in this spot on June 11 (5–9pm) for Art Loop: Starburst! Explore the new International Cove and see Starburst, Toledo's newest public sculpture.

Photo of the Week: As Toledoans prepare to celebrate Watershed Weekend, this photo of International Cove serves as a great reminder at how the riverfront has been transformed in recent years. Watershed Weekend is a four day celebration along Glass City Riverwalk where the public can enjoy an Art Loop, a Party in the Park, a River Crossing Outdoor Expo and a Community Walk from June 11th thru 14th.

https://metroparkstoledo.com/learn-and-play/watershed-weekend/

Photo Credit: Doug Hinebaugh

05/29/2026

05/29/2026

05/28/2026

Join us for an Accelerator Grant Co-Working Session!

We are gathering artists in our new space to give you time to work on grant applications. Co-working is great for accountability, body doubling, time management, and dedicated space to focus.

When: Saturday, June 6 | 1–3 pm
Where: The Arts Commission, 1000 Adams Street

We will begin with brief introductions and then move into dedicated writing time with members of our staff available to answer questions.

Accelerator Grants are open to Emerging and Hobbyist artists living within 30 miles of downtown Toledo. Applications are due June 16!

RSVP for the co-working session by Friday June 5 at secure.qgiv.com/for/artscommissionofgreatertoledo/event/acceleratorgrantcoworking

05/28/2026

Starburst is coming together! Thank you TAM for these awesome aerial shots of the installation.

The 15-foot illuminated sculpture by Blessing Hancock features community-inspired phrases in multiple languages and reflects the many voices and perspectives that contribute to Toledo’s identity.

See it in person at Art Loop: Starburst on June 11!

05/28/2026

Thank you DeBacker Family!

At their request, royalties from this shirt be donated to The Arts Commission’s Accelerator Grant Program so Sufficient Grounds can continue supporting local artists in Toledo.

Applications for the Accelerator Grant are currently open through June 16 at noon, 12pm.

Thinking about a coffee from Sufficient Grounds on this windy spring day? Us too.

Back in the day, there was nothing better than grabbing a coffee, finding a seat by the window, and spending a few hours at one of Toledo’s most beloved coffeehouses. From 1993 to 2002, Sufficient Grounds was more than just a café — it was a gathering place for artists, musicians, conversations, and community.

This shirt is a little reminder of those slower days, good coffee, and the spot that felt like home for so many Toledoans.

The DeBacker family has requested that royalties from this shirt be donated to The Arts Commission’s Accelerator Grant Program so Sufficient Grounds can continue supporting local artists in Toledo.

Shirts are available online here: https://www.jupmode.com/products/sufficient-grounds-shirt & in-store!

05/27/2026

Tune in to hear YAAW alum Ari Collins reflect on their experience in Young Artists at Work and the impact the program has had on their creative journey.

This episode contains interviews with Natalie Gray, Youth Services Director at The Arts Commission, YAAW alum Andrew Winkler and his stepmom, Andrea Fix. It also includes Ari’s personal experience and real audio footage from the Young Artists at Work program.

We’re always proud to see Young Artists At Work alumni continuing to grow as artists, storytellers, and leaders in their communities!

Run down. Unsafe. Blah blah blah. In describing a misunderstood city like Toledo, OH, there’s a few words that people seem to forget: beauty and growth. In t...

05/27/2026