15th Annual Black History Month Exhibit at 20 North Gallery
Toledo, OH—January 21, 2010. On Friday, January 29th, 20 North Gallery will open their 15th annual Black History Month Exhibit. The show will continue through Saturday, March 6, 2010. The exhibition was founded by Peggy Grant (current Art Director of 20 North Gallery) in the late 1970’s. Since then, it has been exhibited throughout various locations in the Toledo community and now, for fifteen years, is proudly presented by 20 North Gallery. This event has become an integral part of Toledo’s Black History Month celebrations, and in recognizing the contributions and accomplishments of prominent African-American artists and leaders in our community.
Each year’s exhibit showcases art work of the best Black artists of our region, as well as many nationally recognized artists. In addition, 20 North Gallery arranges school visits and participatory workshops given by visiting artists in local elementary and secondary schools. Other related events during the run of this exhibit have included live poetry readings at 20 North Gallery featuring African-American poets, storytelling, and live musical performances.
In 2010, outreach educational outreach experiences will include lectures and demonstrations by featured artist Aaron S. Bivins and nationally-recognized artist and illustrator Wil Clay, as well as an African dance and drum performance at Owens Community College on February 16th. The exhibit and outreach is made possible by the support of many generous sponsors including Pepco, Mary T. Wolfe, Owens Community College, Owens Community College Black Student Union, Ebony Construction, St. Ursulas Academy, UAW Local 14, 360IPT.com, WTVG-13abc and The Ford Gallery.
The exhibit is eagerly anticipated each year by artists and audiences, alike. Once again, this year’s exhibition will be a rich cross-section of the talented visual artists of Ohio and the surrounding Midwest.
In 2010, 20 North Gallery welcomes their featured artist for the 15th annual Black History Month Exhibit, Aaron S. Bivins, exhibiting his watercolor paintings. Mr. Bivins attended The University of Toledo in Ohio, receiving a B.A. in Art, as well as a Teaching Certification. He also studied watercolor landscape painting with the prominent Toledo watercolorist, Walter Chapman and acrylic and oil landscape painting with noted Toledo artist, Richard Dziak.
Working primarily in watercolor, acrylic and oil, he also explores other media as he paints portraits of people and animals, landscapes, architectural studies and still life. Mr. Bivins is a former junior high school art teacher in the Toledo Public School system—he now serves as a painting demonstrator and conducts watercolor workshops and classes, as well as jurying varied art shows throughout the region.
Throughout his career, he has won numerous awards, including several Best-of-Show and First awards, at shows such as the Crosby Festival of the Arts, Toledo Botanical Gardens; Art on the Mall, The University of Toledo; the Roots of Diversity Multicultural Art Show, Arts Commission of Greater Toledo; and many others. Aaron Bivins’ paintings are represented at many galleries throughout the Northwest Ohio region and his numerous exhibits include two solo exhibitions at Flatlanders Gallery in Blissfield, Michigan; annual contributions to 20 North Gallery’s Black History Month exhibits; and the Juneteenth Celebrations at the Toledo Museum of Art.
Aaron Bivins is an Associate member of the Ohio Watercolor Society and Past-President of the Northwestern Ohio Watercolor Society. He is also a member of the Toledo Artists Club.
Joining featured artist Aaron S. Bivins will be celebrated Toledo artists; Wil Clay; Charles T. Gabriel, Jr.; Marcus Nunn; Mack Walton; Warren and Yolanda Woodberry and John Wade III from Ft. Wayne, Indiana, among others. Also new this year, five Owens Community College students will exhibit in The Ford Gallery section of the exhibit.
20 North Gallery and the exhibiting artists will be welcoming friends and collectors at the free Opening Reception on Friday, January 30th, from 6 - 9p.m. Reception attendees can begin celebrating Black History Month in conversations with these regional artists while enjoying light refreshments and live entertainment.
To view a virtual tour of the 15th Annual Black History Month Exhibit beginning Friday, January 29th, visit www.360ipt.com, Click > Business Directory > 20 North Gallery.
What: Free Opening reception for the 15th Annual Black History Month Exhibit
Where: 20 North Gallery, 18 N. St. Clair Street, (Downtown) Toledo, Ohio 43604, 419-241-2400
When: Friday, January 29, 2010, 6 - 9p.m.
15th Annual Black History Month Exhibit
Exhibit continues through March 6, 2010
Regular Gallery Hours
Wednesday - Friday: Noon – 4 p.m.
Saturday: 1 – 5 p.m.
For More Information Contact: Peggy Grant, Art Director, 419-241-2400
or visit www.360ipt.com, Click > Business Directory > 20 North Gallery.
# # #
Press Release Contact Name: Condessa Croninger
Press Release Contact Email: [email protected]
Press Release Contact Phone: 419-241-2400
Organization Name: 20 North Gallery
Website or Link: www.360ipt.com > Click 20 North Gallery
Organization Address: 18 N. St. Clair Street, Toledo, OH, 43604