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20 NORTH GALLERY

P  R  E  S  E  N  T  S

15^th Annual Black History Month Exhibit

Downtown gallery exhibits local and regional artists in the the

longest-running Black History Month art event in Toledo.

On Friday, January 29th, 20 North Gallery opens their 15th Annual Black History Month Exhibit. The show continues 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. The event has become an integral part of Toledo’s Black History Month celebrations, in recognizing the contributions and accomplishments of prominent African-American artists and leaders in the community.

Each year’s exhibit showcases art work of the best Black artists of the 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. In 2010, 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 by the ALMA Dance Experience 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. Ursula Academy, UAW Local 14, Vince Davis State Farm Insurance Agency, 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. 20 North Gallery and the exhibiting artists will welcome 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.

20 North Gallery is located at 18 N. St. Clair Street, in Downtown Toledo.  Regular Gallery Hours are Wednesday - Friday: Noon – 4 p.m., Saturday: 1 – 5 p.m., or By Appointment. For more information, contact Peggy Grant, Art Director at 419-241-2400.

15th Annual Black History Month Exhibit
Featured Artist: Aaron S. Bivins

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.

15th Annual Black History Month Exhibit
Participating Artists
 

The Ford Gallery Partnership

As a former First Lady of the City of Toledo, Cynthia Ford has strived to showcase Toledo’s young talent. As The Ford Gallery, she brings to the public her commitment to student and emerging artists. 20 North Gallery is proud to partner with The Ford Gallery during the 15th Annual Black History Month Exhibit—providing a venue in which to continue her promotion of gifted young artists and their mentors.

Photo Gallery

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Gallery Installation Photos

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