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Since then, it has been exhibited throughout various
locations in the Toledo community and now, for 15 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. The exhibit and outreach is made possible by the
support of many sponsors including Pepco, Mary T. Wolfe,
Owens Community College, Owens Community College Black
Student Union, Ebony Construction, 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.
Bivins, the featured artist, 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.
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. 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.
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 Bivins’ work will be that of 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.
Among the artists are five members of the local group Omni
Artists whose work is displayed at The Truth Gallery at 1811
Adams Street.
20 North Gallery and the exhibiting artists will be
welcoming friends and collectors at the free Opening
Reception on Friday, January 30th, from 6 – 9 p.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.
For More Information Contact:
Peggy Grant, art director, 419-241-2400
or visit
www.360ipt.com, Click > Business Directory > 20
North Gallery.
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