Artists, visitors give UT show high marks

Sylvania potter Mary Weiss is one of 100 artists who will display work at the 11th annual Art on the Mall at UT.

Centennial Mall at the University of Toledo will be majoring in art Sunday as the alumni association stages the 11th annual Art on the Mall, a juried show with works by 100 artists.

Over its relatively short life, the day-long event has become a favorite among local artists and art fair-goers, drawing up to 20,000 people each year.

“It's a great venue,” said potter Mary Weiss of Sylvania, who will be exhibiting her clocks and ikebanas (Japanese flower-arranging vases).

Toledo glass artist Larry Mack, who specializes in garden art, ranks the show among his top three art fairs. “The crowd is wonderful. I think they come out to look and buy. And, you can stroll the campus ... It's a different type of atmosphere I thoroughly enjoy.”

For visitors, part of Art on the Mall's appeal is its size and accessibility. With only 100 artists in such media as glass, ceramics, fiber, painting, photography, wood, jewelry, and sculpture, everything can be viewed within a few hours, said organizer Jeff Huffman.

Parking is available throughout the campus and a dozen golf carts driven by volunteers circulate to offer free rides.

Among the mostly local and regional artists in the show are potters Rex Fogt, Ann Tubbs, and Linda Ziemke; photographer Mary Pencheff; painters Bob Martin, Mr. Atomic, and Robert Zollweg, and glass artists Steve Kemmerley and Tom Marino.

The event also will feature live entertainment, food and drink, and a children's tent with face-painting, balloons, and crafts.

A preview of Art on the Mall will be available at a kickoff party tomorrowfrom 6:30 to 9 p.m. in the Student Union Auditorium. Each artist in the show has been asked to donate a piece to a silent auction to be held during the party, which will feature music by the Dan Seeman Quartet. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased at the door or in advance by calling 419-530-2586.

Art on the Mall runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday on the University of Toledo campus. Admission and parking are free.