Art on the Mall Sunday at UT

Last year's Art on the Mall event at the University of Toledo attracted a large crowd.

Shaping wood as it turns, quickly or slowly, on a lathe has been a peaceful and creative exercise for Bob Draheim, a 1976 graduate of the University of Toledo.

"It's the best therapy without a doctor that you can have," said Draheim, who is retired.

Sunday, he'll sell the wares, born of relaxation in his Temperance studio, at the 12th Art on the Mall event in the center of UT's campus.

The benefits from his hobby often spilled over into his career as an engineer.

"Some of my best planning for work was done at night, turning wood," Draheim said. "You may not have accomplished anything at work that day, but you can come home and turn a bowl and complete it."

The free show will feature 111 artists in all media, selected from 140 applicants. Music, food vendors, and a children's art tent will also be offered. When the weather is fair, an estimated 12,000 to 15,000 people attend this outdoor event on Centennial Mall.

Sunday's jazzy entertainment under a big top begins at 10 a.m. with the Murphy's, followed at noon by the Ben Wolkins Quartet, and at 2 p.m. with the UT Faculty Jazz Combo.

The fundraising part of the weekend occurs tomorrow night at 6:30 with a kick-off party in the Student Union auditorium. It includes a silent auction with about 100 items donated by participating artists.

The party usually generates between $5,000 and $7,000 for the alumni association.

The kick-off party is tomorrow, 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the University of Toledo's Student Union auditorium. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased by calling 419-530-2586 until 5 p.m. today, or tomorrow at the door, if paid by check. Sunday's Art on the Mall is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Parking on campus is free. For information, call 419-530-2586.

Contact Tahree Lane at tlane@theblade.com

or 419-724-6075.