The Toledo Museum of Art marks its 100th anniversary

4/30/2001

Happy Birthday, Dear T-M-A, Happy Birthday to you,” sang the crowd Wednesday evening as they gathered around a replica in cake of the Toledo Museum of Art, marking the institution's 100th anniversary.

It was also a kick-off to the celebration events presented by the museum's Centennial Society, coming in May. Guests strolled through “Framing the Dream,” the first of a series of three historical exhibitions about the museum's development, this one focusing on early director George W. Stevens.

Then, in the Peristyle, director Roger Berkowitz welcomed the crowd of 400. The Toledo Symphony performed the premiere of Celebratory Overture & Fanfare, by composer Paul Schoenfield, which drew a standing ovation. The documentary, Toledo Museum of Art: A Centennial Portrait, produced by WGTE-TV 30, to be broadcast at 8 p.m. tomorrow, was screened. David and Georgia Welles announced the Second Century Campaign, a capital fund drive with a $60 million goal they are to chair. Museum board president Jim Hoffman presented a proclamation from the Ohio State Senate.

Later, as string music sounded softly in the Libbey and Classic Courts, champagne was poured, canapes were passed, and, of course, the birthday cake was presented and served. The Not Ready for the Peristyle Singers - museum staff - harmonized for a few personalized rounds of “Happy Birthday TMA.”

Guests cast ballots for the people's choice of the permanent collection, a tally to be taken now through September 1.

Mingling were Peggy Grant, Tom and Mary Pat Anderson, Kate Jamieson, Val and John Wiley, Bob and Kathy Maxwell, Jack and Ruth Hadley, Ica and Jerry Sutter, and Fred and Nita Harrington. Peggy Gifford was event chairman.

Barbara Hendel is The Blade's society editor. E-mail her at bhendel@theblade.com.