AROUND TOWN

Creativity shines in Toledo

Dewey Blocksma with his work "Violin Woman".

DEWEY Blocksma, an ER physician turned artist, was a guest at the University of Toledo's Center for the Visual Arts, located adjacent to the Toledo Museum of Art.

During his stay he worked with art students to develop work for the "Three-Dimensional Sketching — Repurpose on Purpose" exhibit which opened in the school's gallery Friday with a reception. The Michigan artist directed workshops using found and "repurposed" materials collaboratively collected and then transformed into works of art.

He also gave a lecture about his work on Jan. 15 in the Ward M. Canaday Center for Special Collections in Carlson Library on UT's main campus.

Before he made art his full-time career, he earned a bachelor of science degree in chemistry at Wheaton College in Illinois, graduated from Northwestern University Medical School, and spent 10 years as an emergency room physician.

His art is whimsical and witty. "Politically savvy, deceptively simple, Blocksma art is engaging and unique" said Barbara Miner, UT associate professor of art. Dr. Blocksma said, "I use painting as a way to figure out what I'm trying to say, not as a way to explain what I'm thinking."

The exhibit runs through Saturday.

Annie Ross and Jon Hendricks sing together in New York. It was the first time the pair had sung together since 1999.

JAZZ lyricist and singer Jon Hendricks is celebrating his 93rd birthday in September of this year, but you wouldn't know it. He is in New York right now with his wife, Judith, and they will return to Toledo this spring. The pair recently stopped by a performance by former musical mate Annie Ross in New York. Ross invited Hendricks on stage to sing with her. The pair, part of the trio Lambert, Hendricks & Ross, hadn't been on stage together since 1999. Known nationally and worldwide, Hendricks is credited with being a pioneer in the jazz form known as vocalese, which involves singing the instrumental parts of songs. He will no doubt be back in T-town for the birthday of fellow jazz musician Clifford Murphy, who will be celebrating his 82nd birthday on Feb. 5 with the Art Tatum Jazz Society at the Grand Plaza Hotel.

Michael Peslikis, BGSU Popular Culture professor and Jazz keyboardist; Ray Parker, son of Gene Parker and Jazz bassist; Annie Ross and Jon Hendricks at the Metropolitan Room, New York.

Monique, left, poses with Earlean Belcher, known as Queen Cookie the Comedian.

EARLEAN Belcher, known as Queen Cookie the comedian, was at the Toledo Funny Bone Comedy Club at Levis Commons in Perrysburg Nov. 15 to see Monique Angela Jackson, known professionally as Mo'Nique, a comedian and an Oscar-winning actress.

After the show Mo'Nique, not knowing that Earlean was a comedian, hugged Earlean and said she felt a connection with her.

The connection was the humor about dieting that Mo'Nique used in her gig. After losing weight, Earlean started last January off with a bang and participated in an open mic at the Toledo Funny Bone, and has been in the comedy business ever since. Earlean was invited by Mo'Nique to do a guest spot opener the next night, which led to another guest spot at Funny Bone in Columbus the following weekend where Mo'Nique performed.

You can view Earlean on Youtube at: Queen Cookie At Toledo Funny Bone.

Her next performance is at the Funny Bone Comedy Club at 8 p.m. Jan. 28.

Peg Werner, far right.

PEG Werner, a longtime community supporter, is still out and about attending events. She was chairman of many a fund-raiser over the years, including the Toledo Opera's Sapphire Ball. Mrs. Werner is still a member of the Opera Guild, which started more than 50 years ago, as well as the Toledo Symphony League, the Toledo Animal Shelter, and the Ability Center auxiliary. Now she leaves the organizing to the up and comers since she entered a new decade — she's now a nonagenarian. She celebrated with family and close friends, and is still celebrating, so when you see her say hello and maybe grab some tips on giving back to the community.

Contact Blade Society Writer Barbara Hendel at 419-724-6124 or at bhendel@theblade.com