Toledo and the Arts
Heightening the senses through the arts
Different forms of art surround us every day. From ancient tomb paintings and medieval pottery to historical theatre and silent films, the arts were a part of our culture long before we began studying it. At The University of Toledo , students are opening their arms to the variety of arts programs offered, embracing the culture that’s helped mold them and inviting the community to experience the arts in Toledo.
How can you get in on the vibrant culture in Toledo?
It’s simple. The arts are close to home, easy to access and open to everyone. “Great works of art are literally in the backyard of the Toledo community,” says Lee Heritage, associate dean of the college of arts and sciences. UT has a close relationship with The Toledo Museum of Art, which is recognized as one of the most valuable assets to the area. From Egyptian mummies to sculpted glass and photography, students are able to view some of the finest art in the United States for free at The Toledo Museum of Art.
The public also has the unique opportunity to see aspiring talent in action. Each semester, theatre students participate in two or three productions for the public. Film students present their original work at screenings during the year, the Department of Art features at least three exhibits in the CVA gallery each semester and creative writing students frequently offer poetry and play readings. In addition, the community can find UT’s music faculty and students performing in numerous venues and festivals. They can also be seen working with kids in school music programs throughout northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan. “These are just a few of the public arts events at UT, and many of them are free,” says Heritage.
As a UT student of the arts, inspiration can be found in a variety of areas.
- Theatre – Students have the chance to design, or assist faculty designers working on a busy production set. They participate in the construction of costumes, props and sets, develop their skills in directing and performance, create sound effects and work with computerized moving light systems. “Our plays range from great masterworks of the past, things written last year and everything in-between,” says Heritage. “They explore timeless issues and hot topics of today.”
- Film – From theory to application, film students study the power of the visual image and receive hands-on training in digital and film technologies. Students have access to facilities where they can begin making their filmmaking dreams a reality. UT houses a sound studio, film production facilities and digital editing suites.
- The Visual Arts – The Center for Visual Arts, a Frank Gehry building, which houses the Department of Art is attached to the world-renowned Toledo Museum of Art. Here, students can focus on art education, art history or studio fine arts. With immediate access to the museum, they have the unique opportunity to use the museum’s research facilities and to analyze their collection of masterpieces. Students at UT can express themselves and build their talents in ceramics, drawing, metalsmithing, new media (digital/photo art), painting, print making and sculpture.
- Music – Whether students study general music, music performance, music history or music theory, they are working under some of the finest faculty in the country. “Nearly 100 percent of music education graduates land jobs in their field,” says Heritage. “And many UT graduates have gone on to fame or national acclaim, such as Grammy award-winning jazz vocalist Jon Hendricks, who later returned to teach.” The community and students can also watch the majority of UT’s instrumental music faculty play with the Toledo Symphony Orchestra, since many of them are members.
- Creative Writing - From poetry to non-fiction and fiction, creative writing students at UT have a wealth of resources for inspiration. Students in the English Department have access to the print materials and artist’s books at The Toledo Museum of Art. Courses that excite the writer’s mind include visual language, letterpress printing, screenwriting, and travel writing. Nationally-known writers lead student workshops at the Shapiro Writing Festival celebrated annually in April.
An added bonus for students comes with the college living experience in the Living Learning Communities . The communities feature themed living units where students live with other students who share the same interests. These specialized units also provide them with an environment that enhances their area of study and facilitates their needs.
Although some of UT’s art students start their careers in other parts of the world, many stay right here in Toledo to teach, perform and work in our community.
Discovering the arts
“By learning about the arts, experiencing the arts and creating the arts, we begin to see things differently – we take in our surroundings in a new way and discover an appreciation for the world around us,” says Heritage. Part of getting a broad education includes English, math and science, but also art and music education. “Taking in, performing and learning about all the different art forms helps us understand other cultures, other eras and ourselves,” he says.
Experience arts events hosted by UT by visiting our event calendar or call 877-451-2299.
