Eric Hillenbrand and his staff know a thing or two about Toledo’s Warehouse District. Since its founding in 1992, Hillenbrand’s 20 North Gallery has played a significant role in shaping the area’s artistic landscape and its ongoing cultural evolution. On Nov. 7, the gallery will celebrate its 100th exhibition opening.

The exhibit, “America the Beautiful,” will feature work by Kimberly Arden, Sharon Frankel, Edith Franklin, Tom Grant, Klaire, Carol Lee Rice, Julie Schnell-Madden, Mike Basista and others. Basista, who is a photographer, will be the exhibit’s principal artist. He will participate in an artist talk at the gallery at 2 p.m. Nov. 23.

“I originally moved to the area to attend the University of Toledo’s law school, but found that the field really wasn’t for me,” Hillenbrand said. “I purchased our building in 1990, and though I do operate my own separate business, the gallery has been my true labor of love ever since.”

Hillenbrand said he is grateful for the community’s support.

“Local response was positive from the very beginning,” he said. “This was before Fifth Third Field was even built. When the stadium was first proposed, it was supposed to go literally right on top of our location, but the developer pointed out the gallery as an example of the area’s potential.”

Though Basista’s photographs will be the focal point of the exhibit, it will also showcase photographs, paintings, ceramics, jewelry and decorative arts by other Toledo artists, as well as selected works by international painter and sculptor Joseph Sheppard.

“Our 100th show represents a major accomplishment for our art director, Peggy Grant, and all those who have contributed to the success of the gallery during the past 16 years,” Hillenbrand said. “Reaching such a significant milestone for a Downtown arts business is good news for all who believe in a vibrant and dynamic Downtown. The arts are recognized as an economic driver for urban revitalization.”

The Nov. 7 opening reception for “America the Beautiful” is open to the public and will run from 6 to 9 p.m. The exhibit will run through Jan. 18. For more information, call (419) 241-2400.

This entry was posted on Friday, October 31st, 2008 at 12:00 am and is filed under Arts and Life, Exhibits.
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