Figure drawing group plans exhibit at Vino 100
Written by Hannah Nusser | | hnusser@toledofreepress.comAfter almost 20 years, one Toledo-based figure drawing group is so obscure it doesn’t have a name … yet. Nationally known artist Paul Geiger and his figure drawing group will be featured in an exhibit at wine bar and lounge Vino 100 in Maumee from 6 to 9 p.m. on Sept. 8.
“Tammy, lifeguard” — Prismacolor pencils. 31” x 40” on watercolor paper. ARTWORK BY PAUL GEIGER
Geiger is known in Toledo for his giant mural in the Valentine Theatre and also has work on display in Columbus. He has hosted the life drawing group at the Downtown Toledo Paul Geiger Studios since 1990.
The exhibit, with 35 pieces on display, will begin with an opening ceremony dedicated to the group. Members include local artists, teachers, professionals and Bedford High School students. Group members Jane Williams, Jim Brower, Jan Curlis, Shelly Fank, Steve Mockensturm, Cynthia Taylor, Peg Whiting and Jason Sanderson will have work on display, along with Sanderson’s art students and Geiger.
“This being our first [exhibit] I’m very excited about it because it’s a chance to get it out there and a lot of people don’t know we exist,” Geiger said.
For the first time the group will be shown collectively, he said, and he is proud of its accomplishment: “I’ve always hoped this group would get a better light shone on them … it’s a chance to achieve [something for] those kids, to have maybe their first show,” Geiger said.
Each month, a different local artist’s work graces the walls of the tiny wine bar. George Burk, co-owner of Vino 100, said Geiger’s group’s nude figure drawings immediately struck him as something he’d like to host.
“I thought, ‘Wow, that would be something neat that would bring people in,’” Burk said. “I won’t put anything on my walls that’s going to offend in any way but I think it’ll spark people’s interest.”
Burk said he finds a connection between art and wine, making the lounge a great place for art exhibits, with only seven tables and four employees serving wine, craft beers and a small menu of hors d’oeuvres and entrees.
Vino 100, 3355 Briarfield Blvd. in Maumee, has a cozy atmosphere where sometimes customers come in just to gaze at the different artwork on the walls.
“The music’s turned down and when it gets loud when the place is hopping you just hear people talking,” Burk said. “It’s a great place for people to reconnect.”
It is recommended attendees be aware the art exhibited “celebrates the beauty of the undraped human form.” Younger audiences are asked to attend in the earlier hours of the exhibit. The art will be for sale through silent auction during the exhibit, and will hang in Vino 100 through the end of September. Burk expects works to sell for anywhere from $50-$500. Drink and hors d’oeuvres specials will be offered.
Tags: Paul Geiger, Vino 100
