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You are here: Home Programs Artomatic 419! Background

Background

The first Artomatic 419! was held in 2006 as a way to engage and promote Toledo's Creative Community. The event is modeled after the original Artomatic event in Washington D.C., founded by Toledo-area native George Koch. Our local event was co-created by Dustin Hostetler (board member), Kelly McGilvery (former board member), and Marc Folk (executive director), with a number of community volunteers serving on various committees.

2006: The first Artomatic 419! was held at 1717 Adams Street in Uptown Toledo in September of 2006. Over 100 local visual artists and more than 40 local performing arts groups filled 12,000 sq ft of underutilized space with their art and creativity. Approximately 5,000 people attended the event during its four Saturdays.

2007: In September of 2007, Artomatic 419! presented a one-time, condensed event, called Artomatic 419! Lite at Fort Industry Square in Downtown Toledo. Over the single weekend of the event -- Saturday and Sunday only -- nearly 3000 visitors enjoyed the talents of more than 150 local visual artists and 50 local performing arts groups distributed throughout 25,000 sq ft of under-leased commercial space.

2009: Artomatic 419! 2009 saw more than 200 artists and performers working in every medium to occupy 25,000 sq. feet of newly vacant space in Toledo's warehouse district at 201 Morris Street. More than 6,500 people attended the event over its three Saturdays.

2011: The fourth and most recent installment of Artomatic 419! was held in April 2011. The largest event in the program's history, the 2011 showcase took place in two neighboring buildings at 407 Washington and 25 S. St. Clair Street, located adjacent to 5/3 Field (the Mud Hens stadium), in the heart of the St. Clair Village. More than 400 visual and over 150 literary and performing artists participated in the event. Over it's three days, nearly 10,000 people came through the doors to see Toledo's Creative Community on display. Each Saturday evening was capped with an official Artomatic 419! After-Party at the nearby Event Center (23 Summit St.), curated and presented jointly by Toledo.com, The Ottawa Tavern, and The Arts Commission, with support from Woodville Surplus. The after parties drew a few hundred attendees each night and featured local and regional live bands and entertainment.