Collingwood Arts Center

Toledo's best kept secret is the Collingwood Arts Center! Architectural splendor, Ohio's only residential artist community, and historic theater, together makes it a place of wonder and delight. This Gem in Toledo's Old West End is 8 blocks North of the Toledo Museum of Art at 2413 Collingwood Blvd.

Without entering the massive 118,000 structure your transfixed to another time where craftsmanship and beauty are paramount. Count how many different ways mason's have turned bricks to create this work of art. From the outside, the wonder just begins. Inside the CAC you are struck my the magnificence of the art nouveau staircase that rises 5 stories high and the ceilings that soar to 20 feet.

In this complex there are many hidden treasures. Nine galleries, ranging in size from 40 to 300 linear feet exhibit original

paintings, photographs, and drawing. A 600 seat theater containing a 3/8 1920 Pipe Organ is found midway in the complex.

Along the way studio after studio of a variety of artists. The CAC contains drawers, painters, photographers, writers, poets, dancers, musicians, composers, instrument builders, magicians, lively artists, glass blowers, and sculptors. Not only do these artists have their studios here but over 40 of them actually live at the CAC. The Children's Theatre Workshop, the oldest theatre company in America doing theater for children by children, is located in the CAC with its own class rooms and 100 seat theater.

The Lois M. Nelson Theatre is a century old elliptical designed space that is acoustically alive! Whisper on stage and 70 feet away in the balcony it sounds as if someone is whispering in you ear. This is a delightful space to listen to a chamber concert, or an organ concert. The Theatre plays host to recitals, organ concerts, vintage films, silent movies, chamber music, and plays on a regular basis. The CAC also make the Theatre available for rental for local, regional. and national companies to bring performances to Toledo.

Docent tours of the Collingwood Arts Center are available by appointment. Call the Collingwood Arts Center at 419.244.2787. Check out the Website at www.collingwoodartscenter.org