ETC: “Extraordinary” installation to open at TMA Dec. 14

“Extraordinary” installation to open at TMA Dec. 14
        Toledo Museum of Art (TMA) visitors will have the opportunity to experience the unique vision of one of the world’s most influential contemporary artists when “Yayoi Kusama: Fireflies on the Water” opens Saturday, Dec. 14, in the Canaday Gallery.
       Yayoi Kusama, who experienced hallucinations as a child, uses her artwork as a means to express and communicate her particular psychological world. For more than seven decades her unbound creativity and complex psyche have contributed to the creation of paintings, sculptures and installations that have left indelible marks on both the art world and popular culture.
       Visitors will be invited to spend 60 seconds alone in the room, which uses lights, mirrors and water to transport them to a space that seems endlessly expansive.
        The Museum will host a ticket presale for the general public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Dec. 2. General admission tickets for the temporary installation are $5 and can be purchased online at tickets.toledomuseum.org from 10 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. or by phone at 419-255-8000, ext. 7448 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
        As a membership benefit, Museum members received a fixed number of free tickets based on their membership level and were able to reserve those as well as purchase additional tickets during the earlier presale period. Members are also eligible to purchase additional general admission tickets. Both members and nonmembers can purchase up to six general admission tickets per transaction.
        At the conclusion of the general public ticket presale period, tickets to the exhibition will go on sale every Monday for the available time slots for the upcoming week.
        A limited number of general admission tickets to “Fireflies on the Water” are still available for the installation’s opening weekend, which will take place Saturday, Dec. 14, and Sunday, Dec. 15.
         “Because of the Museum member presale, nearly 75 percent of opening weekend tickets for ‘Yayoi Kusama: Fireflies on the Water’ have been sold, and we are continuing to see more and more weekend and evening time slots claimed through the run of the installation,” said Rebecca Nowacki, the Museum’s manager of visitor engagement. “The public is encouraged to purchase tickets as soon as possible, even if they don’t plan to attend for a few weeks.”
        This site-specific installation, which runs through April 26, 2020, is made possible through a generous loan from the Whitney Museum of Art.
        “Yayoi Kusama: Fireflies on the Water” is presented by ProMedica with additional support from Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP and the Ohio Arts Council.
        For more information about the installation, including a helpful FAQ that addresses questions about timed tickets, the installation experience, and gallery policies, visit toledomuseum.org/kusama.
 
“Lion King” ticket sale
        Tickets go on sale Monday, Dec. 2 for the long-awaited return of Disney’s “The Lion King,” which will leap onto the Stranahan Theater stage for a three-week engagement March 25-April 12, 2020.
        Beginning at 9 a.m., tickets will be available via LionKing.com; at the Stranahan Theater Box Office, 4645 Heatherdowns Blvd, Toledo; online at BroadwayInToledo.com or by calling 419-381-8851.
        Ticket prices start at $29. Group orders of 10 or more may be placed by calling 866-314-7687. VIP ticket packages, which include a prime seat location, a commemorative souvenir program and an exclusive merchandise item, are also available.
        The North American touring productions of “The Lion King” have been seen by more than 20 million theatergoers. Having already played more than 80 cities across North America, “The Lion King” now proudly makes its return to Toledo.
 
Share the Gift of Science
        In the spirit of the season, Imagination Station is offering multiple ways to spread the joy and excitement of science.
        Cyber Monday Sale – On Dec. 2, buy or renew a membership online on Cyber Monday, and enjoy a $10 discount (only applies to memberships purchased online on Cyber Monday.
        Giving Tuesday – On Dec. 3, Buckeye Broadband will match the first $5,000 in donations to Imagination Station dollar for dollar.
        Buy One, Give One Promotion – From Dec. 3-16, Imagination Station will donate one free membership to the Veteran’s Service Commission to donate to a veteran’s family.
        For more information, call 419-244-2674 or visit imaginationstationtoledo.org.
Sing, clap, dance, and move to the music with all your favorite Nick
 
Nick Jr. “Move to the Music
        Nickelodeon and VStar Entertainment Group will present Nick Jr. Live! “Move to the Music,” an all-new, one-of-a-kind adventure March 3 and 4 at the Stranahan Theater in Toledo. Tickets go on sale Friday, Dec. 6 and can be purchased at NickJrLive.com.
        For the first time on stage together, this musical spectacular features characters from multiple Nick Jr. hit animated series, including Bubble Guppies, PAW Patrol (produced by Spin Master Entertainment), Dora The Explorer, Shimmer and Shine, Blue’s Clues and You, Blaze and the Monster Machines and Top Wing.
       
GivingTuesday
        GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement, unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and their world.
        The Arts Commission will kick off GivingTuesday this year on Dec. 3 by celebrating its 60th anniversary.
        “GivingTuesday is the gateway to the generosity inspired by the holiday season and an opportunity for people to come together and advance causes that they believe in and organizations that advance these values throughout the year,” said Marc Folk, executive director of The Arts Commission. “Without such strong community support, The Arts Commission couldn’t improve the quality of life in our region, foster creativity and its impact on our local economy or enable thousands to celebrate life through art.
        “Whether you choose to volunteer your time or make a monetary contribution, we deeply appreciate your support,” he said. “It's what makes our region special and it has allowed us to serve NW Ohio for the past 60 years.”
        The Arts Commission supports, promotes and connects visual, performing, and literary artists, arts organizations and businesses and administers the City of Toledo’s One Percent for Art ordinance. In addition, the organization offers educational and professional development opportunities for artists and area youth, advocacy on behalf of artists and cultural organizations, and access to arts and culture for all in the greater Toledo region.
        Learn more at www.supporttheartscommission.org.
 
Kids Days @ Hayes
        Kids can create Victorian Christmas crafts, meet Santa and learn about how the holidays were celebrated in President Hayes’ era during Kids Days @ Hayes on Saturday, Dec. 14 from 1-2 p.m. in the auditorium at the Hayes Presidential Library & Museums.
        During this event, kids will string popcorn garlands and make Christmas crackers, which pop when opened and contain a prize. Father Christmas, the Victorian predecessor to Santa, will also stop by for a visit.
        Admission is free to kids and grandkids of Hayes Presidential members at the major level and higher and $3 for non-member kids. There is no cost for adults who bring kids to this program.
        Reservations are required and can be made online at www.rbhayes.org/events/2019/12/14/events/kids-days-hayes-victorian-chris... or by contacting Education Coordinator Joan Eardly at 419-332-2081 or jeardly@rbhayes.org.
        The title sponsor for Kids Days @ Hayes is Impact Credit Union. The Victorian Christmas event sponsor is ABC INOAC Exterior Systems, LLC.
 
Lakeside Jingle Jump
        Those who consider themselves warm-blooded, brave-of-heart and in generally good health are invited to take a chilly “jump” into Lake Erie for Lakeside’s Jingle Jump.
        The “cool” holiday event will take place at 12 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7 at the Lakeside Pavilion, near the beach.
        Those who would rather stay warm and dry are invited to stop by the event for candid photos, enthusiastic encouragement of the brave lake-jumping souls and help kick off an exciting start to the festivities of "A Lakeside Christmas."
        There’s no fee to participate, but all participants (individuals and teams) are invited to make a donation to the Lakeside Annual Fund in support of the lakefront.
        Both participants and supporters are encouraged to have fun and come festively dressed for the jump. Awards will be given to the Best Dressed Jumper, Jumper with the Most Team Spirit, Most Festive Jumper and Most Money Raised by an Individual or Team.
        Check-in and onsite registration begin at 11:30 a.m. near the Pavilion. There will be hot beverages available to keep participants and spectators warm while they wait for the jump to begin. Rooms on the first floor of the Fountain Inn will be available for participants to change into dry clothes following the event; bring own transportation.
        While this is a fun and exciting event, Lakeside takes the safety of the participants and spectators seriously. Lifeguards and EMS personnel will be present to ensure everyone remains healthy and safe. All participants are required to sign a waiver before jumping. To complete the registration form and waiver, visit lakesideohio.com/jinglejump.
 
Birthday Gala fundraiser
        Celebrate the 150th anniversary of the County Home at the Birthday Gala Fundraiser, at the Wood County Historical Center & Museum, 13660 County Home Rd. in Bowling Green on Saturday, Dec. 14 from 6-9 p.m.
        Come together at this annual event to enjoy the celebration of the 1869 opening of the County Home with hors d’oeuvres provided by Penta Culinary Arts Program, cocktails and mocktails from around Ohio, root beer floats, a candy and popcorn bar and live entertainment by Timmy C & the Game Changers.
        Guests will also be able to tour the Museum’s award-winning exhibit “For Comfort & Convenience: Public Charity in Ohio by Way of the Poor Farm.”
        There will also be a silent auction featuring a variety of themed gift baskets with local experiences from artists, merchants, and restaurants. Some of the items include: a Zamboni ride and tickets to the Toledo Walleye, Art Package from Toledo Museum of Art, Animal Safari Lovers Package (including a VIP pass to the Port Clinton African Safari Wildlife Park), and Sue Shank Cookies. An additional 50-50 raffle will also take place during the event.
        Gala tickets are $60 per person. Walk-ins are welcome or purchase tickets in advance by calling 419-352-0967 or online at woodcountyhistory.org. All proceeds from the fundraiser benefit the Wood County Historical Society.
 
Fine art exhibit
        A new fine art exhibit called, “Sight Unseen, What’s New and Next” will close out the year 2019 and usher in 2020 at the Sam B’s Restaurant Gallery in Bowling Green.
        The collection of more than 150 new pieces features works by 18 local artists and craftsman for viewing or gift giving through April 5.
        A Holiday Opening Reception and artist meet-and-greet will be held in the back bar area of the restaurant at 163 S. Main St. Wednesday, Dec. 4 from 7-9 p.m.
        New special features for this exhibit include custom-made necklaces by Daniel Drain, watercolors by Judy Doyle and artistic poetry by NJA.
        In addition, many local craftsman and artists have contributed new items including framed vintage jewelry collages by Mary Jo Bailin; hand-marbled jewelry by Mary Mascazine; hardwood cutting boards by Thomas Woods and custom writing instruments by Rick Bailin.
        Themed and seasonal items include custom-painted ornaments by Melanie Stinson, Christmas ornaments by Haitian Artists, and paintings that include a giant Santa by artist Dave Wisniewski.
        Darlene Krohn illustrates a connection to cultures and beliefs with her storyteller sculpture of a Hopi Woman, and her oil painting called “The Spiritualist.”
        The new collection is available during Sam B’s regular business hours.
 
TMA Winter Art Classes
        The Toledo Museum of Art (TMA) is now accepting registrations and scholarship applications for its winter art classes, which begin the week of Jan. 19, 2020.
        “The Museum’s adult classes have options for beginners who have always wanted to explore an interest in drawing, painting, jewelry making, glassblowing and more, as well as advanced classes for those who are building on previous art classes or experience,” said Mike Deetsch, TMA’s Emma Leah Bippus director of education and engagement. “Classes are available in convenient weekday, weeknight and weekend hours.”
        There are two sessions of winter art classes. The first session begins the week of Jan. 19; the second begins the week of Feb. 23. TMA provides all materials needed to participate in the class, and scholarships, if awarded, can cover the entire cost of the class.
        The registration and scholarship deadline for winter art classes is Jan. 5 for the first session and Feb. 9 for the second session.
        Visit toledomuseum.org/education/classes to register.