Selection from TFAS Centennial Exhibit, June 7, 2017: Casserole by Floy Shaffer, ceramic, p.1976. Oranges Oriental by Elizabeth Martin, watercolor, p. 1992. Form with Wedges by Ken Thompson, polychrome basswood, p. 2002. A Winter Jar by Rex Fogt, porcelain, p. 1979.

TFAS Mission 

The Toledo Federation of Art Societies unites area arts organizations, promotes area artists, and maintains a permanent collection of Toledo area artists’ work.


The objectives of the Federation shall be to:

a) promote mutual understanding and cooperation among Toledo area artists, arts affiliated organizations, and the public;

b) promote professional practices in the arts;

c) promote professional opportunities for artists in the Toledo area;

d) establish and maintain a permanent collection consisting of work by Toledo area visual artists.


Lower Manhattan by Priscilla Rhiel, watercolor painting.

TFAS Purchase Award in 1949

TFAS History

The Toledo Federation of Art Societies (TFAS) was organized at the Toledo Museum of Art 1917. Mr. George Stevens, first director of the Museum, invited representatives of 3 art groups, the Athena Art Society, the Tile Club of Toledo, and the ArtKlan, to meet for the purpose of establishing annual exhibitions of Toledo artists. The first meeting of TFAS was held on June 9, 1917, and the first exhibition was held in April 1918. Originally limited to citizens of Toledo proper, TFAS now accepts regional applicants from Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan. 


In addition to sponsoring exhibits, TFAS has established its own permanent collection of work by Toledo regional artists for exhibiting in the community. Beginning in 1948, TFAS provided one or more Purchase Awards at each Toledo Area Artists Exhibition and acquired work from the annual exhibit. Several retrospective exhibits featuring this work have been hosted over the years by the Toledo Museum of art, as well as local galleries, schools and universities. Single pieces were loaned to local hospitals, universities and corporations for the enjoyment and education of the public. The success of that project has culminated into a formal leasing program, developed in collaboration with the Toledo School for the Arts.

                           

After 100 years, TFAS members are focusing on recruiting members and following their strategic plan. Goals for the next 100 years include publication of a TFAS collection catalog, greater engagement in the regional community, and establishing a larger online presence, as well as continuing the organization’s commitment to promoting regional artists, sponsoring professional-level exhibitions, and maintaining and growing their regional art collection.

Under Kaaba by Craig Fisher, Colored Intaglio Print. TFAS Purchase Award in 1986.
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