Art can be found everywhere, from the graffiti on a railroad car to the brick façade of a downtown building. It just takes a keen observer to appreciate it.
Marcia King is one of those observers. As the founder of the Toledo LOVES Murals project, King shares her fascination with others, highlighting murals and muralists that are local as well as national and even international.
“One day, I was driving down South Broadway and came upon this fascinating wonderland of murals,” King said. “I asked myself ‘Who did all these? When?’ I did a little bit of research and discovered many of these murals were the result of a BGSU student art project and collaboration with acclaimed California muralist/artist Mario Torero.”
“Soon after, I was dining at Manhattan’s and discovered some of the Adams Street murals. No one I talked with knew about the existence of these murals. That’s when I decided to start a murals Facebook page, so others could discover area murals, too.”
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Toledo LOVES Murals community
King enlisted the help of her son-in-law, Bill Carr, who serves as a co-administrator. Carr is an accomplished photographer with an interest in street art. His photography is often featured at the site.
Carr describes himself as “an amateur photographer who enjoys nothing more than a wander with my camera through the city.”
Carr and King began curating a collection of murals on their site. They pinpointed locations and provided information on the artists.
“Initially, we created photo albums of various murals, a Google map and file identifying mural locations and info, and pdf files containing additional detailed information on some of the murals,” King said. “ Unfortunately through the years, links became unlinked, photos and information disappeared off the maps, and downloadable files ceased to open. That flower died on the vine.”
King did not give up. The site morphed from a catalog of information into a space for sharing.
“What did endure is photo and news sharing, again, by the admin and members. Lots of photos of new murals, favorite murals, murals in the works, murals encountered while traveling.”
Sharing a love of art
Today, muralists can upload photos, create albums, and share announcements about artistic opportunities. The site has become a public space for sharing and creating an art-loving community.
“The Toledo area has really great murals all over the metro area. Interior, exterior, and probably in every neighborhood. Classic and legacy murals, edgy and urban, student and professional. In alleys, on highways, in parks and downtowns. We can help you find them.”
Carr feels that the project is valuable to the Northwest Ohio community for many reasons.
“I think it shows a positive side to the city, providing a contrast to negativity that can sometimes permeate talk of Toledo. It’s a page to share and celebrate and promote the murals and muralists of Toledo and Northwest Ohio.”
For more information, visit the Toledo LOVES Murals page here: facebook.com/groups/ToledoLOVESMurals
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