By Jeffrey Darah
The Toledo Museum of Art made a significant stride toward accessibility with the opening of a gallery dedicated to local artists, funded by prominent Toledo philanthropists Robert and Sue Savage, who donated $200,000 for this purpose. The 800-square-foot Robert and Sue Savage Gallery was established to bridge the gap between the prestigious institution and the local arts community.
The gallery, which opened in 2022, addressed long-standing perceptions that art museums were elitist and inaccessible. Located adjacent to the museum’s cafe winter garden, the space was designed to showcase local talent alongside the museum’s world-renowned collection.
The gallery’s format features 20 works by a single local artist for 12-week periods, with artwork available for purchase. This arrangement gives local artists unprecedented exposure, with approximately 100,000 visitors viewing the gallery annually. Artists are selected based on thematic connections to the museum’s main exhibitions.
This exhibit currently shown, is by local Toledo oil painter Bernadine Rais. Initially focusing on portraiture and anatomy before finding her true calling in nocturnal landscapes.
The summer of 2020 marked a pivotal moment in her artistic evolution, as time spent outdoors led her to explore nighttime scenes in her hometown. Drawing inspiration from subtle details—sunset glimpses between houses, evening’s distinctive blue hues, and quiet moments in nature—Rais drives through Toledo after dark seeking emotionally resonant scenes. Her work aims to capture the contemplative essence of nighttime while creating a sense of universal connection.
https://toledomuseum.org/learn/community-gallery