TOLEDO – Toledo is a city with art in its DNA. For years, the Toledo Museum of Art has anchored a thriving creative scene, but its heartbeat often pulses through more unconventional spaces. Artomatic 419, a beloved, grassroots festival that once drew a cult following, went quiet after 2015. Now, after a decade-long hiatus, the festival is returning to the Erie Street Market with its original mission: to transform an underutilized building into a vibrant hub of creativity and to fill the city with art once again.
The event’s unique, non-juried model is central to its enduring appeal. As Chloe Nousias, the festival’s marketing and communications manager, explains, the event is built on a culture of inclusivity and experimentation.
“We really tried to make it clear that it’s for anyone and everyone, and we want people to get experimental,” she said. “It’s a place to try things you might not have tried before, have anywhere else to try them.”
This open-door policy has attracted a wide range of talent, from seasoned professionals to first-time exhibitors. With over 200 artists participating, the sheer volume and variety of work on display will be a testament to Toledo’s diverse creative landscape. The festival will showcase everything from painters and photographers to poets and filmmakers, all sharing a single space in what Nousias calls an embodiment of the city’s “fun, weird personality” and its “DIY culture.” The atmosphere is meant to encourage conversation and connection, helping to foster a stronger artistic community in Toledo.
Photos courtesy of The Arts Commission…