The Toledo Museum of Art is inviting everyone to “party off the page” at Literati! on Friday, Oct. 9, 2009, from 6:30–9:30 p.m. in the Museum’s former Art in Glass Gallery.

The social event celebrates the Museum’s fall exhibitions, three of which highlight the powerful connection between art and literature, imagery and words. Partygoers are encouraged to come as their favorite fictional character and be part of bringing “lit” to life.

Throughout the evening there will be hands-on activities, photo booths by photoboothlive.com, fabulous food and a cash bar. The event is free for members of the Museum. Non-members can purchase tickets for $20 by calling 419-255-8000 x 7448.

Exhibitions now on display or opening soon at the Museum include:

Chihuly Toledo!  

Through Nov. 29, Glass Pavilion
In 1970, Dale Chihuly was invited to the Toledo Museum of Art to showcase his creations in a study of contemporary art glass. The Seattle native’s contributions have been part of Toledo’s studio glass tradition ever since. Rarely seen sketches and early works by the famed glass artist drawn from the Museum’s own collection make up this special exhibit. Free admission.

LitGraphic: The World of the Graphic Novel

Oct. 2, 2009 ­­_­­- Jan. 3, 2010, Canaday Gallery

Organized by the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, Mass., LitGraphic features more than 146 artworks by 24 contemporary graphic novelists and historic practitioners of this ever-evolving art form. Free admission.

Storybook Stars: Award-Winning Illustrations from the Mazza Collection

Oct. 9, 2009 – Jan. 31, 2010, Works on Paper Galleries

What’s a storybook without pictures? See 75 enchanting illustrations from artists who have won major awards for their work in children’s books. Most works, which include illustrations by Maurice Sendak, Eric Carle, Arnold Lobel and Theodor Geisel (Dr. Seuss), are from the Dr. Jerry J. Mallett Institute’s Mazza Museum at the University of Findlay. Free admission.

Word Play

Oct. 16, 2009­­­­­ – Feb. 7, 2010, Gallery 18

Many visual artists look to activate viewers’ imaginations not by depicting the recognizable, but by incorporating language to invoke imagery in the viewer’s mind. Word Play draws from throughout the Toledo Museum of Art’s permanent collection—focusing on works produced in the last 50 years—to examine the stimulating linkage between text and contemporary art. Free admission.

The exhibitions are made possible by Museum members and by the Ohio Arts Council, which helps to fund programs with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans.