WARREN Trumbull Art Gallery seeks new site

TAG plans to have shows in alternative places until a permanent location is found.
By DENISE DICK
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- Although the house that served as its stage has been sold, Trumbull Art Gallery officials are looking for a new location.
TAG has sold the historic Gillmer House on Mahoning Avenue, citing maintenance costs beyond its ability to pay. The gallery has been in the house since 1969. The Victorian mansion was built in 1854.
"The message that we want to get out to the public is that we're not going away," said Marie Dippolito, a past board member and an original member of the organization.
Last Gillmer show
The last show at the Gillmer House opens Nov. 3 and runs through Dec. 20. "The Path" is a collaboration of Trumbull Art Gallery and the art program of Forum Health Trumbull Memorial Hospital and traces TAG's 45-year history.
Marianne Nissen, one of the show's curators and a board member, said the show will include works from more than 40 past and present artists with roots in the area.
The gallery has been working with a volunteer staff since its director and only paid employee left several weeks ago.
"We're hoping the public will be patient with us as we move through this transition," said Nancy Foster, board president. "We're not sure where we'll end up."
Other shows planned
In the meantime, TAG plans to have shows in collaboration with Youngstown State University's Bliss Hall, at the McDonough Museum and at other alternative sites.
"We don't want to let the artists down," Foster said.
The organization also plans to continue its art classes at Trumbull Correctional Institution and at nursing homes.
TAG provided a venue for up-and-coming artists who may not be ready for a show at a larger gallery, board members said.
"TAG has a reputation with the Ohio Arts Council," Nissen said.
Attention, landlords
Board members are hoping a downtown property owner may offer an empty storefront space for the gallery to move into.
"Warren cannot really afford to lose another art organization," Nissen said, referring to the loss of the Great Lakes Ballet.
The organization provides an area for artists to meet. Dippolito participates in a weekly portrait group with artists from Warren, Youngstown, Niles and surrounding communities.
The group is part of Trumbull Area Artists, a new organization affiliated with TAG.
TAA membership costs $5, which covers newsletter costs. Portrait sessions, which meet from 9:30 a.m. to noon each Tuesday at the SCOPE Center, are $3 each to pay the person who models for the class.
Karen Fry, a member of TAG and TAA, said the organization focuses on adult artists. Payment may be sent to Fry at 249 Forest Glen S.W., Warren 44481-9678.
"We're trying to build a network of artists, coming together to share information and support each other," Fry said.
dick@vindy.com