Welcome to the Collingwood Arts Center

Photo courtesy of Brian K. Felster

The History

The facility of the Collingwood Arts Center is the former convent for
the Ursuline Order of the Sacred Heart, and later housed the Mary Manse College and St. Ursula Academy. It is a registered historical site. Architect E. O. Fallis designed the building, a "Flemish Gothic" structure with a mix of Gothic and Romanesque styles. Fallis' other architectural credits include the Mansion View Inn, The Bartley House, and the Valentine Theatre, as well as numerous residential and institutional buildings in the Toledo area. The first wing of the structure was completed and ready for occupancy on September 6, 1905.

The theatre follows the same architectural style, with Neo-Baroque embellishments in two crowns over the box seats at stage left and right. The theatre seats 609 and is used by local and national theatre groups, musicians, and other performances of a community nature. Its acoustics are uniquely suited to chamber music, piano recitals, stage productions, and other small-group performances. The theatre now houses an 8 rank 3 manual theatre pipe organ, dubbed 'The New State Theatre Organ' as the beautiful ivory console is the original console from the State Theatre that stood across Collingwood Blvd. from the center for some 70 years. The theatre was later named after Lois M. Nelson, whose tireless work and vision made the Collingwood Arts Center what it is today.

The Gerber House is the white painted-brick home in the front of the complex that faces Collingwood Boulevard. The Gerber House was built in 1872 before the completion of Collingwood Boulevard. Christian Gerber, a local merchant, spared no expense in the construction of his dream home. From the elegant parlors with 15 foot high ceilings and solid walnut doors to the fixtures on the fireplace mantels, the Gerber House shows the craftsmanship of another era. Cost over-runs doubled the initial projected cost of the house, and in 1875 Gerber declared bankruptcy as a result of over extended credit and poor economic conditions. The Ketcham and Laskey families took possession of the house in later years. Today, the parlors remain open to the public for art exhibitions, small conferences and meetings, and other functions. The second, third floor rooms and tower are now rented to artist residents of the Collingwood Arts Center.

The Mission

Providing the people and arts community of greater Toledo a unique space wherein creativity, diversity and artistic expression is fostered and nourished thus serving the educational, social, and aesthetic needs of our region.

The Overview

The Collingwood Arts Center is a residential community where dance, music, visual arts and literary arts are created and presented not only for the region, but with connection to the arts throughout the United States and abroad. Our preservation and restoration of the grounds and historic buildings on the campus of Collingwood Arts Center is vital to supporting the beauty of Toledo’s Old West End where we are located.

The Programs

CAC Artist in residence Program:
Provides residency to artists with studio, storage and living spaces, enabling them to develop their art form. We provide artists with low rental rates, marketing, grant support and opportunities to perform or exhibit their art. The program also provides and extensive library of resources assisting visual, performing and language artists. Support services include a food bank, computer lab and wholesale reproduction of art on canvas.

The Lois M. Nelson Theatre and Performing Arts Program:
The 600 seat historic theatre is a rare surviving example of early 20th century Art Nouveau architecture. In addition to events sponsored by CAC, the theatre is host to local, regional and national companies renting the facility thus enhancing our financial base. CAC hosts a monthly classic film series as well as music from a 1927 theatre pipe organ installed in the theatre. For more intimate events such as poetry readings, smaller musical recitals and meetings, the parlors of the historic Gerber House as well as other rooms are utilized.

CAC Arts Education Program:
The Collingwood Arts Center provides opportunities for the general public through classes, workshops and art camp activities. This program encourages growth in the arts through instruction, practice and performance. The two resident young people’s theatre companies — Children's Theatre Workshop and ToDAY Productions give added opportunities for children and young people to experience theatre arts first hand.

The Spaces

• Residential
• Studio
• Gallery
• Performance
• Classroom
• Workshop
• Dance Studio

The Upcoming Events