Carlson Gallery Series
The University Libraries Gallery Series began in August 2023 with 6 shows and one gallery. In August 2024 year it expanded with 8 shows spread across two galleries in the Carlson Library. Beginning in August 2025 the Gallery Series will feature a regular schedule of shows listed below:
2025 - 2026 Series
Local Artist Exhibit: Remarkable Spaces
Matthew McNulty
South Gallery
August 25 - October 17, 2025
Athanas has lived a creator’s life since his early teens. Originally a stage and musical performer, he moved into the visual arts, allowing his quirky imagination room to roam across various media such as drawing, watercolor, and sculpture with an eye on the quirkiness of the English language. His work, whether 2D or 3D, attempts to let others into his vision of the world, with all its challenges, darkness and smatterings of beauty.
Rocket Dreams: A Legacy of Space Travel
North Gallery
September 3 – October 24, 2025
In celebration of World Space Week, the University Library proudly presents Rocket Dreams – A Legacy of Space Travel, an exhibition that captures humanity’s enduring fascination with the stars.
From the earliest visions of rocketry to the awe-inspiring achievements of modern space exploration, this exhibit showcases a visual timeline of space science history. Through curated photographs, archival images, and artistic representations, Rocket Dreams honors the scientists, engineers, astronauts, and dreamers who have helped shape our cosmic journey.
World Space Week is an annual, international celebration of science and technology held every year from October 4–10. This year’s exhibit is a tribute to the bold steps and boundless imagination that continue to drive our reach for the stars.
Step inside. Look up. Dream big.
UToledo Employee Art Exhibition
South Gallery
October 27 – December 12, 2025
This juried show is open to all faculty and staff at the University of Toledo.
Art Student Showcase
North Gallery
November 3 - December 12, 2025
A show from the undergraduate Bachelor or Art (BA) and Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) students at the university.
Drawn into Conflict: The Evolution of War Comics
Gerald Natal
South Gallery
January 12 - February 27, 2026
Once considered distraction for children, the medium of comic books has had a profound effect on American culture. The impact of comics is evident in popular media, entertainment and consumer culture; superheroes serve as cultural icons and archetypes; comics are used as tools for political and educational ends.
Comics have attained such a level of respect as to warrant serious academic attention—and in the case of Art Spiegelman’s graphic novel Maus—been awarded the Pulitzer Prize. Perhaps most importantly, comics reflect the society in which they exist and so have proven valuable time capsules to study socio-political change. This is no more evident than when comics are viewed under the lens of war.
"Drawn into Conflict: The Evolution of War Comics" explores war as propaganda, examines gender roles, and illustrates how the lowly comic book served to endorse and criticize, as well as provide an escape from war.
Layers
Barbra Miner, Deb Davis
North Gallery
January 20 – March 13, 2026
Using mixed media and different approaches to art practice, Deb A. Davis and Barbara Minercreate artworks inspired by the resilience of nature, meditative observation, scientific processes, and the impact of human biology and behavior.
Shapes, textures, and mark making techinques push the visual elements through layers of revelation, camouflage, and concealment.
Undergraduate Film Festival
South Gallery
March 9 – May 1, 2026
Our gallery transforms into a little theatre for a festival of work from our undergraduate Bachelor of Art Film students.
Your Manga, Your Way: A Campus Exhibition
North Gallery
March 24 – May 2, 2026
This exhibit invites UToledo students to showcase their creativity through manga-inspired fan art. From classic characters to original creations, this student-centered exhibition celebrates the artistry and imagination of manga fans across campus.