First Weekend Art Celebration

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 Every month, the town of Toledo takes a weekend to celebrate their arts community and invite the public to join in during First Weekend, a monthly opportunity to connect with their local artisans. For August 1 & 2, 2026, we are joining with ART Toledo's Art, Oysters & Brews event - check out live music, local brews, and art on Main Street all weekend!

The Yaquina River Museum of Art will feature a painting by Ed Young, “The Other Side Crew” from the Permanent Collection. Ed is an artist who lived in Toledo for two years and showed his work in many other places both nationally and internationally. He met his wife Linda in South Africa, and they ultimately settled in Philomath. In asking Linda about this painting, she felt that maybe it was done from looking at a sketch or photo of the Toledo waterfront, and that he was lured by the linear forms of the woodwork and then decided to add the figures. The piece demonstrates Young’s signature style of vibrant color and deep contrast. See this work, enjoy complimentary refreshments, and participate in a free raffle to win a mini art print from the Yaquina Exhibit at the Vicarage House, located at 140 NE Alder Street from Noon-4PM Saturday and Sunday. Be sure to pay a visit to YRMA's volunteers at the Museum's booth on Main Street during the Art, Oysters & Brews event. 

Sharing the Vicarage House with the Yaquina River Museum of Art, the works of the late celebrated regional artist Michael Gibbons will be featured. Shown in the window display will be “Gazing Globe in Our Garden,” a 12”x12” oil bathed in the warm colors of summer. The work was painted in September of 2011, Gibbons felt that year was the most beautiful the garden had ever been. The red and gold flowers, and the gazing globe as the focal point, are demonstrated by being the area with the crispest lines, with the reflection of the Vicarage House nested in the globe. The garden remains true to this ideal, with the plants, bricks, and hedges revolving and surrounding the gazing globe reflecting its beauty back. See this display as well as other original works by the late artist at the Vicarage House from Noon to 4PM, Saturday and Sunday. For more information on Michael Gibbons, please visit michaelgibbons.net

Just a block over, Ivan Kelly Studio-Gallery will feature Kelly’s original oil works. Known for his dynamic landscapes, maritime paintings, and big game works, Ivan Kelly’s style captures the drama of a moment. On display is “Incoming at Seal Rock, Dawn,” a seascape depicting powerful Pacific waves crashing against the rugged rock formations as the dawn’s twilight shifts across the scene. This original juried int the top 20 Finalists in the Modern Impressionist Salon this May and June, judged by internationally renowned artist Tad Retz. See this work and more at Ivan Kelly Studio – Gallery. Located at 207 East Graham Street, the gallery will be open from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. For more information, visit www.IvanKelly.com or call 541-336-1124.

At Posh & Polished, the salon will be featuring the work of Kim Woolfolk of Two Torties. Having always had a passion for art, Kim found her creative calling through hairstyling as her profession, and after moving to the Coast, rekindled her passion for visual art through her painted works. Upon discovering a local rock painting community page on Facebook, Woolcraft found inspiration to participate in painting her own rocks for others to discover and eventually expand her work to other community-based art projects. Kim describes her style as whimsical, colorful, nostalgic, and fun. “I love creating pieces that unlock memories of people’s childhoods,” says the artist. See her art throughout the month of August and meet the artist during First Weekend to talk about her work. Posh & Polished Salon is located at 207 E. Highway 20.

On Main Street, Bruster’s Whimsy will feature a newly crafted diorama for visitors to enjoy. The display features a collection of hand-painted gladiators from the Jugula tabletop game. Each miniature figure is hand painted, detailing the grit of ancient Rome with worn armor and scarred shields. Bruster’s Whimsy celebrates creativity in many forms. Along with hundreds of boardgames and historical miniature tabletop games, the café welcomes the painters, the gamers, and the curious through its doors, encouraging others to immerse themselves into new worlds. Bruster’s Whimsy is located at 139 S. Main St. and will be open from 1 to 5 p.m. on Saturday and from 1 to 7 p.m. on Sunday.