Some of the best art in the Mahoning Valley can't be seen in any gallery, at least until now.
Trumbull Art Gallery is tapping into the private collections of local residents for the exhibition "From the Collection of Area Art Lovers," which opens Saturday at the downtown Warren gallery.
"These treasures are hidden in the houses," curator Marianne Nissen said. "They will be surprised."
Nissen said she contacted people she knew who were art collectors and also tapped into the collection she helped assemble at Trumbull Memorial Hospital as director of its art program.
"We're going from the oldest, about 500 years old, to the latest in contemporary styles," she said.
The show features two-dimensional and three-dimensional works by such artists as Salvador Dali, Paul Jenkins, Richard Avedon, Erte, Claus Olenberg, Robert Motherwell and Nassos Daphnis. In all there are about 80 works from 22 collectors, and Nissen said nearly everyone she contacted lent works for the exhibitions, although some of the contributors asked to remain anonymous.
"Some were wildly enthusiastic," she said. "They really take pride and joy in displaying this to a younger generation of collectors."
One of the goals of the show is to fuel an interest in art collecting, Nissen said, and those attending the show can start their own collections at "Art to Go," TAG's annual holiday show and sale featuring the work of regional artists with all prices at less than $200.
"From the Collection of Area Art Lovers" and "Art to Go" will be on display Saturday through Dec. 22 at Trumbull Art Gallery, 196-198 E. Market St. An opening reception is planned from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, and several of the collectors will participate in the program "Collections - Passion and Purpose" from 2 to 4 p.m. Dec. 2.
Expanded TAG hours during the run of "Art to Go" is noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. A TAG holiday open house is planned from noon to 6 p.m. Nov. 29 with a holiday party from 6 to 8 p.m., and an Artists' Day with crafts and demonstrations is planned from noon to 6 p.m. Nov. 30.
For more information, call 330-395-4876.