“Welcome to Cone-y Island!” are the encouraging words from downtown Sylvania business owners. “These orange and white cones represent what is needed for our downtown. They signify a renewed, renovated, restored Main Street in downtown Sylvania. So we are celebrating! We are embracing this as progress and we’re going to have fun during the construction,” offered Red Bird Sylvania’s Creative Director Dani Fuller, owner of Fuller Art House, 5679 Main St.
The Main Street business owners agree. They are each planning innovations to make their shops easily accessible, comfortable, and inviting during the temporary construction project.
Those business owners who have back entrance access to the municipal parking lot behind the west side of the first block of Main Street have offered to share their entrances with neighbors who do not have this access. Well-marked signage is in the planning stage and will help customers and downtown visitors find their way easily, according to Fuller. “This is truly a group effort, all for the good of Sylvania,” she pointed out.
“Our First Friday Red Bird Art Walk themes promise to be quirky and fun-filled,” Fuller related. For example, the July theme is going to be “Mini Melt Down,” with the art galleries featuring “mini” art and restaurants offering small plates and taster flights. “Stay tuned for other exciting themes,” Fuller invited.
While the Art Walk themes change, a new group, Sylvania Writes, will continue to provide poetry slams and improv at Olive’s Restaurant during the First Friday events. Isabella Weik of Toledo Mindfulness Institute will be hosting a group of thrifters in her studio above Chandler Café at 5648 Main St., Suite 1.
The Art Walk and the Red Bird Art District concepts began as the brainchild of Fuller and Scott and Barb Hudson, owners of Hudson Gallery, nearly a decade ago. “This is a marketing strategy to encourage foot traffic to bring people into stores and move them from one Main Street business to another. People come in to experience the art or view whatever creative work a guest is exhibiting, and then discover what that shop offers. It’s a win-win,” Fuller explained.
“And our symbol, the Red Bird, actually a cardinal, just happens to be wearing a ‘cone’ on its head!”

Main Street business owners embrace Cone-y Island in downtown Sylvania