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Greater Downtown Dayton Plan

Applications Now Being Accepted For Pop Up Shops!

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Activated Spaces, an initiative to fill downtown storefronts, is accepting applications for short-term retail and service businesses to open downtown this spring as part of the twelfth phase of its Pop-Up Shop Project. The project matches business owners and entrepreneurs with downtown property owners who have first-floor storefront space available for occupancy.

Baker Salvage Co. on St. Clair

Interested retailers should fill out an application, which can be filled out online at www.activatedspaces.org, or downloaded and emailed to Jen Cadieux at cadieux@downtowndayton.org. The application deadline is 5 pm Friday, February 17. Tenants will be notified the week of March 6, and retailers must be ready to open in May.

Lease lengths will range from three to six months. The spaces will have varying lease rates, but will be leased below market value. Activated Spaces volunteers will connect retailers with commercial property owners, help make the space move-in ready, and promote the business during such events as First Friday and Summer in the City. Selected businesses will negotiate leasing terms directly with the selected property owner, but flexibility for the tenant is a priority.

Activated Spaces volunteers are building on the success of the Pop-Up Project’s previous phases. Thirteen of the businesses that have opened as part of the Pop-Up Project are still including: Beaute Box, 116 W. Fifth St.; Peace on Fifth, 234 Dutoit St.; Vintage Barbershop, 110 W. Fifth St.; Spice Paradise, 16 Brown St.; Hicks’ Barber Shop, 16 Brown St.;  Twist Cupcakery, 25 S. St. Clair St.; Fronana, 27 W. 1st St; Mitosis Creative, 14 W. 1st St. Suite 302; Baker Salvage Co, 31 S. St. Clair St.; Starred by Tamika, 37 S. St. Clair St.; Buckeye Laptop, 133 N. Ludlow; and Soccer Shots, 39 S. St. Clair St.  Since the inception of the project in 2011, more than 21,000 square feet of previously vacant space has been occupied and 41 new jobs have been created.

Commercial property owners interested in offering space to Pop-Up owners should contact Jen Cadieux at 937-224-1518. Once a match is made, a small stipend is available to be distributed at the discretion of the Activated Spaces team to each of the businesses each month for the first three months to assist in off-setting startup costs.

The Pop-Up Project is driven by volunteers from the young professional organizations UpDayton and Generation Dayton with support from the Downtown Dayton Partnership, the City of Dayton, the City of Dayton Neighborhood Mini-Grant program, and community volunteers. Activated Spaces is part of the Greater Downtown Dayton Plan, a strategic blueprint for the future of downtown.

Dayton: A City Worth Fighting For

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E-blastAnnualMeeting_smaller2Get an update on progress through the Greater Downtown Dayton Plan during a special community meeting.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned about this city since I moved here in 2009, it’s that Dayton doesn’t give up. It’s true we’ve had our share of setbacks, but we also have a history of bouncing back tougher than ever.

In 2010, community leaders from the public and private sectors rolled out a new strategic plan for our city’s urban core called the Greater Downtown Dayton Plan. In it, you’ll find the framework for a healthy and vibrant downtown as well as the surrounding neighborhoods. But why downtown? Why not just call it quits? We had been outed by a national publication as “dying”; what’s the use in fighting?

Daytonians don’t give up. Perhaps it’s something coded in our DNA, but whatever the reason, Dayton denizens have a long tradition of sticking up for what they believe in. Flood knock out your city? Big deal; we’ll rebuild. Impossible notion of human-powered flight? Hey ma, watch this! Our city’s got grit and determination, and today I’m pleased to invite you to witness the latest blow to any nay-sayer who dogs Dayton.

title-board-infographicThe Greater Downtown Dayton Plan community update is scheduled for 3:30-5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19, in the Wintergarden area at the Schuster Performing Arts Center, right in the heart of downtown Dayton. Mix and mingle with other people like you who refuse to quit. Our presentation will begin at 4 p.m. Those who love boring PowerPoint presentations and staid speakers should sit this one out; our presentation will be fast-paced and dynamic, featuring new promotional videos. We’ll begin and end with live music, to boot.

Find out why downtown not only is worth saving, it’s worth growing. Roughly 42,000 employees, 20,000 residents, and 40,000 students call the greater downtown area home. We see more than 7 million visitors every year. Surprised? You shouldn’t be; downtown Dayton reflects a national trend. Downtowns are filling a special niche: to be places where people have an active, convenient lifestyle. Creating that place is integral to attracting investment, as well as retaining and creating jobs because more businesses are locating and expanding where people want to be — and more of them want to be in vibrant, diverse cities where they can live, work, play and learn within walkable distances. This is the future of our city, and the Greater Downtown Dayton Plan is our blueprint to achieve it.

Here’s a little sneak peek at some of the highlights the plan has achieved since it launched in 2010:

  • $408.5 million: Projects completed
  • $182.1 million: Projects currently in development
  • $81 million: Investments in downtown’s educational institutions
  • $72 million: Amount invested in walking and biking corridors
  • $1 million: Amount of capital funding secured to launch a bike share in 2015
  • $5.47 million: Total river corridor investments, including the RiverScape River Run

There’s still a lot of work that needs to be done, and we’ll continue to lean on the support of our community. But let’s take one day to reflect on all the good things happening in Dayton. Let’s take a moment and talk about our progress. Let’s get a glimpse of progress in the pipelines and start to see the future of our city as a vibrant, active community. Let’s look at a million more reasons why Dayton is a city worthy of attention from the rest of the world as a place where don’t wait on salvation to be delivered to us; we’re a city with momentum, and we did it ourselves.

Please RSVP to turner@downtowndayton.org or call (937) 224-1518 ext. 221, and we’ll be sure to save you a seat at the Greater Downtown Dayton Plan community update.

Newest Pop-Up Shops Announced Downtown

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pop upTwo new businesses will open downtown on Friday, May 10, as part of the fourth phase of the Pop-Up Project.

Peace Pilates will offer small group and private Pilates classes in their new studio space. Owner Vanessa Corrigan has been teaching Pilates for 12 years, including private lessons out of her home loft and is looking forward to starting a storefront. Workouts are custom created based on clients’ needs and goals. Peace Pilates will be located at 27 S. St. Clair St. in the St. Clair Lofts.

green

Green Baby’s philosophy

Green Baby will offer environmentally friendly products for the family, including cloth diapering, baby carriers, and products for holistic approaches to health and healing. The store also plans to host classes and community events. Green Baby will be an advocate for local businesses and producers, as 100% of their products are made in the U.S., many being developed in the Dayton area. Green Baby will be located at 31 S. St. Clair St. in the St. Clair Lofts.

The opening of Green Baby and Peace Pilates builds on the success of the Pop-Up Project’s first three phases, launched in November 2011, May 2012, and September 2012. Two of the initial three businesses in the pilot are still thriving: Beaute Box, 116 W. Fifth St., and Peace on Fifth, 508 E. Fifth St. American π, 37 S. St. Clair St, and Sew Dayton, 16 Brown St., are both still open from the second and third phases of the project.

Activated Spaces’ Pop-Up Project, which has helped fill 10,285 square feet of first floor retail space during its four phases, is led by volunteers from the young professional organizations Generation Dayton and UpDayton. The project is a strategic effort to fill vacant street-level space and spur interest in opening a business downtown that’s part of the Greater Downtown Dayton Plan, a strategic blueprint for the future of downtown.

“The Pop-Up Shops have helped enliven downtown while building on growing momentum for the center city,” said Tom Razauskas, who owns the building housing Beaute Box. “It has been refreshing to work with volunteers and business owners who really believe in downtown and are excited about its future.”

“The Pop-Up Project provides a low-risk, low-cost, flexible way to showcase local businesses while adding vibrancy to downtown,” said Shanon Potts, a past chair of Generation Dayton and Activated Spaces volunteer. “The long-term goal of the project is to convert temporary leases into traditional leases, while establishing downtown as a regional destination for shopping for one-of-a-kind items and retail services.”

activated“This project also supports local, creative entrepreneurs as they take a risk and test out their business concepts while bringing renewed life to downtown storefronts,” said Scott Murphy, past chair of UpDayton and Activated Spaces volunteer. “Visitors who support these pop-up shops will help to spur a more permanent retail environment in our downtown ― the next step in downtown revitalization.”

Visit www.activatedspaces.org or e-mail getinvolved@updayton.com for more information about Activated Spaces.

Pop-Up Projects Seeking Entrepreneurs to Open Businesses in Downtown Dayton

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Pop Up ShopActivated Spaces, an initiative to fill downtown storefronts, is accepting applications for temporary retail and service businesses to open downtown this spring as part of the fourth phase of its Pop-up Project. The project matches business owners and entrepreneurs with downtown property owners who have first-floor storefront space available for occupancy.

Interested retailers should fill out an application, which can be downloaded at www.activatedspaces.org, and email it to Jen Cadieux at cadieux@downtowndayton.org. The application deadline is 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 15. Tenants will be selected March 8, and retailers must be ready to open no later than Friday, April 26, in time for the spring Urban Nights.  

Lease lengths will range from three to six months. The spaces will have varying lease rates, but will be leased below market value. Activated Spaces volunteers will connect retailers with commercial property owners, help make the space move-in ready, and promote the business during such events as First Friday and Urban Nights. Selected businesses will negotiate leasing terms directly with the selected property owner, but flexibility for the tenant is a priority.

American Pi

American Pi

Activated Spaces volunteers hope to build on the success of the Pop-Up Project’s first three phases. Four of the businesses that have opened as part of the Pop-Up Project are still open: Beaute Box, 116 W. Fifth St.; Peace on Fifth, 508 E. Fifth St.; American Pi, 37 S. St. Clair St.; and Sew Dayton, 16 Brown St.

Commercial property owners interested in offering space to interested Pop-Up Shop owners should contact Jen Cadieux at 937-224-1518. Participating property owners will be listed on the Activated Spaces website. Once a match is made, a limited amount of money is available to be distributed at the discretion of the Activated Spaces team for such purposes as offsetting utility costs, making cosmetic improvements to the space or other necessities for making the space operational.

Activated Spaces, a volunteer-led initiative spearheaded by young professional organizations Generation Dayton and updayton, has three main goals:

• reactivate and beautify vacant storefronts with creative displays

• encourage entrepreneurs, artists and community groups to occupy space for short- and long- term uses

• showcase downtown properties and increase interest and investment in available space

Activated Spaces is part of the Greater Downtown Dayton Plan, a strategic blueprint for the future of downtown. Those interested in volunteering with Activated Spaces should e-mail getinvolved@updayton.com.

 

Patterson Canal Parkway: Connecting Downtown Culture

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Image: MorrisTerra www.morristerra.com

For years, Dayton city planners and downtown advocates have heard the same remark over and over:  downtown has many individual assets, but they need to be better connected physically. If one parks for a Dragons game and then walks to bars in the Oregon District, or watches a movie at the Neon and goes for a stroll to Riverscape, the pedestrian experience tends to leave something to be desired.

Pylons to tell the story of the canal

That will soon change with the completion of the Patterson Boulevard Canal Parkway Project, a half-mile, $2 million complete overhaul of the pedestrian amenities between Second and Sixth Streets. Elements include new landscaping, lighting, historical signage, sidewalks and crosswalks.

“Through conversations and focus groups for the Greater Downtown Dayton Plan,” says Sandy Gudorf of the Downtown Dayton Partnership, “we heard a clear desire to make downtown more walkable and connected, and its eastern edge is our strongest residential area. We’re excited that the City of Dayton has acted so quickly on this critical infrastructure.”

Reinterpreting the Past

The Winters monument is currently being re-installed after many decades in storage.

The City of Dayton is implementing the project with funds from the Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission, who helped define the project with a focus on the history of the Miami-Erie Canal. Its story will be interpreted through text and graphics on striped pylons.The canal ran from Toledo to Cincinnati and crossed Dayton through the path that is now Patterson Boulevard. Construction began in 1825 and lasted twenty years, providing physically demanding work for many Dayton residents and growing our size considerably. Though it was a key shipping artery, the canal struggled to compete with rail throughout its life and suffered a final death blow with the 1913 flood, yet wasn’t filled in for a quarter-century.

Another relic from Dayton’s past – a monument removed from the old library site – has been unearthed from a City of Dayton storage yard after fifty years. The former fountain is being installed at the eastern edge of Cooper Park, greeting pedestrians on the Canal Parkway. The monument was dedicated to Ambrose Winters, a lawyer credited with rallying support for much of Dayton’s early streetscape infrastructure. Project manager Amy Walbridge says, “As a citizen of Dayton, I am so very happy about this.  While it’s important to look forward, it’s good to look back and see what great work the citizens of Dayton who came before us did for this community.”

The new public sculpture ‘Fluid Dynamics’ will be installed in conjunction with the Canal Parkway Project.

Looking Forward to a Thriving Downtown Neighborhood

Even prior to construction, downtown residents began embracing Patterson Boulevard as the important center to their emerging neighborhood. Last year a group of volunteers made dramatic improvements to the triangular greenspace at Fourth Street, with new seating, landscaping, and art. That small park will see even more transformation with the upcoming installation of the major new public sculpture ‘Fluid Dynamics’ by local artist Jon Barlow Hudson. The sculpture was commissioned thanks to a $55,000 donation from the Pflaum family and its pedestal has already been constructed as part of the Canal Parkway infrastructure.

Some of the new lighting that will brighten the downtown landscape

Downtown resident, realtor, and Priority Board Chair Steve Seboldt senses new enthusiasm for downtown living. “I think the rapid sales of the townhouses by Simms [Patterson Square] shows that people are interested in the livability of downtown. The improved walkway on Patterson will encourage people to walk to Oregon and around Downtown.”

Construction for the Canal Parkway is scheduled to be completed in the first half of December 2012.

New Pop-Up Shop “Sew Dayton” to Open in Downtown Dayton

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A new business will open downtown on Friday, Sept. 7, as part of the third phase of the Pop-Up Project, part of an initiative to fill downtown storefronts called Activated Spaces. Sew Dayton, owned by two seamstresses, will offer fabric and patterns, custom party dresses, bags, and a variety of accessories, as well as offer classes.

Sew Dayton will pop up for an initial six months at 16 Brown St. in the Oregon District. The store will be open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Hours will be extended to 9 p.m. during First Fridays and Urban Nights. The store’s number is 937-234-7938.

Tracy McElfresh, left, and Jesy Anderson are opening Sew Dayton, a new Pop-Up Shop operated through Activiated Spaces. The store, which will host a soft opening during the Sept. 7 First Friday, will offer sewing classes, custom clothing items and accessories.

Sew Dayton is a collaboration between two existing businesses, Dresses by Tracy McElfresh and JKessel Design. McElfresh is a third-generation seamstress. Her business partner, Jesy Anderson, began sewing three years ago and has not stopped. Together, the pair is excited to bring their love for fabric to a downtown storefront as they continue to offer their custom-designed products and as they teach the art of sewing to others.

Sew Dayton also has a Kickstarter fundraising webpage, and its $5,000 goal has been met through pledges by more than 70 backers. In return for their pledge, these backers will receive anything from handmade zipper pouches or headbands to private sewing lessons, depending on their level of investment.

The opening of Sew Dayton builds on the success of the Pop-Up Project’s first two phases, launched in November 2011 and May 2012. Two of the initial three businesses in the pilot are approaching their one-year anniversary: Beaute Box, 116 W. Fifth St., and Peace on Fifth, 519 E. Fifth St. All three shops from the second phase remain open for business and include: American π, 37 S. St. Clair St., Arin, 27 S. St. Clair St. and Vintage Barbershop, 110 W. Fifth St.

Two more Pop-Up Shops will open as part of the third phase of the project. They will be announced soon and are anticipated to open this fall.

Activated Spaces’ Pop-Up Project, which helped fill 5,730 square feet of retail space during its first two phases, is led by volunteers from the young professional organizations Generation Dayton and updayton. The project is a strategic effort to fill vacant street-level space and spur interest in opening a business downtown that’s part of the Greater Downtown Dayton Plan, a strategic blueprint for the future of downtown.

“The Pop-Up Shops have helped enliven downtown while building on growing momentum for the center city,” said Tom Razauskas, who owns the building housing Beaute Box and Vintage Barbershop. “It has been refreshing to work with volunteers and business owners who really believe in downtown and are excited about its future.”

“The Pop-Up Project provides a low-risk, low-cost, flexible way to showcase local businesses while adding vibrancy to downtown,” said Shanon Potts, a past chair of Generation Dayton and Activated Spaces volunteer. “The long-term goal of the project is to convert temporary leases into traditional leases, while establishing downtown as a regional destination for shopping for one-of-a-kind items and retail services.”

“This project also supports local, creative entrepreneurs as they take a risk and test out their business concepts while bringing renewed life to downtown storefronts,” said Scott Murphy, immediate past chair of updayton and Activated Spaces volunteer. “Visitors who support these pop-up shops will help to spur a more permanent retail environment in our downtown ― the next step in downtown revitalization.”

Visit www.activatedspaces.org or e-mail getinvolved@updayton.com for more information about Activated Spaces.

Why you should “give a dam” about the River Run project

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A rendering of the River Run project downtown.

If you’re no stranger to this blog, you’re probably familiar with the Last Dam Summer campaign that kicked off about a month ago. If not, the Cliff’s Notes version is that Five Rivers MetroParks is planning to remove the low dam near the Dayton Art Institute and install bank stabilization features along the Great Miami River that will pull double duty as kayak play areas. This is all part of the Greater Downtown Dayton Plan, which includes other totally cool projects like the Patterson Corridor improvements that will connect the Oregon District to RiverScape MetroPark and Fifth Third Field.”

“Sounds interesting, Ms. Beerbower, but I gotta ask, ‘what’s in it for me?'”

I’m very glad you asked that because you stand to receive benefits directly AND indirectly! No coupon required!

First, let’s explore the direct benefits. If you’re even the slightest bit intrigued by paddle sports, such as kayaking and canoeing, you’re going to love the 7-mile stretch of water trail you can explore once the low dam is removed. Low dams are dangerous to paddle sport enthusiasts because of the under current the flow creates, which sucks you in and keeps you underwater. Low dams are not part of the larger flood control structure, so let’s not even go there. (Plus I’m pretty sure the Miami Conservancy District would have words with us if we screwed up their anti-flood management system that’s been working for about a century now.)

“Hey wait a second, I don’t own a kayak, nor do I possess the skills required to navigate our region’s plentiful water trail system, even though it looks like a lot of fun. Now what’s in it for me?”

Place making: All the cool kids are doing it!

Another great question, friend. Now it’s my turn to ask a question — what are some of your favorite hang-out spots? What do you love about them? Any spots on that list qualify as a cool place for “people watching”? This concept of place making is just as important as an indirect benefit of the River Run project. People like to be where there are other people (generally speaking). If you’re hungry and you pull up to a street with two restaurants side-by-side that are indistinguishable from physical appearance, yet the parking lot of one restaurant is packed and the other is not, which restaurant do you choose? They must be doing something right at the first restaurant, otherwise, why would the parking lot be so crowded? The social creatures we are, popularity or even just the suggestion of broad social acceptance is enough to make us aspire to be like that person, or in that place. That’s the indirect benefit of creating an attractive place for people to hang out — more people will want to hang out!

Pull the scope up even higher, and the longer-term implications include new businesses, specifically retail and dining options, along the river corridor. What’s that old saying? “Wherever two or three are gathered…someone will try to sell them something?” OK, not exactly, but that’s the basic principle behind this if-you-built-it-they-will-come strategy.

The benefits aren’t restricted to us bipedal residents, either. Wildlife living in and around the river will enjoy nicer digs thanks to restoration efforts. Re-emergence of larger river-dwelling predators like great blue heron or otters is an indicator of a highly stable, healthy river.

“OK, I concede that the warm- and cold-blooded residents of Dayton could gain much from the River Run project, but I would feel more enthusiastic about it if I could be a direct beneficiary.”

What’s stopping you? Paddle sports are a fun and low-cost way to enjoy the abundance of waterways in our region. Save up some cash for the up-front costs, like the boat, a paddle and a life jacket. Beyond that, it’s up to you how intense you’d like to get. There are retailers like Whitewater Warehouse and Great Miami Outfitters who have the gear you need to get on the water. Five Rivers MetroParks can hook you up with paddle sport programs that will progress you from novice to river jockey in no time. Our retailer friends also have classes, so access to info is no excuse!

Photo courtesy Leah Stahl. Rent kayaks Saturdays now through Labor Day from Ride the River Rentals at RiverScape MetroPark.

If that still seems too daunting, try getting your feet wet (guffaw!) by renting a kayak this Saturday. Kayak rentals are available from Ride the River Rentals at RiverScape MetroPark now through Labor Day. Kayaks are available Saturdays, and bike, tandem bike, kiddie trailer or roller blades may be rented Saturdays and Sundays. Plunk down a ten spot and try paddling around the Great Miami River for a half hour and see if you like it. There’s no better way to get a taste of the future of downtown Dayton than from your (slightly damp) seat on the river. One word of warning — there have been many land-lubbing skeptics converted to kayak junkies along the river’s mighty shores. But at least you’ll be in good company!

The project has raised $3.8 million in private funds, and now it’s your turn to give a dam. Give a dam because you care about safety. Give a dam because you love watching birds and beavers, or because you love to fish. Give a dam about creating a sense of place for Dayton residents and visitors to our fair city. Give a dam for economic growth from those visitors. Give a dam for outdoor recreation and living a healthy, active lifestyle. Whatever your reason you give a dam, be sure to give.

I’ll see you on the water!

Small Effort: Big Effect

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There’s a lot of work to do to continue to make our region vibrant and exciting. Some jobs are so big and we as community members feel helpless to do anything.

This isn’t that kind of story.

Give here.

Before the Clean-Up

This is a story about a group of people who had a simple vision and they are getting it done! Last year at the 2011 updayton Summit, a Creative Communities team emerged with the idea that our neighborhoods are great assets to the community and they should be walkable, accessible and friendly. Nice idea, right? So, how do you DO something about it?

Safe and Accessible After Clean-Up

The Creative Communities team (CC) focused on the pedestrian walkway that crosses 35 and connects the historic neighborhoods of South Park and Oregon District. These two neighborhoods have active neighborhood associations, easy access to entertainment and recreation, and beautiful parks. A bridge connecting the two (and helping neighbors avoid 35 when traveling) makes perfect sense.

Unfortunately, no one wanted to walk over the walkway. Overgrown weeds, tight corners, and a general rusty broken-down look made it feel unsafe. CC came up with a big job for volunteers, but one they knew they could do and do well with the right support.

At the end of last summer they hosted a major clean-up day. It’s impressive what a little elbow grease can do to de-weed, clean and make the bridge a lot more appealing and usable. But they’re not done yet. They don’t want it ‘not ugly.’ They want to see it as a favorite place for community members to enjoy (especially with its close access to parks). It’s gettin’ prettified!

Wanna know where YOU come in? They need your help in three ways:

1) Come out for the follow-up clean up (prepping for the painting) on April 28.

2) Come out for the painting (grown-up paint by numbers = awesome) on May 5.

3) Help out the kick-starter campaign so they can get all the materials they need to make this happen and keep it going into the future. The thing about kick-starter: yeah, a big donation is awesome. But your $5 matched up with the donations from 10 other people giving $5 adds up pretty quick.

Here’s a video from YouTube that will help you know what to expect at the Paint Day this May. Don’t pass up being a part of this opportunity!

Mayor to Get Nails Painted – You Pick the Color!

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(Most content taken from the Activated Spaces Web site)

Visit Peace on Fifth - one of the Activated Spaces Pop-Up Shops

On Friday, December 2nd, Mayor Leitzell will help raise funds for Activated Spaces by getting his nails painted at Beaute Box, one of the Activated Spaces Pop-up shops. Donate online now! The more they raise prior to the event, the crazier the color, plus you’ll help Activated Spaces start new pop-up shops in 2012. Every $250 raised helps to establish a new pop-up shop in downtown Dayton!

– If we raise $250, color: Wildfire
– If we raise $500, color: Tutti Fruitti:
– If we raise $750+, color: Hotski to Tchotchski:

Any amount you donate to the cause can help: $5, $25 or $50. Your support of these pop-up stores will help to spur a more permanent retail environment in our downtown – the next step in downtown revitalization.

The “grand painting” will happen at 8pm on Friday, December 2nd at Beaute Box. Attend the Activated Spaces grand opening and join in the fun.

Instead of just using his celebrity to promote the event and the pop-up shops, it was important to Mayor Leitzell that it be a fundraiser. Beyond promoting the “new and unique” pop-up shops,  he is adding his name (and nails) so Activated Spaces can get the funding to continue to do the good work in the community. Leitzell says, “it’s all in good fun and and it’s raising money for a good cause.”

Activated Spaces is back.

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My last adventure got me out of the car and exploring the region via bus, bike and good ol’ fashioned walking. And you know what I saw? Well, in addition to the random shopping cart and dude who was arguing about drugs – I saw great local art! And not by seeking out a gallery (although I recommend that, too) – but by just walking around.

The Activated Spaces team (powered by the Greater Downtown Dayton Plan) worked with local property owners and invited artists to share their work with the community while focusing on our region’s assets. It was a great success and resulted in 17 vibrant art displays filling downtown windows and the selection of Amanda Sue Allen as the People’s Choice award (work currently on display at the Cannery Art and Design Center). Everything from photography to quilt-work and paintings to cloth and pottery to cellophane was represented (and much, much more!) It was a great, diverse and eclectic celebration of Dayton’s professional and amateur artists.

Serida checks to make sure the QR code is working on the Dayton Creative Syndicate's installation featuring the Culture Works festival.

So – they’re doing it again! They have put the call out to local artists to submit work for a second round of storefront window art displays to be unveiled at the September Urban Nights. The fall 2011 installation theme, “Spotlight Dayton,” challenges artists to focus on our many downtown neighborhoods and highlight favorite places. They hope to include aspects of all areas of downtown–neighborhoods, parks, organizations and various community assets may be featured. It may be a challenge to remain strictly faithful to the theme, but the emailed prospectus states that they welcome artists’ interpretations of the theme however loose or literal it may be; if the artwork is not an exact demonstration of the theme, the artist statement may tie the work to the theme.

Details of the project and submission guidelines are available online. Submissions are due by Friday, August 12, at 5PM.

Check out the Activated Spaces web site for more information.