http://www.toledoblade.com The Latest News from Toledoblade.com (v5) Thu, 30 Jul 2026 04:26:30 GMT en-us hourly 1 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/07/29/wood-county-health-center-hosts-popsicle-party/stories/20260729089 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/07/29/wood-county-health-center-hosts-popsicle-party/stories/20260729089#comments Wed, 29 Jul 2026 17:15:48 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/07/29/wood-county-health-center-hosts-popsicle-party/stories/20260729089 BOWLING GREEN — The Wood County Community Health Center invites families to cool off at its second annual Popsicle Party in the Park. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/07/29/celebrity-scoop-night-blends-faith-fun-and-fundraising/stories/20260728006 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/07/29/celebrity-scoop-night-blends-faith-fun-and-fundraising/stories/20260728006#comments Wed, 29 Jul 2026 21:00:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/07/29/celebrity-scoop-night-blends-faith-fun-and-fundraising/stories/20260728006 Instead of stepping into the pulpit, some local pastors are stepping behind the counter to dish up sweet treats for a cause. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/07/28/fire-safety-programs-target-household-deaf-hard-hearing-residents/stories/20260728007 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/07/28/fire-safety-programs-target-household-deaf-hard-hearing-residents/stories/20260728007#comments Tue, 28 Jul 2026 21:17:18 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/07/28/fire-safety-programs-target-household-deaf-hard-hearing-residents/stories/20260728007 A free fire safety program designed for people in deaf and hard of hearing households will be presented Aug. 5-6 in Toledo. A close up photo of a red, audio/visual fire alarm. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/07/28/registration-open-for-ottawa-national-wildlife-5k/stories/20260728092 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/07/28/registration-open-for-ottawa-national-wildlife-5k/stories/20260728092#comments Tue, 28 Jul 2026 18:47:42 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/07/28/registration-open-for-ottawa-national-wildlife-5k/stories/20260728092 The Friends of Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge’s has opened registration for its Run for the Refuge 5K Run and Walk, which is Sept. 26, the refuge said. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/07/27/united-way-of-greater-toledo-seeks-volunteers-to-help-teachers/stories/20260727063 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/07/27/united-way-of-greater-toledo-seeks-volunteers-to-help-teachers/stories/20260727063#comments Mon, 27 Jul 2026 17:56:32 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/07/27/united-way-of-greater-toledo-seeks-volunteers-to-help-teachers/stories/20260727063 The United Way of Greater Toledo is looking for volunteers help teachers prepare their classrooms for the first day of school. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/07/26/photo-gallery-love-moves-toledo-5k-grindhrs/stories/20260726114 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/07/26/photo-gallery-love-moves-toledo-5k-grindhrs/stories/20260726114#comments Sun, 26 Jul 2026 23:37:06 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/07/26/photo-gallery-love-moves-toledo-5k-grindhrs/stories/20260726114 People ran through downtown Toledo during the Love Moves Toledo 5K at Grindhrs on July 26. People start Fleet Feet Toledo and Grindhrs Coffee’s fun run through downtown Toledo. People make the turn onto North Summit Street during Fleet Feet Toledo and Grindhrs Coffee’s. Runners cross the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. memorial bridge. Runners make the turn onto North Summit Street. A runner leads the group. People run along the Maumee River. People walk along the Maumee River. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/07/26/vendors-set-up-shop-first-toledo-yacht-club-farmers-market/stories/20260726108 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/07/26/vendors-set-up-shop-first-toledo-yacht-club-farmers-market/stories/20260726108#comments Sun, 26 Jul 2026 20:50:53 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/07/26/vendors-set-up-shop-first-toledo-yacht-club-farmers-market/stories/20260726108 Starting a small business can be rough — and coordinating a new farmers’ market can be equally as daunting. On Sunday, three young ladies decided to take their new business to the first Toledo Yacht Club Farmers’ Market. “We thought it would be a good place to get our Lori Walkowski browses one of nearly 40 booths during the first farmers' market at the Toledo Yacht Club. Attendees browse around 40 vendors during the first farmer's market at the Toledo Yacht Club. Danielle Croley buys from Cathy Ball of Ida West Produce. Tomatoes, green beans, and more are sold by Ida West produce. Adon Glass and Trinity Conrad walk as they carry their market goods. Attendees browse around 40 vendors. Amanda Brown of Drip Juicery laughs as her children and nephews Jayden Haithcock, 14, Mykhi Coleman, 12, and Legend Brown, 10, sit under the tent. Connie Goldstein, of Connie’s Comfort Foods, smiles while talking with a customer. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/07/26/annual-art-showcase-displays-local-talent-craftsmanship/stories/20260726107 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/07/26/annual-art-showcase-displays-local-talent-craftsmanship/stories/20260726107#comments Sun, 26 Jul 2026 20:08:21 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/07/26/annual-art-showcase-displays-local-talent-craftsmanship/stories/20260726107 Rows of tents lined the center of the University of Toledo’s campus on Sunday. Beneath the white canopies, colors emerged in displays of work ranging from hand-crafted clay pots to nature paintings and bright jewelry. The product of countless hours of craftsmanship, these items were part of People look at metal sculptures. Hundreds of people shop for hand made art. Aaron Bivins works on a painting at his booth. Deanna Taylor works on a painting as people shop at her booth. Carole Malczewski tries on a necklace from Jenny Gorkowski Studios. People shop at the Stoned by Medusa booth. Hundreds of people shop for hand made art. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/07/26/mercy-health-partners-offer-back-to-school-giveaway-resource-event/stories/20260727019 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/07/26/mercy-health-partners-offer-back-to-school-giveaway-resource-event/stories/20260727019#comments Sun, 26 Jul 2026 18:01:36 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/07/26/mercy-health-partners-offer-back-to-school-giveaway-resource-event/stories/20260727019 The annual Let's Get a Healthy Start Back-to-School event takes place Friday at Seaway Marketplace in Toledo. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/07/25/photo-gallery-shoe-fest/stories/20260725105 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/07/25/photo-gallery-shoe-fest/stories/20260725105#comments Sat, 25 Jul 2026 19:17:07 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/07/25/photo-gallery-shoe-fest/stories/20260725105 Volunteers help people get fitted for shoes at the Helping Hands of St. Lois 13th annual Shoe Fest in East Toledo on Saturday. Volunteer Denise Zakrzewski helps Jazmine Qualls, 11, in her new blue shoes during Helping Hands of St. Louis 13th annual Shoe Fest in East Toledo on July 25. People line up during Helping Hands of St. Louis 13th annual Shoe Fest in East Toledo on July 25. People line up during Helping Hands of St. Louis 13th annual Shoe Fest in East Toledo on July 25. A volunteer carries new pair of shoes to one of the attendees during Helping Hands of St. Louis 13th annual Shoe Fest in East Toledo on July 25. New shoes sit in a box during Helping Hands of St. Louis 13th annual Shoe Fest in East Toledo on July 25. Volunteer Mary Kay Scott helps Micah Cook, 7, in his new shoes during Helping Hands of St. Louis 13th annual Shoe Fest in East Toledo on July 25. Chase Elamon, 7, tries on his new shoes during Helping Hands of St. Louis 13th annual Shoe Fest in East Toledo on July 25. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/07/25/street-hockey-camp-children-discover-love-sport/stories/20260725098 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/07/25/street-hockey-camp-children-discover-love-sport/stories/20260725098#comments Sat, 25 Jul 2026 18:26:16 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/07/25/street-hockey-camp-children-discover-love-sport/stories/20260725098 In the middle of a Meijer parking lot, in an area sectioned off by shopping carts that have been laid on their side, children can discover a love for hockey. The Meijer Summer Street Series is among various youth summer programs organized by the Toledo Mud Hens and Walleye. Since 2022, both indoor Kids practice their street hockey during Toledo Walleye street hockey camp in the Meijer parking lot in Oregon on July 25. Bendel Flora, 11, shoots the puck into the goal during Toledo Walleye street hockey camp in the Meijer parking lot in Oregon on July 25. Averly McKinney, 7, practices her street hockey at a station during Toledo Walleye street hockey camp in the Meijer parking lot in Oregon on July 25. Averly McKinney, 7, walks to the back of the line after doing a drill during Toledo Walleye street hockey camp in the Meijer parking lot in Oregon on July 25. James Lewandowski, 9, celebrates a goal during Toledo Walleye street hockey camp in the Miejer parking lot in Oregon on July 25. Kids do running drills during Toledo Walleye street hockey camp in the Meijer parking lot in Oregon on July 25. Kids play tag with hockey pucks during Toledo Walleye street hockey camp in the Meijer parking lot in Oregon on July 25. Kids play a scrimmage street hockey game during Toledo Walleye street hockey camp in the Meijer parking lot in Oregon on July 25. Kids play a scrimmage game during Toledo Walleye street hockey camp in the Meijer parking lot in Oregon on July 25. Kids play a scrimmage game during Toledo Walleye street hockey camp in the Meijer parking lot in Oregon on July 25. Kids play tag with hockey pucks during Toledo Walleye street hockey camp in the Meijer parking lot in Oregon on July 25. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/07/25/passing-torch-peace-sri-chinmoy-run/stories/20260722096 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/07/25/passing-torch-peace-sri-chinmoy-run/stories/20260722096#comments Sat, 25 Jul 2026 11:08:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/07/25/passing-torch-peace-sri-chinmoy-run/stories/20260722096 For Old West End resident John Trame, a peace run next week carries extra significance after the violence at this year’s festival. A group of peace runners hold the torch at the original site of the Peace City plaque at International Park in 1993. A ceremony in 2022 at Salem Lutheran Church where the Rev. Mike Hanks was honored with the Torchbearer Award for all he does in the community. A group of organizers and runners at a previous Sri Chinmoy Peace Run in Toledo. A group of volunteers hold the torch and certificate of appreciation at a Sri Chinmoy Peace Run camp. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/07/24/photo-gallery-pizza-palooza-centennial-terrace/stories/20260724099 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/07/24/photo-gallery-pizza-palooza-centennial-terrace/stories/20260724099#comments Sat, 25 Jul 2026 02:09:43 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/07/24/photo-gallery-pizza-palooza-centennial-terrace/stories/20260724099 Pizza Palooza took place at Centennial Terrace in Sylvania on Friday, July 24. Mitch Johnson takes a bite of pepperoni pizza. Nick Echelmeyer carries a stack of empty pizza boxes to the trash. Jaxon Brobst, 8, sports a J-Cups Pizza costume. Jeff Boersma counts the tallies of votes. Braden Hubbard holds the last slice of pizza from the box. Alexander Didion, 6, and his sister, Danielle, 4, measure how tall they are in pizza slices. Tyson Foore, 8, crouches down to the ground. Alecia Sullivan holds Addie. Thompson, 3, as they take a selfie. Jeremy Sternberg, of Jet’s Pizza, loads up a customers plate. Matt Bartlett carries a stack of empty pizza boxes to the trash. Johnny Blaze and Tamara Loy eat a slice of pizza. Madelyn Moser, 5, eats a slice of pizza. Lauren Mosher, 9, and Hazel Carney, 11, take a bite of pizza. Jill Glascock and Rae Schmidt eat a slice. Mandi Jacobs sports a pizza purse. Nick Dudek takes a bite of pizza as his son, Ben, 3, reacts. Hundreds of participants sit and enjoy pizza and live music. Monica Glovier takes a bite of pizza her sister, Cassie Glovier-Morris feeds to her. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/07/24/virtual-presentation-adults-friendships/stories/20260723034 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/07/24/virtual-presentation-adults-friendships/stories/20260723034#comments Fri, 24 Jul 2026 19:57:15 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/07/24/virtual-presentation-adults-friendships/stories/20260723034 Psychologist and New York Times best-selling author Marisa Franco will present a free virtual author talk Tuesday in conjunction with the Way Public Library. The flag waves in front of Way Public Library during Election Day in 2024 in Perrysburg. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/07/24/lccs-plans-community-conversation-on-child-abuse/stories/20260722058 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/07/24/lccs-plans-community-conversation-on-child-abuse/stories/20260722058#comments Fri, 24 Jul 2026 14:31:14 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/07/24/lccs-plans-community-conversation-on-child-abuse/stories/20260722058 Lucas County Children Services’ next Safe Children, Safe Families event is Monday at the West Toledo Branch Library. Lucas County Children Services building on Friday, March 28. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/07/24/photo-gallery-best-pictures-for-week-ending-july-23/stories/20260724072 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/07/24/photo-gallery-best-pictures-for-week-ending-july-23/stories/20260724072#comments Fri, 24 Jul 2026 12:45:02 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/07/24/photo-gallery-best-pictures-for-week-ending-july-23/stories/20260724072 Blade photographers head out every day to capture the triumphs, tragedies, and oddities of life in Lucas County and beyond. Kokosing Construction workers reinstall the You Are Beautiful / You Are Doing Great sculpture by artist Matthew Hoffman on July 20 at International Cove in Toledo. Kids look to see what Clara Ciesla, right, caught in her net during Wood County Park District nature camp at W.W. Knight Nature Preserve in Perrysburg on July 23. Olivia Charles, 6, enjoys a snow-cone during “Christmas in July” at the BG Community Market in Bowling Green on July 21. Meaghan Mick packs a bag of goodies as 'Connecting Kids to Meals' partners with Yark Automotive Group employees to pack 1,500 meals for local children at the dealership on July 23. A man stands by the Maumee River as smoke from the Canadian wildfires creates a haze on July 17 in downtown Toledo. Jameshia “Micia” Polk makes entrees for The Flava Spot, her catering and meal prep business built on fresh and locally sourced ingredients, at the Toledo Commercial Kitchen on July 20 in South Toledo. Perrysburg resident Matt Tober plays checkers with his son Vinny, 4, during the Perrysburg Local’s Art Fair on July 18 in Perrysburg. At right, Laylani Cintron, 15, a student at the Toledo School for the Arts, works with hydrogels during the University of Toledo’s Engineering Summer Camp on July 21 at Nitschke Hall at the University of Toledo. From left, Claudia Vercellotti and Lee Pahl examine the Msgr. Jerome Schmit Way sign that was removed by city crews on July 20 in Toledo. Jan Morse of Bowling Green protests “for profit detention” and ICE during the Corrections Center of Northwest Ohio (CCNO) Board meeting on July 22 at the Defiance County Public Safety Building in Defiance. Eleanor Osborne, 9, runs through an obstacle course at Olander Park in Sylvania on July 21. Anna Paengrord, who uses gardening in healing practices, smells and passes basil at a Toledo Homesteaders Network meeting at the Mott Branch Library on July 21 in central Toledo. Attendees grab slices of pizza during a Pizza Palooza media day where participants can get a first taste of the 2026 vendors ahead of the event at Centennial Terrace in Sylvania on July 21. Scott Beaver, 8, looks up while participating in a tree-climbing session during the Ohio Bat Blitz event at Wildwood Metropark Toledo on July 18. Perrysburg resident Andrew Whitehead explores the Perrysburg Local’s Art Fair July 18 in Perrysburg. Bennett Lee, catcher for the Toledo Mud Hens, shatters his bat during an International League game against the Louisville Bats at Fifth Third Field in downtown Toledo on July 21. Commissioner Jon Steinbrecher speaks during MAC Media Day at Ford Field on July 22 in Detroit, Michigan. Gizelle DeVaux dances as attendees extend out dollar bills during the ninth annual Love Fest along Adams Street in Toledo on July 18. Breon Washington, 11, shoots the ball during the Early Bird Basketball camp, a free, year-round program that serves central-city kids who live in underserved areas on July 18 at Smith Park in Toledo. Jamarion Groom, 14, shoots the ball during the Early Bird Basketball camp, a free, year-round program that serves central-city kids who live in underserved areas on July 18 at Smith Park in Toledo. The trophy is displayed as guests enjoy a formal announcing of the U.S. Women's Open being played at the Inverness golf club next year during a news conference in Levis Square on July 17 in downtown Toledo. Graham Hill, 13, covers his face with his shirt while waiting for the International League baseball game between the Toledo Mud Hens and Gwinnett Stripers to begin at Fifth Third Field in Toledo on July 17. Two children ride a bike down neighborhood streets as smoke from the Canadian wildfires blankets downtown Toledo on Thursday, July 16, 2026. Fremont Ross football coach Ken Winters run practice on July 22 at Don Paul Stadium in Fremont. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/07/23/photo-gallery-nature-camp/stories/20260723110 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/07/23/photo-gallery-nature-camp/stories/20260723110#comments Thu, 23 Jul 2026 22:29:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/07/23/photo-gallery-nature-camp/stories/20260723110 Kids collect all sorts of critters during the Wood County Park District nature camp at W.W. Knight Nature Preserve in Perrysburg on Thursday. Kids react to a giant spider Noah Ehmann, left, caught during Wood County Park District nature camp at W.W. Knight Nature Preserve in Perrysburg on July 23. Lauren Eggenton adds a frog caught by a camper to the “frog bin” during Wood County Park District nature camp at W.W. Knight Nature Preserve in Perrysburg on July 23. Noah Ehmann puts his bug into a bin during Wood County Park District nature camp at W.W. Knight Nature Preserve in Perrysburg on July 23. Camp counselor Lauren Eggenton grabs a bug from Clara Ciesla’s net during Wood County Park District nature camp at W.W. Knight Nature Preserve in Perrysburg on July 23. Charlie Garvin looks at a bug he caught with Lauren Eggenton during Wood County Park District nature camp at W.W. Knight Nature Preserve in Perrysburg on July 23. Lauren Eggenton adds a frog to the “frog bin” during Wood County Park District nature camp at W.W. Knight Nature Preserve in Perrysburg on July 23. Charlie Garvin and Noah Ehmann look at a bug together during Wood County Park District nature camp at W.W. Knight Nature Preserve in Perrysburg on July 23. Ice trays with different critters sit on the ground for kids to add to during Wood County Park District nature camp at W.W. Knight Nature Preserve in Perrysburg on July 23. Amelia DeHaven looks up bugs they caught on a sheet during Wood County Park District nature camp at W.W. Knight Nature Preserve in Perrysburg on July 23. Amelia DeHaven looks up bugs they caught on a sheet during Wood County Park District nature camp at W.W. Knight Nature Preserve in Perrysburg on July 23. Charlotte Bucher looks at how many frogs were caught during Wood County Park District nature camp at W.W. Knight Nature Preserve in Perrysburg on July 23. Hannah Ragland hands Noah Ehmann a frog to throw back into the pond during Wood County Park District nature camp at W.W. Knight Nature Preserve in Perrysburg on July 23. Amelia DeHaven holds out her hand to let a frog jump back into the water during Wood County Park District nature camp at W.W. Knight Nature Preserve in Perrysburg on July 23. Kids look for frogs during Wood County Park District nature camp at W.W. Knight Nature Preserve in Perrysburg on July 23. Kids look to see what Clara Ciesla, right, caught in her net during Wood County Park District nature camp at W.W. Knight Nature Preserve in Perrysburg on July 23. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/07/23/yark-employees-pack-meals-fight-child-food-insecurity/stories/20260724020 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/07/23/yark-employees-pack-meals-fight-child-food-insecurity/stories/20260724020#comments Thu, 23 Jul 2026 19:49:24 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/07/23/yark-employees-pack-meals-fight-child-food-insecurity/stories/20260724020 More than a dozen Yark Automotive Group employees geared up with smiles on their faces Thursday as they prepared to do their part in feeding Toledo children. Jake Lewton seals bags of goodies as 'Connecting Kids to Meals' partners with Yark Automotive Group employees to pack 1,500 meals for local children at the dealership on July 23 in West Toledo. Clinetta Hutcherson reaches for a box of goodies as 'Connecting Kids to Meals' partners with Yark Automotive Group employees to pack 1,500 meals for local children at the dealership on July 23 in West Toledo. Renee Millington picks treats out of boxes as 'Connecting Kids to Meals' partners with Yark Automotive Group employees to pack 1,500 meals for local children at the dealership on July 23 in West Toledo. as 'Connecting Kids to Meals' partners with Yark Automotive Group employees to pack 1,500 meals for local children at the dealership on July 23 in West Toledo. 'Connecting Kids to Meals' partners with Yark Automotive Group employees to pack 1,500 meals for local children at the dealership on July 23 in West Toledo. Meaghan Mick packs a bag of goodies as 'Connecting Kids to Meals' partners with Yark Automotive Group employees to pack 1,500 meals for local children at the dealership on July 23 in West Toledo. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/07/23/naturalists-to-dissect-latest-black-swamp-arts-poster-design/stories/20260715099 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/07/23/naturalists-to-dissect-latest-black-swamp-arts-poster-design/stories/20260715099#comments Thu, 23 Jul 2026 14:00:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/07/23/naturalists-to-dissect-latest-black-swamp-arts-poster-design/stories/20260715099 BOWLING GREEN — Getting to design the poster for the 2026 Black Swamp Arts Festival has been a career milestone for Taylor Vanek. Taylor Vanek, a graphic designer, stands holding a poster she designed for a community event on Saturday that will help community members learn more about the native plants depicted on the poster for the Black Swamp Arts Festival at Wintergarden Park in Bowling Green on July 22. Butterfly weed grows at Wintergarden Park, the same plant depicted in Taylor Vanek’s poster she designed for this year's Black Swamp Arts Festival in Bowling Green on July 22. Taylor Vanek, the graphic designer for this year's Black Swamp Arts Festival poster, stands in Wintergarden Park in Bowling Green on July 22. Taylor Vanek with her poster design for the 2026 Black Swamp Arts Festival. A monarch butterfly captured by Taylor Vanek in Bowling Green. Taylor Vanek at the unveiling of her poster design for the 2026 Black Swamp Arts Festival earlier this summer in Bowling Green. Ohio spiderwort captured by Taylor Vanek in Perrysburg. A monarch butterfly captured by Taylor Vanek. A detail of an Ohio spiderwort plant, as captured by Taylor Vanek. Ohio spiderwort is one of a few native plants Taylor Vanek included in her poster for the 2026 Black Swamp Arts Festival. Taylor Vanek, a graphic designer, stands holding the poster she designed for this year's Black Swamp Arts Festival at Wintergarden Park in Bowling Green on July 22. A bee crawls on milkweed at Simpson Garden Park in Bowling Green. Taylor Vanek, a graphic designer, stands holding the poster she designed for this year's Black Swamp Arts Festival at Wintergarden Park in Bowling Green on July 22. Taylor Vanek, a graphic designer, stands holding the poster she designed for this year's Black Swamp Arts Festival at Wintergarden Park in Bowling Green on July 22. Taylor Vanek, a graphic designer, stands holding the poster she designed for this year's Black Swamp Arts Festival at Wintergarden Park in Bowling Green on July 22. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/07/23/art-on-the-mall-showcases-local-regional-national-artists/stories/20260721085 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/07/23/art-on-the-mall-showcases-local-regional-national-artists/stories/20260721085#comments Thu, 23 Jul 2026 11:30:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/07/23/art-on-the-mall-showcases-local-regional-national-artists/stories/20260721085 David Grabarczyk said he appreciates the art being created in the region. “Toledo really is blessed with a large artistic community,” said Mr. Grabarczyk, of Perrysburg. “The art shows are full of paintings, sculptures, garden items, jewelry, and more. It is exciting to see what Copper serpent cuff made by Sarah Speer, owner of Artfelt Studios. Ms. Speer will showcase her jewelry at the University of Toledo's 33rd annual Art on the Mall on Sunday. Ariel Markus of Toledo will have a booth at the University of Toledo's Art on the Mall for the first time. She will be showcasing her crocheted clothing, purses, bags, and home decor on Sunday. David Grabarczyk took home third place awards in the 2024 Best of Show at the University of Toledo’s Art on the Mall. David Grabarczyk will be bringing his jewelry, desk top, and valet boxes to the University of Toledo's Art on The Mall Sunday.