You are Here Toledo: Public Art Launch Party

Join The Toledo AIGA and The Arts Commission for the launch party of The You are Here Toledo public art and design project next Tuesday, May 22nd, at The Valentine Theatre from 5:30-7:30pm. Celebrate yet another successful collaboration between AIGA and The Arts Commission, as well as the beautification and artful-enrichment of Toledo’s public and cultural landmarks scattered throughout metro area. Small scale versions of all 100 artist designed dots will be unveiled for public view at The Valentine, located at 401 Adams Street, Toledo, 43604. This event is free, family friendly, and open to the public. Art enthusiasts, graphic designers, pro-Toledo supporters, as well as all those who are convinced “there is nothing happening in Toledo” are strongly encouraged to attend.

  What is the You Are Here Toledo Project?

 Many of us are quite familiar with the red circle and “You Are Here” dot affixed to many directories throughout America. These dots are wonderful assurances that we are, in fact, somewhere. The You Are Here Toledo Project (YAH) is a series of large one-of-a-kind outdoor “dots” that are currently affixed to various public locations throughout Toledo to promote positivity and enhance our sense of place. Using the circular shape of a dot (at three feet in diameter); Northwest Ohio artists, designers, students and the general public were asked to make a powerful visual statement on the dots throughout the city in response to the “dots” location. All 100 dots were recently installed throughout the city in the past two weeks.

Collect the Dots!
One hundred (100) dots now mark the Toledo area, each containing a QR (quick response) code that will allow smartphone users to learn more about the artwork, its location and its artist. For non-smartphone users each dot will also have the project’s URL for searching the work at their convenience. The first 100 people to “collect” 25 dots will receive a special edition poster showcasing all 100 dots produced for this project. This project is unique to Toledo and showcases the amazing artistic talent and places of this region.

For more information, visit the You are Here website or the launch party event Facebook page at: http://www.youareheretoledo.com/, and http://www.facebook.com/events/123552607777702/.

Can’t make it to the public launch party? The dots, and a listing of all the artists involved with the project, will be available for view online after May 22 at http://www.youareheretoledo.com/dots/.