{"id":16359,"date":"2025-06-19T14:58:57","date_gmt":"2025-06-19T14:58:57","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/?p=16359"},"modified":"2025-06-19T14:59:28","modified_gmt":"2025-06-19T14:59:28","slug":"crosby-festival-of-the-arts-is-back-and-its-blooming-bigger-than-ever","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/2025\/06\/19\/crosby-festival-of-the-arts-is-back-and-its-blooming-bigger-than-ever\/","title":{"rendered":"Crosby Festival of the Arts Is Back\u2014and It\u2019s Blooming Bigger Than Ever!"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"By Asia Nail
\n<\/em><\/strong>The Truth Reporter<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

If Toledo had a \u201cmost colorful weekend of the year,\u201d it would definitely<\/em> be the Crosby Festival of the Arts<\/strong>. Picture this: a two-day whirlwind of art, music, family fun, and food so good it\u2019ll make your taste buds do the cha-cha. And the best part? All of it supports something even more beautiful\u2014helping neighborhoods grow, learn, and thrive through the power of gardening.<\/p>\n

Yep, we said gardening<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Now in its 59th year<\/em>, the Crosby Festival isn\u2019t just about pretty paintings and glass sculptures. It\u2019s the biggest fundraiser for Toledo GROWS<\/strong>, which helps people across Lucas County grow their own food, connect with neighbors, and learn how to live healthier lives through the magic of sowing seeds.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis isn\u2019t just an art show,\u201d said Yvonne Dubielak<\/strong>, executive director of Toledo GROWS.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a community<\/em> festival. And at Toledo GROWS, community is our middle name.\u201d<\/p>\n

From Farm Fields to City Streets<\/strong><\/p>\n

Yvonne isn\u2019t new to growing things\u2014she actually grew up on a farm! After 23 years as a teacher and school principal, she traded chalkboards for garden beds and now runs the whole blooming show at Toledo GROWS.<\/p>\n

Since 2017, she\u2019s been helping the organization expand programs, raise money, and get more people involved in gardening green spaces.<\/p>\n

\u201cGardening can seem intimidating,\u201d Yvonne said, \u201cbut we\u2019re here to remove barriers. Whether it\u2019s seeds, supplies, or just showing someone how to take the first step\u2014we\u2019ve got you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Toledo GROWS doesn\u2019t just plant tomatoes. They plant hope, leadership and confidence\u2014especially in neighborhoods where fresh food is hard to come by.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s Talk Festival Fun<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sarah Ryley<\/strong>, powerhouse development manager, has been the driving force behind this year\u2019s glow-up<\/em>\u2014think fairy godmother meets festival planner. Thanks to her and the team, the 2025 Crosby Festival is seriously next-level.<\/p>\n

They listened to artists, took notes from guests, and turned feedback into fresh, exciting upgrades. \u201cIt\u2019s not the same festival you\u2019ve been to in past years,\u201d Sarah said, buzzing with excitement.<\/p>\n

The featured artists are the real deal\u2014visionaries, makers, and creative spirits who bring everything from hand-blown glass to fiber art, jewelry, wood, ceramics, painting, photography, and more. Each one has been handpicked through a blind jury process<\/strong>, meaning a panel of experts selected based solely on craftsmanship and creativity\u2014no names, no favorites, just pure talent.<\/p>\n

This year, artists from 18 states<\/strong> are bringing their finest work to Toledo, offering a stunning mix of innovation, tradition, and one-of-a-kind pieces. Whether you’re shopping for a new statement piece or just want to see what imagination looks like in real life, this artist lineup delivers.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s the scoop<\/strong>:<\/p>\n