Public art isn’t just about murals—it’s about identity, purpose, and how a city tells its story.

In this episode of the Make It Happen Podcast, Mike Vanderpool sits down with Dean Davis, one of Toledo’s most influential public artists, to talk about creativity, technology, and what it really takes to build a vibrant community.

Dean shares his journey from growing up in Toledo to serving in the Navy, working on the railroad, and ultimately finding his way back to art. The conversation dives into the difference between public art and gallery art, why public art is a form of servant leadership, and how creativity can drive economic growth and cultural pride.

They also tackle big topics like:

• Using AI as a creative tool without losing the human touch

• Why technology should support creativity, not replace it

• The vision behind the River Gallery Project and a citywide public art network

• How art helps people reconnect—to place, to each other, and to themselves

This is an honest, thoughtful conversation about art, humanity, and why cities like Toledo don’t need to reinvent themselves—they need to believe in what they already have.

🎙️ Make It Happen Podcast — conversations with people who are doing the work and shaping what’s next in Northwest Ohio.

In this episode of the Make It Happen podcast, host Vince Croci sits down with Darren Moore, a global logistics entrepreneur and "boomerang" resident who returned to Toledo in 2018. This conversation dives into the vision Darren recently shared in the Toledo Blade regarding where the city is and where it needs to go.

Darren explores his perspective on Toledo’s "next phase," including:

• The "Soft Landing" and the Shot Clock: Why the city must move beyond past federal and local support to create a more competitive, performance-driven culture.

• Identifying the Gaps: The critical need for early-stage risk capital and venture capital to keep young talent from leaving for other markets.

• Defining the Players: Moving away from "groupthink" to find sophisticated individuals who can lead Toledo on a national and international stage.

• A New Investment Model: Darren's proposal for an early-stage venture fund and a "Toledo Community Fund" to ensure every resident has skin in the game as the city grows.