Art Illustrates Life
Arts Commission of Greater Toledo
Downtown Windows Project

Artist Statement
It is our belief that Toledo is truly what the community makes it—both figuratively and literally. Following through with the notion, “if you build it they will come,” we thought it fitting to “build” what we think would be a welcomed addition to Downtown Toledo—a French bakery, café and bistro. It’s name, “Imagineez Cece,” is French for “Picture This”—our light-hearted, subliminal message to Toledoans that anything is possible.

From a design perspective, we wanted to have fun with the architecture of the storefront, which allows one to see through two front windows, two side windows, and a front door window. Each illustration depicts the view from each vantage point (a whimsical, faux-realism experience).

We modeled the restaurant after an existing French-style café and pastry shop in downtown Perrysburg
called Petit Fours Patisserie & Café (which has the most gorgeous cakes and delectable delights one could
wish for). We would be remiss without thanking Karen Lucas, owner of Petit Fours Patisserie & Café, for graciously allowing us to photograph her charming and lovely restaurant to use as reference in creating the illustrations. In addition, this artwork would not have been possible without the keen photographic eye of Jim Rohman (Jim Rohman Studio), who generously donated his time an effort. Jim was responsible for taking photographs for us to reference. His eye for composition and timing were brilliant, not to mention his wizardry with lighting. Without his assistance, we could not have illustrated the light that wonderfully illuminated Petit Fours Patisserie & Café.

In the end, our concept is a light-hearted one. We simply hope that it will bring a smile or two to
each passer-by, and perhaps promote a hankering for something sweet!

- Matt and Karen Davis
Principals and Co-owners
Davis Design Partners

Design/Illustration: Davis Design Partners (www.davisdp.com)
Photography: Jim Rohman Studio (www.jimrohmanstudio.com)
Restaurant Reference: Petit Fours Patisserie & Café (www.petitfourspastries.com)