You are invited to a special installation of 110 ceramic Birdhouses at Red Bird Sylvania’s First Friday on Friday, May 1, 2026. In celebration of National Bird Migration Month and the 110th anniversary of the Sylvania Franciscans, this event will fuse art and nature by providing 110 homes for native nesting birds. The installation honors the 110 years that 522 women religious have called Sylvania home to their Motherhouse.

These brightly glazed, whimsical birdhouses were created by artists from Lourdes University, Northview High School, and St. Ursula High School, along with Sisters, faculty, and friends at Alverno Studio. The project was completed under the guidance of artists Sister Magdala Davlin and Jordy Rengifo Poma.

The birdhouses will be displayed inside shops along Main Street, with each location highlighting a native bird species from the Oak Openings region.

Visitors have a chance to win their own ceramic workshop in Alverno Studio. Just pick up a Migration on Main card at any participating shop, mark them at each location, and leave the completed card at any counter before leaving. Completed cards will be entered into a raffle to win a ceramic workshop at Alverno Studio for up to six guests.

Sylvania’s First Friday offers a lively evening with opportunities to enjoy drinks, dinner, dessert, and local art while exploring the shops and galleries.

If you are available to volunteer to greet visitors and mark Migration on Main cards for part or all of the evening during the Migration on Main Birdhouse Installation, please let me know. Your support would be greatly appreciated.

We hope to see you there!