Ryan and Monica Poignon, owners of the Poignon Project, located at 227 East Perry Street, have invested into their small business by purchasing the building they were renting. The previous owner had held the building, which at one time was a grocery store and a barber shop, since 1972. "The past five years, moving back to Tiffin was the greatest thing I ever did," Ryan said. "There is so much support here." Ryan said this was the next step in his plans to grow his business as well as the art community in Tiffin. Motivation to purchase the building also came from the Poignons' investment in customizing their shop. Ryan said the glassblowing equipment alone is worth $20,000, and there is another $20,000 invested in the building. Ryan's next step will be moving his glassblowing equipment to a different part of the building to expand classes and workshops. Along with art education for adults, he is also looking to expand into art camps for children. In addition, starting July 16-17, the Poignon Project will be hosting "Express Yourself Days" to support the local art community and raise donations for local charities. The July event will feature live music, art vendors, food vendors, live chainsaw art, live glassblowing and more. There will also be a cardboard house building contest to help grow awareness of homelessness in Seneca County. Ryan's efforts to extend opportunities in the arts to the community stem from seeing the need in the Tiffin community. "When I was in high school, we didn't have a lot of opportunities in the arts. I never imagined that I would be sitting here in front of my own building," he said. "This is something for everyone to learn: don't give up." Ryan recently published his own motivational book featuring his works called "If You Do Nothing You Are Nothing," a motto he certainly lives by. For more infomation, visit www.thepoignonproject.com.