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Dyan Marie's approach has always been to use culture and art to revitalize her neighbourhood.

The artist and activist and long-time Bloor, Lansdowne and Dupont area resident's latest artistic endeavour is a Splash Party, a Better Bloor Project initiative, one of just several in an effort to clean-up Bloor Street West between Lansdowne Avenue and Dufferin Street.

The Splash Party, held Thursday, brought together residents and business owners to the southeast corner of Margueretta and Bloor between 1 p.m. and 8 p.m. to wash windows, remove graffiti and restore original walls and replace broken tile work on storefronts.

The Splash Party served as a launch pad for a series of rejuvenating events, collectively known as the Better Bloor Project, whose goal is to revitalize the neighbourhood.

"I think it's just been bubbling in Dyan's head," said Program Co-ordinator J.P. King of the Splash Party.

King hoped to entice between 30 and 50 volunteers out with power washers and buckets and sponges. The event also included a how-to demonstration on removing graffiti. Its ultimate goal: A clean, green, safe and civil neighbourhood.

Efforts will continue throughout the summer. Visit www.bigonbloor for details.