Celebrate the season with Sweet Sounds of the Holidays, the Bach Society of Dayton’s annual concert and sing-along. Filled with transcendent bells ringing, joyous children singing, and the sweet guitar of Jim McCutcheon.
Archives for December 2019
Red Nosed Reindeer 5K
Celebrate the season with friends and family at a fun 5K run/walk which begins and ends on the track. In years past, we’ve offered handmade finisher “medals” (aka ornaments).
Our 12 Days of Giving Gift Card Giveaways Starts Tomorrow!
Eight years ago we started this holiday tradition of giving away Dining Gift Certificates from some of our favorite restaurants. We love promoting our locally owned eateries and take much pleasure in introducing our readers to some of the newest, best and favorites in our town. So stay tuned for the next 12 days we’re giving you a chance to win a gift certificate to the places we love to dine!
We’ve got some great eateries partnering with us this year, including:
Ok Ok- we have to admit, we’ve got even more restaurants participating than these tweleve, Mamma DiSalvo’s, Hot Head Burritos, 3rd Perk, Watermark, Flyby BBQ, and Rapid Fired Pizza have all said they are sending gift cards!
With just a like, comment and a share you can qualify for our daily drawing on our Dayton Dining Facebook page, or a follow and a like on our Dayton Dining Instagram, or a like and retweet on our Twitter page. You’ll want to check back daily to find our which of our restaurant partner will be featured.
Kickoff Bonus: Share this post (make sure to check your settings so the post is public so we can see it) and tag @dayton dining and we’ll randomly select someone who shares to win a $25 gift card to OinkADoodleMoo & Brew!
We hope you’ll help thank our local restaurants with your patronage during the holiday season and don’t forget that restaurant gift certificates are easy gift giving! Happy Holidays from all of us at Dayton Dining
Good luck and happy holidays!
Holiday Gift Card Deals 2019
Many restaurants are sweetening the deal over the holidays by kicking in all kinds of extras when you purchase gift cards, including bonuses, food vouchers, gift certificate and free food. So, you could end up with a little extra something to gift to someone else (or keep yourself). According to the National Retail Federation’s annual survey, gift cards are the most popular item on wish lists for the 11th year in a row and were requested by 61% of those surveyed. Just remember, the bonus cards and certificates usually can’t be used until January, and they have various expiration dates and exclusions.
Santa Says: It’s perfectly ok to buy gift card for yourself and enjoy the bonus deals.
It you know of more deals, drop us a note and we’ll add them to the list.
bd’s Mongolian Grill
A $5 bonus card is headed your way when you buy a $25 gift card through December 31.
Get a $10 bonus card for every $50 e-gift card purchased. Alternatively, you get a $25 bonus card and a 20% off VIP card for every $100 e-gift card purchased. Bonus cards are valid from January 1 – February 13, 2020. If you do the $100 gift card in-store, you’ll instead get two commemorative pint glasses. You cannot eat pint glasses, so you should probably order online through January 1, 2020.
Buy $50 in gift cards get a $10 bonus card, offer valid through December 31.
Carrabba’s
With every $50 purchase you will receive a $10 gift!
Chappy’s Social House
Get a FREE $5.00 gift card when you purchase a $25 gift card and a FREE $10 gift card when you purchase a $50 gift card.
Get a $10 Bonus Card with the purchase of $50 in gift cards now through December 31, 2019. Also get free shipping. Bonus Card is redeemable 1/1 – 2/12/2020.
Cold Stone Creamery
Buy a $30 e-gift card and get a $10 bonus card now through November 28, 2019. Good online only.
El Meson
To mark the official start of another joyful gift giving (and gift getting) season, we’re happy to offer our friends our own Holiday Gifts with an additional gift card for every $50 gift card purchased! Starting on Friday, November 29 and going through Monday, December 2 the first 50 people to purchase a $50 gift card at ElMeson.net will receive an additional gift card valued at $10-$50! Then on Tuesday, December 3 through the holidays at ElMeson.net and at the restaurant we’ll be offering an additional $10 gift card with every $50 gift card purchased.
Firehouse Subs
Stop in to buy a $25 gift card and they’ll hand you a card for a free medium sub on the spot through January 31
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
Get a $20 Bonus Card with the purchase of $100 in gift cards. This annual special is good for gift card purchases now through December 31, 2019. The Bonus Card is redeemable 1/1 – 2/9/2020.
Fuzzy’s Taco Shop
For each online and in-store gift card purchase of $25 or more, Fuzzy’s Taco Shop will make the case that “it’s better to receive” by giving each purchasing guest a $5 bonus card, valid during the month of January 2020.
Logan’s Roadhouse
Buy in-restaurant or online and you’ll get a $10 bonus when you pick up a $50 gift card. Offer valid through December 31.
Longhorn Steakhouse
A $10 bonus card is headed your way with every $50 in gift cards you buy. The bonus card is only valid in January. Offer valid through December 30.
Noodles & Company
Pick up a $5 gift card for every $25 you drop on gift cards. Offer valid through December 31.
Outback Steakhouse
Get a $10 Bonus Card with the purchase of $50 in gift cards. This annual special is good for gift card purchases now through December 31, 2019. The Bonus Card is redeemable 1/1 – 2/9/2020.
Panera Bread
Buy $50 in gift cards get a $10 bonus card, offer valid through December 31.
Rusty Bucket’s Restaurant & Tavern
You’ll get a free $10 gift card when you buy a $50 card. The bonus card will be valid from January 2 – February 29. Offer valid through December 30.
Skyline Chili
For every $30 in gift cards purchased at Skyline restaurants you will received a $5 gift certificate. Offer valid for gift cards purchased at participating Skyline restaurants only. $5 gift certificates valid from Jan. 1 to Feb. 28, 2020 only at the restaurant where purchased. Not valid with any other offer.
Steak ‘n Shake
Purchase a $20 gift card and get a $5 gift certificate
Texas Roadhouse
Get a $5 Bonus Card with the purchase of a $30 e-gift cards now through December 25, 2019.
TGI Fridays
Buy $25 in gift cards, get $5 in Bonus Bite Cards
T.J. Chumps
Free $10 bonus card to you for every $50 gift card purchased!
The Caroline
Purchase a $100 gift card and receive a FREE $20 gift card. Click HERE to order gift cards today, and be sure to add the word “BONUS” to the comments section to claim this deal! *Must purchase gift cards between Nov 25-Nov 30 . *$20 gift card is valid for use 1/1/20-5/31/20
Buy $25 in gift cards for a loved one and get a $5 card for free. That might not seem like much, but you can absolutely get yourself an entire lunch for $5. Offer valid through December 31.
Purchase a $25 gift card, get a $5 bonus card. Purchase at Young’s or online. Gift cards never expire and are good all over the farm for food and fun.
Helping Tornado Victims For The Holidays
I have had several people reaching out about holiday assistance for families impacted by the tornadoes, love your hearts . Here are some opportunities:
? Christmas Trees and Gifts with Basore Grace Brethren Church
Basore Grace Brethren Church
5675 Basore Rd
Dayton, OH 45415
(Trotwood area by old Hara Arena)
Drop off at church:
Thursday, December 5th, 10am-3pm
The primary focus is to bless affected families with Christmas trees! Gift cards, blankets or other small and other small gifts are welcome as well. Families will be invited to come pick these items up at the church on Saturday, December 7th from 9:30am – 2:00pm, and they welcome other volunteers to come help and meet the families!
Or if that time doesn’t work, contact Heather Kirkland at 937-545-5955 and you can drop off at her house in Trotwood. Feel free to contact Heather with any questions! Please do not share her personal cell number on social media, thank you!
? The Gift of Warmth with Crayons to Classrooms
Crayons to classrooms is working to collect 10,000 pairs of hats, kids socks and gloves for students in affected school districts. These can be delivered to their office (1750 Woodman Drive, Dayton) any day Monday – Friday between 8:30am – 5pm until December 31st.
? Gift Cards with Catholic Social Services of the Miami Valley
Though Catholic Social Services is not doing a giving tree program this year, they are still in contact with families affected by the tornadoes and are running short on gift cards for things like Walmart, Speedway, Kroger or RTA bus passes.
The address where these donations can be made is 922 W. Riverview from 8:30 to 5, Mon.-Friday. Donations should be left at the front desk at the main entrance on the Riverside of the building (not our pantry entrance).
? Shiloh Church continues to work with near 50 families who have been impacted. For sponsoring a family or making a financial donation, please call or text Sarah Moore at 941-586-1702 with questions.
? Harrison Township continues to serve families in the area. For more information on how you can help, contact Cathi Spaugy
Jingle Bell Run
The Arthritis Foundation’s Jingle Bell Run is the original festive race for charity. It’s where you can strut your stuff in your favorite holiday costume and FEEL GOOD about DOING GOOD. Together, we’ll jingle all the way to a cure – and have a fantastic time every step we take! Bring a team of friends, family and co-workers to run or walk. Get your jingle on and spread the Spirit of Yes: Yes to having fun and celebrating what you love. Yes to living life to the fullest. Yes to conquering arthritis for good. 100% of your registration fee and fundraising go to a great cause!
New Years Food Adventure Dinner – LITTLE SAIGON
Monday night December 30th, at 6:30pm will be an epic night at Little Saigon on Woodman Dr.
For just $27 you can be a part of this one time only New Years Vietnamese Dinner event!
***TICKETS ARE PREPAY ONLY ONLINE – CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS***
(LIMITED SEATING AVAILABLE- GET YOUR TICKETS NOW)
This Food Adventure Dinner will feature a 5 Course Vietnamese Dinner and stories of survival from the owner of the restaurant and their family. Learn about the sacrifice fear and tragedy surrounding one family’s struggle for freedom and their eventual triumph in the United States. Great story telling and fantastic, authentic Vietnamese food. We have developed a perfect menu for a cold night leading into the New Year.
5 COURSES INCLUDE :
—VEGETARIAN SPRING ROLL:
Crispy, golden fried and served with a vinegar dipping sauce.
— SOFT SHRIMP ROLL:
Authentic soft roll, with a clear wrapper filled with shrimp, pork, vermicelli noodles, cilantro and more. Served with a brown peanut, hoisin sauce.
— VIETNAMESE DUMPLINGS:
Pork filled pot stickers, served with a soy, ginger, onion dipping sauce.
— MEAL SIZED PHO SOUP:
Your choice of vegetarian or up to 3 meats – Shrimp, Chicken and Pork
Your choice soup noodles – Clear Thick Rice Noodles or Thin Egg Noodles like thin spaghetti
Your choice of spice level – from zero to 5 , with 5 being the hottest. Warning, spice level is high so error on the side of caution with your spice level.
—DESSERT CHOICE – Made with fresh fruit (choose one):
Fried Bananas
Mango Smoothie
Pineapple Smoothie
Strawberry Smoothie
*DINNER INCLUDES WATER.
* TEA and SOFT DRINKS ARE EXTRA COST
*GRATUITY NOT INCLUDED
****YOU ARE ALLOWED TO BRING IN YOUR OWN ALCOHOL
FOOD ADVENTURE EVENT AT LITTLE SAIGON
WHEN: MONDAY DECEMBER 30th at 6:30pm
WHERE: LITTLE SAIGON VIETNAMESE RESTAURANT – 1718 Woodman Dr, Kettering
WHAT: 5 Course Vietnamese Dinner and the restaurant owners share the family’s story of surviving war torn Vietnam, and their harrowing experience to get to the United States.
COST : $27 per person – gratuity not included
***TICKETS ARE PRE-PAY ONLY ONLINE — BUY TICKETS BY CLICKING HERE***
Seats are limited for this one night only, special dinner. Don’t miss out on this incredible tale of a local family and their struggle for freedom. Enjoy 5 authentic Vietnamese food courses and family recipes. Warm Pho and stories to warm the soul. This Food Adventure Dinner will begin promptly at 6:30pm. We look forward to this unique night as we enter our 12th year of Food Adventures.
For more Food Adventure info – “Like” us on FACEBOOK by clicking HERE.
ARTIST OF THE WEEK: Ann Rotolante
Ann originally didn’t plan on a career in the arts. “I was an engineering student,” she told me “and took a film course as an elective. I loved it. As soon as I got my engineering degree I moved to Dayton to enroll in film school at Wright State.”
When I caught up with Ann I took a few head shots because I knew she needed one. When I looked at her entry at imdb.com – the online database of information related to films and TV – her listing had no portrait. Go to https://www.imdb.com/name/
I wasn’t sure exactly what a producer’s role was. Ann told me one of her most important jobs on the Art Show was deciding which artists to feature. “We look for artists that our audience will find interesting, and we try to keep it diverse. We want a mix of types of artists and we want artists located throughout the Dayton / Cincinnati region. Season 11 of The Art Show will start airing soon, and I’m excited about the artists we will be featuring.”
Family Friendly Arcade Opens in Mike’s Bike Park
New Challenger, Dayton’s Family Friendly Arcade
221 Crane Street,
Dayton, OH 45403
(Behind Mike’s Indoor Bike Park)
Friday 12-10pm
Saturday 10am-10pm
Sunday 10am-9pm
Ethnosh Explores Ethiopian at Nanyea
“When you cook, it’s not by a recipe, it’s by passion.” These words spoken by Sofi Kinde, owner of Nanyea Restaurant & Coffee House, easily summarize why you need to enjoy a meal at this Ethiopian eatery. As you step into the deep red building, located on North Dixie Drive in Dayton, it becomes immediately clear that you are about to embark on a cultural excursion, expanding far past a simple meal. Take in the fragrant smell of burning incense, notice the beautiful art adorning each wall, and let the mellow lighting set the mood. To get the most out of the experience, come with an open mind and a sense of adventure.
Once you get Sofi talking about her love of cooking, it would be impossible to miss how her eyes light up when she talks about creating delicious food. Surprisingly, she never had envisioned herself as a restaurant owner before opening Nanyea Café about three years ago. Growing up in Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia, Sofi’s only plan was to reunite with her parents. Her mother and father had been selected as green card lottery winners as a part of the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program.
While waiting to join her parents, Sofi was raised by her Grandmother, along with her five brothers and two sisters. Like most of the families in Ethiopia, they were very close. Finally, at the age of 14, she was able to join her parents in the United States.
When asked about the motivation behind her parent’s desire to come to the United States, she told me a good education was a priority for her family, and one of the main reasons why her father had wanted to relocate. “When you live in a third world country, it is a lot different than here. That’s why he always said you need to appreciate what you have here.”
Finding a great school system was much easier here but starting over had its trials. Sofi had been away from her parents since she was very young, she knew almost no English and had never experienced snow. “It was like a new chapter in a book,” she tells me. Determined, she overcame the challenges of learning a new culture and language.
After high school, she moved to Dayton to attend Sinclair Community College for its Business program. Deciding to settle here, she became a student worker and held positions in the disability services office and then in the general office. Sofi connected with the small local Ethiopian community and made Dayton her new home.
In Columbus Sofi’s mother had owned a bakery and then a restaurant herself. Yet, it had never occurred to Sofi that she would one day be a restaurant owner too. When asked if she had always wanted to operate her own, she responded that it had never even crossed her mind.
Maintaining a close-knit community is a deep-rooted value in the Ethiopian culture, which was the true motivator behind it all. Yearning for a social gathering place, friends and family encouraged Sofi to consider opening a coffee shop. Ethiopia is considered the birthplace of coffee, in which it is not viewed as a mere caffeine fix. Instead, it is ceremonial, a time for bonding, deep conversations, and connection.
I was honored when Sofi enthusiastically offered to make us a pot to share. As it was brewing, she explained to me how each coffee ceremony would start by roasting and grinding the beans on the spot. The coffee is prepared in a jebena, a traditional clay pot that is said to infuse notes of flavor into the coffee. Sipping the warm coffee, I taste the deep chocolate notes she had described.
Coffee ceremonies are a rich part of her culture, but Sofi knew that a coffee shop alone was not enough. “Cooking is my passion”, she explains. A smile overtakes her face as she describes the joy she experiences when she cooks, “I always try to make someone’s day.” Knowing her heart was in the kitchen, and with her community behind her, Nanyea Restaurant & Coffee House, named after Grandma Nanyea herself, was born.
The restaurant started in a small building on North Main Street, but after word spread about the flavorful eats Sofi was serving, she needed to relocate to their larger new location just over a year ago. If you look on the menu you will find a large variety offered for meat-eaters and vegetarians alike. Each dish is labeled in English as well as Amharic, the official language of Ethiopia. On the front side of the menu, there is an opportunity for diners to learn a few words of Amharic.
Just about anything on her menu is sure to be delicious if you are willing to be a little adventurous. When you come to Nanyea Café some things will uniquely stand out. Sit down and prepare for a journey. The first thing you should know is that it is traditional in Ethiopia to eat with your hands. That’s right, no forks. Sofi strongly encourages everyone to be open-minded and allow themselves the full cultural experience. It may seem insignificant but feeling the food with your hands and smelling it as you bring it to your mouth is a reminder of connection with your food. “We all work for our food. Food is like a king. You got to give it respect.” Sofi states with admiration.
Get a true taste of Ethiopia by starting with injera, a spongy gluten-free bread. This fermented flatbread is traditionally served at nearly every meal and is said to have many health benefits. If deciding what to order next seems intimidating, Sofi recommends her favorite dish on the menu, Nanyea’s Tibs. It consists of beef cubes sautéed with her secret seasoning blend, onions, tomato, and Ethiopian butter—known as kibe. This dish holds more than an abundance of flavor, it has the honor of being the first and only dish, for a while, that Sofi served at her brand-new restaurant. It is the meal that helped her grow into a successful business.
NANYEA RESTAURANT COFFEE HOUSE & BAR
Dayton, OH 45414
(937) 396-4013
Ethnosh DAY is heading to Nanyea Restaurant and Coffee House!
We are excited to be partnering with Nanyea for our December NoshUp! This event will be a culinary adventure, Ethiopian-style. Here are a few things know about Ethiopian meal customs:
- Traditional Ethiopian food is eaten with the hands; this is done by tearing off a piece of injera (Ethiopian flatbread), using it to grab some food, and putting it directly in your mouth.
- Traditional meals are eaten from a communal plate, but you should not reach all the way across to the other side to grab food; eat what is close to you.
- It is polite to eat with your right hand – the left is considered unclean and therefore you should avoid using it if you can.
- There will always be a way to wash your hands before and after the meal.
Join us on Sunday, December 15 for a plate full of some great Ethiopian cuisine and meet the family and staff who bring all of this goodness to your city.
There are 3 seatings ( each can seat 48 guests) for this event:
- Lunch Seating: 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM
- Seating 1: 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
- Seating 2: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Vegan and Vegetarian plates are available. Please be sure to select your preferred option on your ticket order form.
Ethiopian coffee will be available for $2. Nanyea also offers a full bar. Note that Ethiopian coffee and alcoholic beverages are not included in the ticket price.
WHEN
Sunday – December 15, 2019
SEATINGS
- Lunch Seating: 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM
- Seating 1: 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
- Seating 2: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
$18.00 + a small processing fee
WHERE
- Nanyea Restaurant and Coffee House
- 6129 North Dixie Drive
- Dayton, OH 45414
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
Email [email protected] for more info.
McCoy on Movies
Shults, cast shine in heartfelt – and stellar – Waves
WATCH THE TRAILER(S) HERE:
Then, over the course of one night, his life changes forever – and so does the life of everyone close to him.
Their lives now turned completely upside down, the Williams family finds themselves struggling to recover in the wake of tragedy. But when Emily meets a shy classmate in the form of Luke (Lucas Hedges), she discovers she may hold the key to healing her family so that they can once again be whole.
The performances truly bring out the radiance of the story of Waves, one in which you are fully immersed in the characters’ respective worlds. Shults’ nuanced work behind the lens makes the characters’ world come alive, in turn making their respective heartbreaks and outcomes all the more intense and more importantly, authentic and relatable. Watching one character’s self-destructive path give birth to the awakening of another’s could come off extremely clumsy or clichéd in the wrong hands; fortunately for Shults and company, their commitment to the tale makes everything work in grand fashion. Whether you are a parent, a confused adolescent trying to figure out the world, someone trying to overcome grief, a person holding on to a past tragic experience, Waves offers something most movies do not – therapy and hope – that may serve to help as much as it does entertain.
Yes, the story is compelling in and of itself, but it also looks to explore healing and what that may look like for many different people. Despite a predominantly African American cast, race is not the focus of the story as much as our general humanity is. That in turn may actually help in showcasing African-Americans in a way they are rarely shown in mainstream media, a fresh breath of air that explores the “we’re all human” notion without being blatant, over-the-top or fool-hearty (hence the earlier Crash reference). With apologies to Brown, one might consider it a long episode of This is Us that doesn’t explore the past or present as much as it does look towards the future.
In short, Waves should make waves upon its national release this week because in a world – pardon the terrible wordplay – full of storms, the film serves as an oasis all should experience.
Join in DCDC’s “In the Spirit of… Abundant Blessings” Holiday Performance
Dayton’s own world renowned Dayton Contemporary Dance Company is back for a hometown an unforgettable holiday extravaganza with In the Spirit of… Abundant Blessings, a celebration of the African-American church. Performances take place on Saturday, December 7 at 7:30pm or Sunday, December 8 at 4pm at the Victoria Theatre, located at 138 N. Main St. in Dayton.
This holiday performance is a switch up from recent years. The company has been performing the beloved Littlest Angel production traditionally. Although a tradition, this swap up is sure to excite Dayton audiences. Not only is the dance quality tremendous, there is live music too!
Music is provided by a collection of amazing talent including The Jeremy Winston Chorale, the Frederick Douglass Elementary Children’s Choir, Judah Band, Music Director Deron Bell with a mass community choir, and nationally renowned gospel singer – the legendary Shirley Murdock. This performance transports audiences to a higher plane of joy and belonging. It’s a holiday offering the entire family is sure to enjoy!
DCDC will also be paying tribute to Sheri “Sparkle” Williams’ 46th year with the company, as is DCDC’s and one of the nation’s most recognized contemporary dance artists.
“This is a wonderful culminating event for our 50th Anniversary. In the Spirit of .. is one of my favorite offerings because it brings the community together. It is a season for giving and sharing. Stepping into our 51st season is no small feat; if not for our dream of our founder, Jeraldyne Blunden, we would not have this wonderful legacy that lives on throughout Dayton, the nation, and the globe. I’m looking forward to celebrating with you the gifts of our abundant blessings.” – Debbie Blunden-Diggs, DCDC Chief Artistic Administrator and Producing Director.
HOW TO GO?
Saturday, December 7 at 7:30 p.m. or Sunday, December 8 at 4:00pm
Victoria Theatre, located at 138 N. Main St. in Dayton.
Tickets are $28 are available at ticketcenterstage.com (scroll to pick Sunday performance) or by calling 937-228-3630.
Group Tickets available for groups of 10+. For group tickets contact [email protected]. Student, Veteran & Senior discounts are also available.
Exciting New Alternative Rock Takes the Stage at Jimmie’s Ladder 11
The local promotional group Hear&See presents an exciting night of alternative rock with Pollyanna, on tour from New Jersey and making their only Ohio stop right here in Dayton! They’ll be performing with support from Ohio bands COLLY, snarls andBeloved Youth at Jimmie’s Ladder 11on Saturday December 7, 2019.
Pollyanna is an up-and-coming pop punk trio (see video below). Cincinnati’s Colly nimbly balances robust rock songcraft and electronic pop ambition with Kings of Leon influences. Snarls is an emo glitter pop group from Columbus, OH. And . Beloved Youth is a 4-piece alt rock band from the Cincinnati area, boasting strong pop melodies and compelling guitar arrangements.
Don’t miss these fresh new alternative acts!
HOW TO GO?
- Saturday December 7, 2019
- Jimmie’s Ladder 11 – 936 Brown Street, Dayton, OH 45409
- Music 10pm – 1:30am.
- $5 cover at the door
Gingerbread House Decorating
When checking out, please select the store “pickup” location and “pickup date” that correlates with the location and date you will be attending class.
This class is geared towards kids ages 6 and up.
Class will last approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Dayton Artists United: Nick Arnold
The Blue House Gallery and Studios began in 2014 when Nicholaus Arnold and Ashley Jonas teamed up with Blue House owner, Diana Cordero to create an arts center in Northwest Dayton. Diana’s love for the neighborhood inspired her to acquire and transform the large blue house located near the corner of Seibenthaler and Catalpa; which was a vacant property in the area. Nicholaus and Ashley had just relocated to the area after graduate school at Syracuse University and The University of Colorado Boulder where they each received their MFA’s respectively. These three worked together renovating and rebuilding many areas of the house; resulting in the creation of a livable residence and a viable creative space.
Today, The Blue House is a site of multiple artist studios, an exhibition space and soon to be artist residency. The Blue House regularly brings in artists and creators to collaborate and create in our space with the goal of betterment through the arts
Dayton Artists United had the opportunity to chat with Nick about The Blue House, being an artist, and Dayton.
DAU-Talk to me about The Blue House, what’s your mission?
NA–I guess I’d have to say our primary goal is to make difficult art easy to access. We like to show the concept and the process.
DAU–Difficult art? Say more about that..
NA–What makes a work art is not necessarily something that makes it easy to understand. The perception of art is that it’s a painting. A thing that hangs on the wall and you look at it. Art is more than that, its tactile, it breathes, its conceptual. For example, a recent Blue House exhibition “Worries Bash” featured virus-shaped talking pinatas that were filled with peoples worries. The artists taught computers how to worry, and people’s recorded worries played in a constant murmur until one of the pinatas was jostled or tapped, then a single worry would come into focus and then resubmerge. That is experiential art. You hear it. You see it. You think about it. Those virus shapes are imprinted on the viewer as tangible worry. Very different from a painting.
DAU–How do you find your exhibitions?
NA– We seek artists around the country to find things that aren’t happening here. Like a show by a performance artist and printmaking professor that was created from Trix cereal. Or the show in Minnesota that was a growing garden with Ikea furniture. We also collaborate and take referrals from other organizations, like The Neon Heater in Findlay.
DAU–You talk about bringing in work that isn’t happening here. Talk to me about the Dayton arts community.
NA–Dayton is my hometown. I was born here, went to high school in Dayton Public Schools. Attended Sinclair and Wright State. I left to go to graduate school, met my partner and came back to Dayton, we thought temporarily. But we found a great community here. Everyone looks out for each other. What’s interesting and challenging about working in a small tight knit community is keeping the work experimental. In the gallery and in my work I ask myself, “how do I avoid repetition.”
DAU–I want to talk about your work, but I want to back up a second and talk about The Blue House a bit more. How far out are you planning and how many shows a year?
NA–We started out with 11 shows a year. Too many. We realized that some parts of the year are just harder to draw people in. January–too cold? Early January is not a good time for attendance. Summer is harder too. Looking at the flow of people, we reduced to six shows a year, 2 or 3 shows in the spring and 2-3 in the fall. We’ve got 2020 all planned out, except for some things in November.
DAU–Does that include the residencies?
NA–We’ve got 2 artists scheduled for the next year. The residency is usually for a week, culminating in an exhibition, but we’re looking to have artists talks at local institutions too. The residency has changed over the years since we started. It’s an open call, and we look at who wants to come and what we’re planning. Aaron Foster the printmaking professor found us via the website.
DAU-Let’s go back to you and your work. You are a photographer?
NA–I trained as a printmaker, sculptor and photographer. The Blue House has its own print studio, and I teach photography. Lately I have been exploring Dayton as an astronaut.
DAU–Can you say more about that?
NA– Initially, it started because my partner, Ashley, was away at a residency in Kansas. I was home alone, and started feeling isolated. I started thinking about isolation and how astronauts must have felt. I created a rocket and a spacesuit. I mounted an exhibition for a Third Sunday at Front St. My experience there moved me from thinking about isolation to disbelief and on to absurdist. At that exhibition, people came up to me and shook my hand and thanked me for my service.
I feel bad, I’ve been on this project a long time. I usually have an ending point in mind, but this started as the exploration of an idea, and it’s gone through phases and mediums. From isolation to seeing Dayton as an alien. Its absurdist now, but it isn’t over, I haven’t reached the ending point.
DAU–Thank you for taking the time to talk to me.
Ride the Flyer Bus with Santa
Those looking for a little holiday cheer need look no further than a free ride downtown on the Greater Dayton RTA’s Flyer bus service as the agency will be celebrating the season with trips with Santa and onboard carolers.
This year the RTA is debuting two “Festive Flyer” buses in constant circulation on the downtown route. The two buses are decorated with snowflakes on the outside and include holiday decorations on the inside. Also included is a custom “selfie photo booth,” where riders can take pictures and share their experience. The Flyer is RTA’s free downtown shuttle, offering rides every 10 minutes between RiverScape MetroPark and the University of Dayton campus, Monday through Saturday.
Santa will ride one of the “Festive Flyer” on select afternoons, including Wednesday, Dec. 4 from 4-6 pm, Saturday, Dec. 14 from 4-5 pm, and Saturday, Dec. 21 from 4-7 pm. Riders can meet with Santa, take pictures, and enjoy free candy canes while aboard.
In addition, carolers will be riding every Flyer bus, including the “Festive Flyers,” on Dec. 6 for downtown Dayton’s First Friday events—more info at www.downtowndayton.org. Carolers from a variety of Miami Valley churches will be onboard singing a variety of holiday music from 5:30-7 p.m. The Flyer will feature carolers again on Dec. 20 aboard all buses from 5:30-7 p.m.
For more information on The Flyer and these special events, visit iriderta.org/TheFlyer.