Archives for October 2021
The ARTery Gallery Artist of the Month: David Zawisa
The ARTery Gallery at Front Street invites you to come see our New ”RUSTIC” Members Exhibition on display through October, a collection of rural, country scenes, objects, activities, people and landscapes. We would like to introduce our Gallery’s Highlighted Artist of the Month, David Zawisa, an exceptional painter and sculptor as well as our Visiting Artist for October, Leah Mendenhall, also a very talented local painter.
David Zawisa’s earliest recollection of creating art was at the age of 2 while drawing murals on his parents walls. The artist said “Without a care in the world, using crayon as my medium of choice, I learned then that art can evoke strong emotions, and that art is not permanent. So, I’ve been on a life-long quest to make my art timeless. I now work with oil-based paint, metal and wood as these materials seem to have lasting qualities. I may still use crayon, but I will never again admit to it.”
In his teens the artist painted murals on vans with an airbrush while working for Juan Parker in Columbus Ohio who was a very nationally known airbrush artist. Zawisa says his genre is eclectic because he is not bound to one type of work or a set style. The artist paints and creates whatever comes to mind that sparks his interest or imagination, so the sky is the limit!
He is both a unique and talented Painter as well as Sculptor at the ARTery Gallery at Front Street in Downtown Dayton, OH. Zawisa has studied and taken a variety of painting classes at the Cranbrook Art Center in Michigan, Middletown Art Center in Middletown, OH, and at the Rosewood Art Center in Kettering, OH. He enjoys creating 2-D paintings in oils on canvas but has been known to paint on a variety of materials including copper to create a unique relief with his paint colors replicating the look of patina.
Zawisa gained sculpture experience through the creative process itself, figuring things out as he went along, visualizing ideas and then discovering logistical ways to bring his projects into reality whether it be a 2-D or 3-D piece. He is a creative, natural innovator and problem solver in life, so sculpting seemed a natural outlet for his special gifts, abilities, and insatiable imagination. Years ago, Zawisa was commissioned to draw some military aircraft by John Navitsky who was the US government military liaison, and he suggested Zawisa re-create a small re-sculpture of the well-known Vietnam Memorial statue of the three soldiers facing the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington D.C. The original artist approved it, as well as the US government, so David created his very first sculpture and the artist gained a lot of confidence in his sculptural abilities.
The fascinating piece of art pictured with this article by David Zawisa is entitled “Perceptual Motion”. It is an 11” x 15” framed Pen & Ink original drawing. The perpetual motion effect is more perceptible when seen in person, and it is currently hanging at The ARTery Gallery at Front Street. While you are there be sure to look for a moving metal sculpture he named “Sputnik” after the Russia satellite which has been sold, but is still currently hanging in the ARTery. Zawisa is currently working on Sputnik II which will not only include movement, but it will also include lights on the end of each of the metal antennas.
Come Meet Zawisa in person, our ARTery Artist of the month for October as well as our Guest Artist, Leah Mendenhall, and check out their current work on 3rd Sunday from 11am to 4pm.
The ARTery Gallery at Front Street currently has 16 member artists and artisans, and hosts a variety of work from Jewelry and Ceramics to Textile art, Printmaking, Sculpture, Painting, Photography, and Digital Art. The ARTery Gallery is located in the Front Street Bldg, Door B-C, 3rd Floor, and OPEN EVERY 1st Friday from 5-9pm, and also 3rd Sunday from 11am-4pm. Come join in the fun, rich in art, entertainment, and community. There will be lots of art studios open including the ARTery Gallery, Individual and Group exhibitions, live music, Outdoor vendors and food available via local food trucks in the parking lot.
*Current ARTery Artists include: Alison Bour, Amy O’Hearn, Ashley Simons, Rosalie Campbell, Bob Farley, Carol Farley, Jim Hayes, Kelly Ingerson, Bonnie Kuntz, Sarah Maxwell, Melanie Morrett, Ryan Taylor, Jo Anne Vincent, Leonard Williams, and David Zawisa.
WYSO Hires New Full-Time Digital Editor
With the addition of Desmond Winton-Finklea to its news team, WYSO 91.3 FM has its first full-time staffer focused solely on building the station’s online presence.
Winton-Finklea will be the daily editorial manager and producer of WYSO’s digital communications platforms, including its websites, apps, streams, emails and social media accounts. He also will support the music department and the Center for Community Voices, track and analyze digital metrics, and work with department directors to create and execute the organization’s digital strategy.
This position is a key element in the growth of WYSO’s newsroom, which is on track to triple in size in under two years, says Jason Saul, WYSO’s director of news and programming. “Bringing in another full-time editor will allow us to innovate and offer even more news on different platforms. As media channels and platforms keep changing, we’re also continuously changing to meet people where they are.”
Winton-Finklea has been a journalist and a multimedia production professional for nearly 10 years. With a bachelor’s degree in communication from Central State University and an associate’s degree in recording audio engineering and video production, he has worked for Dayton-area television stations as a breaking news reporter and a producer of video, audio and digital content.
“Desmond is a great local news talent,” Saul says. “We are excited to introduce him to the world of public radio. With all of his experience, abilities and amazing energy, he will help us bring even more breaking and in-depth news to our digital channels and give us the capacity to launch additional news products soon, too.”
ABOUT WYSO
Yellow Springs, Ohio-based WYSO 91.3 FM is the NPR member station for the Miami Valley. With 80,000 listeners, it reaches much of southwest Ohio and is rapidly growing its membership base. It plays a dynamic mix of music (over 40 hours a week) and delivers robust daily news and project reporting, through its flagship network news programs and locally produced content. Our Eichelberger Center for Community Voices trains the next generation to tell their own stories, and WYSO’s news department delivers the latest breaking news along with in-depth features, special projects and podcasts.
Comedy Improv is Back at Black Box Theater
The Black Box Improv Theater is back! Starting tonight (which is sold out) the laughs return to the stage with a new ownership group. Originally founded in 2012 by Justin Howard, he has turned his focus to corporate consulting. With the Covid-19 pandemic, the theater closed its doors in March of 2020 unsure what the future held. Thankfully, in the summer of 2021, ten veteran performers and instructors pulled together to take over the space and return the theater to a viable entertainment option for the southwest Ohio region.
Kevin Carter, Garrett Geilenfeldt, James Fritchman, Othalia Larue, Jason VonVille, Teri Herbstreit, PJ Lindsay, Jonathan Sauline and Bryan Lakatos now share the tasks required to operate the theater. Some teach, some perform, others handle legal responsibilities, accounting and marketing. They all pitched in for a big clean up and refresh day, handling some repairs, painting and other refreshes to the space. They’ve even applied for a liquor license- but for now it’s BYOB.
Shows that are inspired by audience suggestions will be Wed – Sun nights, after this weekends grand re-opening. They feature long form improv featuring locally grown improvisors and we have a variety of shows ranging from hour long shows based on your personal stories to a local favorite, our improvised musicals! Our musicals feature the former music director of Second City, Trey Stone.
Wed 8pm $5
Doors open 30 minutes before showtime and seating is first come, first served. Theater and Stage are both handicap accessible and the showroom seats about 100.
First Friday- Chocked Full of Events Downtown
It is officially fall in downtown Dayton, and there’s still plenty of time to get out and enjoy the crisp weather and small businesses in downtown Dayton for First Friday. This month there is a lot to celebrate in downtown, with a 50th business anniversary, a new sushi business, and the reopening of a beloved improv spot post-covid.
Art, Dance, Music and Film
- ● Black Box Improv Theater, 518 E. Third St: WE’RE BACK!!! The Black Box is ready to reopen, with its first show on First Friday, October 1st. The doors are back open to bring the funny to you with two shows, at 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. Tickets on sale now at daytonblackboximprov.com/. And don’t forget…it’s BYOB! Disclaimer: Proof of vaccinations required upon entry for all patrons and performers. Masks will also be required while inside the theater, including on stage for the immediate future.
- ● The Contemporary Dayton, 25 W. Fourth St.: Open until 6 p.m., come to The CO to explore three installations, and a special night with a LIVE “Artist Talk” with the featured artist Mychaelyn Michalec at 6 p.m. to talk to the artist about her current installation at the gallery. On view now through Oct. 24, including Dayton-based Mychaelyn Michalec: From A Basement On A Hill; New Jersey artist Nina Chanel Abney; and Brooklyn-based artist Sara Cwynar. All exhibits open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on First Friday, and Saturday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Find more information on the exhibits at. https://thecontemporarydayton.org/2020-2021-season-schedule/ or call 937-224-3822 for more information.
- ● Dayton Art Institute, 456 Belmonte Park N.: Visit the latest special exhibition open on Fridays until 5 p.m.: Photography Through Time, showing that since its invention in 1839, photography has taken many forms. In this exhibition, discover the range of photographic processes within the Dayton Art Institute’s photography collection.From early photographic processes to contemporary artworks that expand our notion of the medium, Photography Through Time includes examples of daguerreotype, cyanotype, albumen, gelatin silver, chromogenic, photogravure and inkjet photographs.
- ● Dayton Performing Arts Alliance – Dayton Philharmonic: 8:00 pm showing of Beethoven’s Eroica: A Salute to Heroes a Dayton Philharmonic Masterworks Series at the Schuster Center: Works by Austin Jaquith, Mendelssohn, and Beethoven. The DPO begins with a salute to the heroes of the pandemic—the first responders, medical personnel, delivery drivers, and all those whose jobs suddenly carried greater risk— with Austin Jaquith’s driving musical portrait Heldenleben 2020, or “Heroic Life 2020.” Heroism also marks the music of Beethoven’s Third Symphony, originally dedicated to Napoleon before he crowned himself emperor. Returning to the DPO is violinist Philippe Quint for Mendelssohn’s Violin Concert in E minor, a sparkling jewel of a concerto. DaytonLive.org for tickets.
- ● Dayton Society of Artists, 48 High St Dayton, OH 45403: The Dayton Society of Artists is pleased to welcome you to its gallery on the hill. Open on First Fridays from noon to 9 p.m. on First Fridays. Get info about the group by calling 937-228-4532. or visit https://daytondsa.org/
- ● Dublin Pub, 300 Wayne Ave., 937-224-7822: Live music at the Dublin Pub! Stop by for a pint and listen to live music for Irish First Fridays. Happy Hour from 3-6pm. Seating inside and on the extended patio.
- ● First Friday at Front Street, 1001 E. Second St.: Spend an inspiring evening with us at 1st Friday Art Hop – while you enjoy live music from The Flashback Band & dinner from Rolling Oasis. Check out more than 40 art studios and galleries across our campus, including the Opening Reception for “Between Realms” by artist Chip Williamson from 5-9 p.m. in Building 100, CD Hall! Art hops at Front Street are always free to attend and conveniently located in Dayton just off St. Route 35. Free, lit, onsite parking is available in surrounding lots.
- ● Flying Pizza, 223 N. Main St.: Celebrating 50 years in business on Oct. 1 – visit Flying Pizza open until 7 p.m. for New York style slices and pies. Serving up the best pizza in downtown Dayton since 1971. For the anniversary there will be giveaways at the store until 7 p.m. Find the menu online at: http://originalflyingpizza.com/menu.html or call 937-222-8031.
- ● iMadeThis DIY Art Studio, 411 E. Fifth St.: Stop by iMadeThis for Open Studio Crafting Fridays every Friday from 5-9 p.m., Saturdays 12-9 p.m., and Sunday 12-6 p.m. iMadeThis offers hundreds of design-your-own activities for children and adults. Find more information on their website: https://imadethis.art/
- ● K-12 Gallery and TEJAS, 341 S. Jefferson St.: First Friday will be the opening night for the latest K-12 exhibit “Artists in House” with a variety of pieces by K12 Gallery & TEJAS teachers, staff, and interns. Join us on Saturday, Oct. 2 for the chance to jump into the fall season with us at Scarecrow Market! We’ll have Hot Glass Pumpkins, an Artisan Market, Make-and-Take Artwork, and a professional Pumpkin Carving demo from Rock on Ice! Tickets: $20.00 per person Learn more about K-12 artists, events and classes at: https://k12tejasgallery.org/
- ● Picture Perfect Paint Parties, 123 N. Ludlow St., 937-265-0691: For First Friday, all Take Home Paint Party Kits are buy one get one 1/2 off. www.pictureperfectpaintparties.com
- ● Skeleton Dust Records, 133 E. Third St.: Join Skeleton Dust to explore new music with a variety of eclectic, yet curated selection of rock, punk, metal, r&b, hip hop, blues, jazz, electronic, experimental, reggae, and world music on vinyl, CD, and cassette format. Open until 6 p.m.
- ● Toxic Brew Company, 431 E. Fifth St.: Visit Toxic on First Friday for a pint of your favorite locally brewed beer or a craft cocktail and to enjoy a new art display inside the brewery by local artist Dylan Sage. You can see examples of his work at instagram.com/dylusionalartist/
- ● Out on Fifth in the Oregon District, Fifth Street: A pedestrian-only area as Fifth Street is closed to vehicular traffic on the weekends and turned into an entertainment destination, featuring live musicians and performers in the streets, extended patios at your favorite local restaurants and bars, and the Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) in the Oregon District.
- ● Wiley’s Comedy Club, 101 Pine St.: A special event with Heywood Banks, who is simply one-of-a-kind, almost impossible to describe, with a style his very own. Equal parts genius and buffoon, this songwriter- comic-singer-poet-musician has become a cult hero and a pop icon, with a show that appeals to college students, stoners, businessmen, yuppies, rednecks, punks, kids or your grandmother. Show starts at 8 p.m. 18+ show, and Due to COVID-19 restrictions, tickets are ONLY available online or by calling (937)224- JOKE. We are not currently selling tickets at the door.
- ● Yellow Cab Tavern Art Gallery, 700 E. Fourth St.: The Yellow Cab Gallery is BACK and hosting a monthly residency with local artists. Join for a gallery opening party from 5 – 8pm as part of every First Friday in Downtown Dayton! Also join for a special concert, Gulliver’s Travelling Medicine Show – who was was the jam band to see in Dayton in the late 1990’s and early 2000’s. They routinely played to full houses in places like Gilly’s and Canal Street Tavern. Gulliver’s drew from classic influences like the Grateful Dead and the Band, as well as more esoteric acts like Talking Heads, Phish and Frank Zappa. Cover starts at 8:00pm on Oct 1st with performance starting around 9:00pm! Tickets are $7 presale and $10 at the doors. **Presale tickets end at Midnight on Sept 30th. Ticket info at https://www.facebook.com/events/324175512837811/
Dining and Drinks
- ● Bozack’s Cocktail Lounge, 142 E. Third St: Bozack’s is a fun neighborhood, urban upscale cocktail lounge with a great positive, laid back vibe. Open for First Fridays, where you might just catch some live music. Stop in for a drink.
- ● Choice Juice Boxx, 31 S. St. Clair St.: Join us for a Friday Juice Happy Hour with a free wellness shot, available until supplies run out. Choice Juice Boxx offers healthy and natural alkaline juices and drinks that promote a healthy lifestyle.
- Oct. 1 is a big celebration for Flying Pizza in downtown Dayton at 223 N. Main Street. The business is celebrating 50 years downtown, and Friday marks the final day of the celebration week for the Graci family, who opened the doors of Flying Pizza in 1971. The business is celebrating with giveaways of t-shirts, sweatshirts, treats and 16 big- screen televisions! “We do one thing, and we do one thing right: pizza,” Frank Graci said of their New York Style slices and pies. During the week-long celebration, Flying Pizza will invite guests and business regulars to sign a banner that will be given to John Graci to mark the momentous occasion.
- ● Jollity, 127 E. Third St: Open for dinner on Fridays until 10 p.m., Jollity also now serves Saturday brunch from 10 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. Jollity is a new restaurant in The Fire Blocks District with a full-service new American and Midwest cuisine with global influence.Find regular business hours and menus at: https://www.jollitydayton.com/
- ● Local Cantina, 501 E. First St: For First Friday specials you’ll find $5 Mustache Ride Margaritas and $3 Draft pints from 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.
- ● Lily’s Dayton, 329 E. Fifth St., 937-723-7637: Open for dine in, delivery with 937Delivers or carryout – join us for local food and hand-crafted tiki or traditional cocktails. Including two outdoors patios, and DORA drinks you can take to Out on Fifth.
- ● Mudlick Tap House, 135 E. Second St., (937) 895-4066: Join us to kick of First Friday for Happiness Hours, from 4-6 p.m. with $2 off glasses of wine, a $6 cocktail feature, $2 off draft beers and 1⁄2 off of shareables. Enjoy a night on our extended outdoor patio.
- ● Oregon Express, 336 E. Fifth St., 937-223-9205: Every First Friday join us for Happy Hour deals from 5-8 p.m. with music from the Linda Prevo Band. Stop in for some of the best pizza in Dayton. Happy hour specials and LIVE music. Dine in, carryout and curbside pickup available. Find our menu on our website here.
- ● Salar Restaurant and Lounge, 400 E. Fifth St., 937-203-3999: Kick off your First Friday with happy hour at Salar from 4-6 p.m. with cocktail specials, $5 house wine pours, $1 off of all beers, and bar bites specials. Enjoy dinner, too, available for dine in or carryout. And we have a special extended street patio set up for Out on 5th, the pedestrian promenade weekends in the Oregon District.
- ● Salt Block Biscuit Company, 115 E. Third St.: Biscuits aren’t just for breakfast! Salt Block has expanded dinner hours, with a special dinner menu for in-house dining, or your favorites to-go to enjoy at the Levitt Lawn. Find specials listed on the Salt Block Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/SaltBlockBiscuitCo. Or order for pickup on our website https://www.toasttab.com/salt-block-biscuit-company/v3/?mode=fulfillment.
- ● Third Perk Coffeehouse and Wine Bar, 146 E. Third St.: Friday nights are Cigars, Cocktails and The Patio at Third Perk from 7 p.m. to midnight. Enjoy your favorite coffee drinks, or specialty cocktails with our full service bar. Saturday nights are Reggae Night from 8 p.m. to midnight.
- ● Troll Pub Dayton, 216 Wayne Ave.: Every Friday at the Troll Pub is part of W.T.F Happy Hours: Wednesday, Thursday & Friday from 4-7 p.m. featuring 1/2 Priced Pints & 1/2 priced apps, $4 Fireball Shots & $4 Wheatly Vodka specials.
- ● Table 33 Dayton, 130 W. Second St.: Fridays are wine night at Table 33, with $3.33 wine pairings with any entree.
- ● Trolley Stop, 530 E. Fifth St., 937-461-1101: Enjoy Half-off Happy Hour!
- ● Two Social Dayton, 123 E. Third St.: From drinking, to games, to drinking games, Two Social is the ideal hangout to meet new people, gain friendships and have a wonderful time in Dayton! Axe throwing, video games, bocce ball and more. Reserve your axe throwing lane today on our website. https://www.2socialdayton.com/
- ● Winans Chocolates and Coffee, 221 N. Patterson Blvd: Enjoy a First Friday at Winans with a special offer of $15 wine flights and a free piece of chocolate with the purchase of a latte (enjoy inside or on our patio). Open until 9:30 p.m. 937-732-1001.
- ● Zen Lounge and Sushi Bar, 121 N. Ludlow St.: NOW OPEN for a grand opening weekend, Zen Lounge and Sushi Bar is downtown Dayton’s newest restaurant, offering a full-service bar and a variety of fresh sushi options. Visit us at 121 N. Ludlow Street, open on Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to midnight, and Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 2:30 a.m.
Special Shopping Deals and Activities
- ● Choice Juice Boxx and Varsity House gallery, 31 S. St. Clair St.: Stop by the shop to grab a fresh juice or smoothie, or take a look at the offerings at Varsity House, which features local artists and makers. Start your Choice Juice punch card – buy 9 juices, get the 10th free. Free wellness shots while supplies last.
- ● Connect E-Sports, 212 Wayne Ave.: Stop by Connect E-Sports gaming in the Wheelhouse to play your favorite console or computer games in online tournaments or with your friends. A special First Friday deal for new guests: Any new account at Connect E-Sports will receive one free hour of gaming. Find info about the games you can play on the website: https://connectesports.com/
- ● Grace Lane Boutique, 133 E. Fourth St., 937-903-2729: Stop by this boutique toshop the latest in ethical fashion brands. Open until 6 p.m. on Fridays.
- ● Skeleton Dust Records, 133 E. Third St.: Join Skeleton Dust to explore new music with a variety of eclectic, yet curated selection of rock, punk, metal, r&b, hip hop, blues, jazz, electronic, experimental, reggae, and world music on vinyl, CD, and cassette format. Open until 6 p.m.
- ● Vidia’s Closet, 27 S. St. Clair St., 937-813-2144: Vidia’s Closet is having a First Friday Sale with 25% off of all in-store inventory, and a free bottle of wine with all purchases $100+. Shop fashion-forward trends for all in their online boutique at https://www.vidiascloset.com/.
It’s Opening night for the witty and wonderful comedy SYLVIA at X*ACT
AR Gurney’s witty and wonderful comedy SYLVIA, about a middle aged man, and his newly found love for all things canine!