On Saturday, November 14th at 2:00pm, the Oregon District Bridge Mural Reveal-Celebration will take place to celebrate the vision and execution of the mural on Fifth Street that serves as a gateway to the District. and all those who participated. Social distancing and mask-wearing is required.
Completed by artist Dave Scott, it covers both sides of the 5th Street bridge, which has been a priority for the ODBA board for the last two years. This mural project is part of a broader strategy of the ODBA to strengthen the Oregon District’s distinctive identity and to create “place-making” by providing accessibility to art and creative expression without barriers.
Dana Graham, elected to the ODBA Board in 2020, spearheaded this bridge mural project and brought it to fruition. Graham is the Boutique Coordinator at Puff Apothecary and Office + Community Curator at CANARY Consulting, both businesses are located in the Oregon District. Graham will serve a three-year term on the ODBA board.
“With this opportunity to co-manage the bridge mural project, I was excited that the ODBA could provide the platform to highlight the work of underrepresented talent and see their work shine on what will become an iconic Dayton landmark,” explained Graham. “Dave Scott is an incredibly talented artist and we are so in love with his mural.”
Dave Scott was born and raised in Trotwood, Ohio. Scott takes a simplistic approach to work and considers himself a minimalist. In studying art history and color theory, he has been able to create his own style, using color to express emotion, Dave strives to connect with his audience through purposeful creations.
“The mural to me is a symbol of artistic freedom,” said Scott. “I’m thankful for the opportunity to have done this and I appreciate everyone that helped me complete it. The mural is a huge milestone for my career. With it only being my second mural, it takes me to that next level and I’m excited to see what’s next. I hope it brings new life to people in the Oregon District and inspires them in ways I can’t even fathom.”
This piece of public art was a collaborative effort. Scott assembled a team of local talent enlisting B.K Elias and Lydia Williamson to help execute his vision. Dozens of volunteers also assisted Scott with this giant undertaking.
Kyle Babirad, owner of CANARY Consulting and president of the ODBA explained, “This mural has been in the works for such a long time. It was important to our [ODBA] board to create a spectacular entrance and gateway into the district that represented the vibrancy of our businesses and of our residential neighborhood. Dana’s leadership on this project did so much more than just commission a work of art, she worked with many stakeholders and in selecting Dave Scott, helped to assemble a community of artists to represent our entire city.”
“It’s important to know that the creative community of Black + Brown and other minority identities, especially those of the millennial generation, have always been abundant in the city of Dayton. We’ve contributed to different artistic eras, political movements, community re-shaping, and entrepreneurial landscapes. The painting of the Oregon District bridge is just another great example of that influence that will continue building the culture of our city,” said Graham.