Dayton at Work and Play: Yetunde Taiwo Rodriguez

September 27, 2021 By Bill Franz

Artist of the Week Yetunde Taiwo Rodriguez of Yetunde Rodriguez Design in her downtown studio.

Yetunde is a graphic artist who will be featured at Rosewood Art Center (2655 Olson Drive) September 27-October 2 as part of this year’s Art on the Commons festival.

Yetunde was born in Nigeria and moved to the U.S. as a teen. She and her family have lived in the Dayton area since 2007. Much of Yetunde’s work is made by block printing using patterns she has carved herself.

She told me that one reason she likes block printing is that each impression is a little different than the one made before. These slight differences add interest and soul to a hand printed piece of fabric. These fabrics then become beautiful bags, pillow cases and other items.

About Bill Franz

In retirement Bill Franz bought a camera, learned how to use it, and became a volunteer photographer. He has done photo projects for the Humane Society of Greater Dayton and for almost two dozen other local organizations.

In 2013 Bill started a project of his own – photographing people at work. Since then he has photographed hundreds of workers, from butchers and bakers and candy makers to clowns and sculptors and fire eaters. The photos have appeared in solo and group art exhibitions and also in less traditional venues such as hospitals, retail stores, nature centers and breweries. They have been seen by hundreds of thousands of people. Profits from photo sales go to Dayton area nonprofits.