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DAI’s New Must See Exhibit – “Creating the New Century”

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John Alexander - Ship of Fools

John Alexander - "Ship of Fools"

The Dayton Art Institute has a new exhibit that opens tomorrow (3/12/2011) called “Creating the New Century” – an amazing collection of 70 pieces created by 69 different artists after the year 2000 in a wide range of styles and techniques.  The collection is owned by James F. Dicke II – an Ohio businessman and artist himself (who also sits on the DAI Board of Trustees), and it includes several thought-provoking works that deal with modern-day social and political issues, along with many whimsical pieces that are simply fun to take in.

The exhibit has been put together masterfully by DAI in the special exhibit wing of the museum, and it includes several video displays featuring interviews with the artists themselves as well as QR Codes by ScanDayton.com that link visitors with smartphones to additional videos and information about individual works.  The exhibit is free for DAI members, $10 for adults and $8 for students and seniors, and it runs through July 10, 2011.

What makes this exhibit exciting is the collection itself – an eclectic mix of paintings, drawings and sculptures with a modern vibe that contrasts greatly with the more historic pieces that many have come to expect at DAI.  I was able to preview the exhibit this past Wednesday and was amazed – especially after listening to John Alexander (an artist whose work “Ship of Fools” is part of the collection) and Ellie Bronson – the author of the exhibit catalog.  Hearing the stories behind the art really completes the experience, and I encourage visitors to check out the videos and smartphone guides as they tour the exhibit.  Below are just a few examples of what you’ll see… and when you check out the exhibit yourself we’d love to hear your thoughts here.  Bravo to DAI’s new Director/CEO Janice Driesbach and the rest of her team – you’ve put together a winner!

Will Cotton - "Candy Curls"

Will Cotton - "Candy Curls"

Marilyn Minter - "Bloodshot"

Marilyn Minter - "Bloodshot"

Inka Essenhigh - "Spring"

Inka Essenhigh - "Spring"

Disclaimer – DAI has a paid banner ad for “Creating The New Century” on DaytonMostMetro.com

Just Go

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Marking the Past/Shaping the Present: The Art of Willis "Bing" Davis (at DAI)

I want to thank Mary McCarty for her DDN column of Sunday, January 16. She made note of something we all do in regards to the arts. We talk and talk and talk about how we need to go more, see more, do more, and do it all more often, and then one day, when we do go, it’s gone, and just like the song, we realize we don’t know what we’ve got till it’s gone.

That’s what could happen to our arts – all of them – if we don’t change our attitudes.

Back in the early 80s, my husband and I lived in the Washington DC area, a region rich with art – the many museums of the Smithsonian, the Phillips Collection, the galleries, free stuff on the Mall, the Baltimore Museum of Art, the Walters Art Gallery – and to this day I regret not going more often to these wonderful places while I lived so close and it was so easy. Some of them I never got to (shame on you Marsha!). I had the same problem we all have in our lives; I had a finite number of hours in a day, a week, a month, and I still had to do laundry, run errands, clean the house, go to work, so how could I possibly set aside those “have tos” for an “I‘d really like to”?

Because, as Mary so rightly points out, those “like tos” have to become “must dos” or those things in life that enrich us will disappear. Some already have, sadly. It’s tough to change our actions; it’s a decision to be intentional; to set time aside to nurture ourselves. And, as we all know, the laundry still has to get done.

How do we do it? Am I making a case for a 12 step program in saving the arts? Do we need to form a support group of arts lovers who drag us to the museum, to the theatre, to those wonderful galleries full of interesting, thought-provoking local art?

I don’t think so. But I do think it’s time to make a promise: to honor that part of us that gains health and nourishment from creation, visual thought, and imagination. Otherwise we will surely starve.
When you go to the Dayton Art Institute: Enjoy the permanent collection, then visit these:

100 Years of African-American Art: The Arthur Primas Collection
On view through January 30

Marking the Past/Shaping the Present: The Art of Willis “Bing” Davis
On view through January 30


Folk Art from the Collection of Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP
January 21 – March 27 in the Lower Level Galleries

Investigation Destination: Science and Math in Art
On view through April 3 in the Experiencenter

Art Is Life-Giving.

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DMM welcomes our newest columnist Marsha Pippenger who will blog about art in our region.

Some New Year’s Thoughts 2011

Art is life-giving.

It’s an intangible. How can you explain to someone who has never experienced the power of

Medusa-a-Tangled-Web by Marsha Pippenger

a piece of work, something that has sprung from the thought of one human being, brought into existence due to that person’s trials and errors, sweat, mental anguish, trying to get it right, to make physical that which he or she sees in the mind’s eye? Art adds life – to the walls of your home, your cubicle at work, your city parks, the very roadways you travel – breath and thought and feeling and connection, a communication offered from the artist to you.

It was a difficult year, 2010. Many of us felt the negatives of an economy sliding downhill, jobs moving in not equal to the companies moving out, the broad sweep of cuts to the arts because funds are stretched to the nth degree just to cover the most basic of services. Hard decisions have had to be made. We all want to live in a community with plenty of recreational opportunities and cultural offerings. Most of us realize that in our current world we must get creative to provide those amenities when our cities are pushing to fill empty buildings, entice new enterprise, appeal to and keep our young adult residents.

Daniel and the lions den mosaic by K12 Gallery students

This is why we need the life sustaining power of art more than ever, and it is also why it is time for those of us who live and breathe and work in the arts to do more – I know, I know, we all are always being asked to do more – but small things can truly add up to big accomplishments. There is strength in numbers, and while competition is healthy, there really is great power in collaboration.

Dayton is remarkable in its offerings in the arts; it has more than most cities its size (a provable statistic by the way). We have more talented professional artists than most, we have fine galleries that could use more traffic and support, and we have an art institute that rivals those of many larger metropolitan areas. Dayton has been blessed by the philanthropy of past citizens who loved this city and its people; we are still enjoying the fruits of that generosity today. Moreover, we are charged with living up to that legacy. We need to, now more than ever before.

NOW, what is that next step? Patronizing art spaces of course. Listed below (in random order so keep reading) are some fine commercial galleries, museums and art centers where you will find quality original art in a range of prices. It is by no means a definitive list; if you know of others, please add them!

Cannery Art and Design Center, 434 East Third St, Dayton, (937) 313-9883

Visceral Gallery, 65 W. Franklin St,Centerville, (937) 409-0069

Willis Bing Davis Art Studio, 1135 W 3rd St, Dayton, (937) 223-2290

Zig Zag Gallery, 101 E Alex Bell Rd, Dayton, (937) 434-3565

Town & Country Fine Arts Gallery, 300 E Stroop Rd, Dayton, (937) 293-5381

Dayton Visual Arts Center, 118 N Jefferson St, Dayton, (937) 224-3822

High Street Gallery, 48 High St, Dayton, (937) 228-4532

Gallery 510, 510 E 5th St, Dayton, (937) 222-5151

Hotel Gallery, 109 E Main St, Tipp City, (937) 667-3696

Village Artisans Gallery, 100 Corry St, Yellow Springs, (937) 767-1209

Gallery St John, 4400 Shakertown Rd, Dayton, (937) 320-5405

Alley Fine Art & Framing, 269 W Central Ave, Springboro, (937) 748-0822

Dayton Society Of Painters & Sculptors, 48 High St, Dayton, (937) 228-4532

K12 Gallery For Young People, 510 E 3rd St, Dayton, (937) 461-5149

Dayton Art Institute, 456 Belmonte Park N, Dayton, (937) 223-5277

Rosewood Art Centre, 3600 Shroyer Road, Kettering, (937) 296-2400

Springfield Art Museum, 107 Cliff Park Road, Springfield, (937) 324-3729

Impressed

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Press Coffee Bar To Hold Premier Art Opening

Black as the Devil, Hot as Hell,
Pure as an Angel, Sweet as Love.
~Charles Maurice de Talleyrand-Perigord

There are things that are serendipitous. There are things that smack of predestination. Then there are things that are just pretty damn creepy. I’m not sure which category this story falls under.

Artwork by Josh Flohre

Artwork by Josh Florhe

To introduce this story, I have to backtrack to October of last year when I received a call from my friend, Emanuel, telling me that I had to get down to the old home décor place at the corner of Wayne Ave. and E. Third St. and check out this gallery showing. I made it down there as soon as I could and…no Emanuel…but his phone call had led me to some of the most original artwork I had seen in quite some time. It was a mélange of media ranging from the contrasting screen print designs by Jannell Barker to the found art of Josh Florhe which held the moment of another age within its imagery.

I toured the gallery showing, tellingly titled Shut Up Art, and was amazed at the innate talent that the artists imbued. I began speaking with Janell about various topics, such as , how the exhibition came to be, bartending and even meandering over some of the technical aspects of silk-screening. Before leaving, I promised Janell that I would contact her (as well as some of the other featured artists) soon and we would get something down in print for the group. It was a promise that I fully intended to keep…right up until the moment that life got in my way.

It’s one of those things where unforeseen circumstances throw walls up in front of you and then, the momentum of the moment is lost until, one day, you are paging through one of your notebooks and you see a phone number and a pang of guilt forces you to close the book quickly.

Photo by Brooke Medlin

Fast forward to last week…Wednesday December 29th to be precise. I was to meet DMM’s Brooke Medlin at a new coffee house called Press Coffee Bar to cover an art exhibition that they were planning. As I ducked inside the building, escaping from the gloomy day above, I was taken in by the warmth of the newly laid wooden floor and the expansive invitation of the room itself. I saw Brooke and another woman crouched in the loft at the rear of the building, which looked out over the whole storefront. I said hello to the bearded gentleman behind the counter and waited for Brooke to come downstairs and fill me in on the details. As I waited, I took in the freshness of the interior. New floors. A newly constructed and conformingly curved coffee bar whose coiled shape and muted tone was a wild variation from the gleaming utilitarian sharpness of the state of the art cappuccino machine. A bearded man behind the counter (who has a name which happens to be Brett Barker) informed me that the machine was made in Florence, Italy and was temperature controlled by a PID computer module that collected data from various sensors and made self correcting adjustments and that it had been used as a demo model at a Seattle coffee festival before arriving in Dayton.

Hearing Brooke and the other woman descending the stairs, I turned around to see…Janell Barker. Dammit, dammit, dammit! I could just hear the snarky remarks that may have been running through her head, remarks that she never said (but justifiably could have!) such as, ‘Do you think you could get this article done in time?’ or saying something to Brooke like, ‘This is the best you could do?’ or even, ‘You’re never going to amount to anything, so you might as well get used to digging ditches!’…sorry, that last one was me channeling my sophomore guidance counselor.

Photo by Brooke Medlin

Apparently harboring no ill will, Janell began preparing a freshly ground cup of coffee for me, which made me groan inwardly, knowing that in moments, I would have to admit that I couldn’t stand the taste of coffee. Telling someone something that will disappoint them after you have already disappointed them is hard. Telling someone something that will disappoint them after you have already disappointed them as they approach you with a scalding hot cup of coffee is just plain scary. I began to quickly understand Al Green’s aversion to grits.

After I made my embarrassing admission, Brett began talking about the types of coffee they would be using, the type of rotating and artisan roasters they would be utilizing and then onto one of Press’ previous events, which was a coffee tasting experience that they call ‘Coffee Cupping.’ These things I will save for a future article, such as the circular pouring of water through a Hario V60 single cup coffee filter to make a perfect cup of java or how one should, “slurp” vigorously when tasting a new coffee to completely saturate the tongue all at once. These things will come later. The thing to concentrate on now is their Premier Opening Art Show.

As Brett and Janell detailed the type of art and the artists that would be showcased, I looked around the vaulted room, taking in the rough edges of the remodeling that had yet to be polished, looking upwards at the newly painted, bare walls, knowing that soon, a clamorous collection of artwork would peer down at the patrons of this little coffee shop, inspiring them with a thirst larger than the one to be quenched by any fancy French pressed brew. The artwork is what motivates us, that brings us together, that allows us to appreciate and accept without the burden of being deigned acceptable by others. The artwork is there as a vehicle for our muse to move us forward. The coffee is there to make us savor the moment.

This is a coffee shop that aspires to be more than just a retail establishment. They want to be part of the community and this art show is the first step in that direction. The Premier Opening Art Show will be held on Friday, January 7th from 4pm until 12pm at Press, located at 257 Wayne Ave. The show will feature artwork by Rueben Briggs, Eric Patton, Josh Florhe, Kasey Henneman, Jason Watkins, Jeff Richards, Mike Guidone, Jason Goad and Zach Armstrong. Regular store hours will be Monday through Friday from 7am until 8pm and Saturday and Sunday from 9am until 8pm.

Art Weekend in Yellow Springs

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It’s a bit mind-boggling. There are almost too many art events going on in Yellow Springs this October 15th-17th weekend…… nah!

Friday night is Art Sroll, and I am really looking forward to that. But I’ve already told you about Art Stroll in my last blog. Though I do have 2 new offering to add to Friday night’s mix:
At 8 p.m. you can stop by the Gardens of 100 Corry Street for a free outdoor theater performance of- “Hey that’s a Nice Bike “ created by Vanessa Query. A second performance at 9 p.m. will be in the courtyard in front of Sam &Eddies on Xenia Ave.

From 5p.m.-9p.m, in King’s Yard, Mike Garrett will be carving Tikis.  Mike is a great Tiki Carver, I can’t wait to see this!

Big breath, get ready, here’s the rest of the weekend-

On Saturday is a “Couples Adventure.” If you’d like something new to do to keep your relationship growing or just want to have fun with your love, here’s a list of 5 new experiences that you can have together on Saturday the 16th.
1. “Healing and relaxation comes when you drum. ”Make a drum filled with your spirit and then later learn to drum together. In this special workshop at Wild Gourd Studio you can each make your own gourd drum with gourd artist Cynthia McDonald. Cynthia plays a lovely, haunting Native American flute and the drum. She has drums in her studio for you to try.
2. A new way to care for each other. During a Thai-Yoga Massage workshop, you’ll learn how to help each other with a deeply relaxing form of bodywork that combines assisted stretching derived from yoga with acupressure style massage and energy balancing. The instructor, Jen Ater, traveled to Thailand to learn with masters this healing bodywork of Thai-Yoga Massage.
3. Bliss out with a great combo-a relaxing private yoga class followed by Swedish massage sessions for the both of you. Janet Baer offers this private session at her beautifully decorated old farmhouse with a labyrinth in the garden.
4. Declare your love forever. Work with Sarah Strong, at Strong heArt Studio and an old time printing press to hand print your own love poster.
5. Create a masterpiece together with New Orlean’s artist Jennifer Float. In Jenny’s Cork and Canvas Class you’ll drink wine, party and make art.
You can sign up and pay for any of these activities at www.getawaysforwomen.com

You need to sign up by Friday morning.

Both Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m.-6 p.m. is Yellow Springs Artist Studio Tour and Sale. It’s the one time each year that some of Yellow Springs fabulous artists open their studios to visitors. You get to see how they make their art, what tools they use, watch demos, talk with the artists and purchase art. It’s a fascinating peep into an artist’s life. This year there are also 1-2 guest artists at each of the 8 artist’s studios, so you get the opportunity to meet a couple of artists at each stop on the tour.
Download a map at www.ysarts.org This is a free event.

For a great end to a wonderful day, on Saturday from 5 p.m.- 10 p.m. you can stop over at the “Artoberfest” for a music festival and Beer Garden. “Artoberfest” will be held at The Barr Property on the corner of Limestone and Xenia Ave.
During “Artoberfest”, you can enter your favorite beer container in the “Finest Stein” contest to be judged by local artists and celebrities between 7 and 8 pm. Seasonal beers, wine and food will be available and live bands will perform. Brewing and other food and drink demonstrations are planned. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the gate. Advanced tickets can be purchased online at www.yellow-springs-experience.org

On Saturday from 6:00-8:30 p.m. is another reception for an exhibit called “Emerging Visions: Antiochians Make Art” It’s at the Herndon Gallery, in South Hall at Antioch College. The show features paintings, prints, and works on paper and tile by 6 alumni artists.

As always, there is more going on, but I’ve run out of steam. Hope you get a chance to join the fun in Yellow Springs this weekend! If you meet up with me, (I’ll be the one in the black ball cap with Jafagirls written in hot pink across the front) say hi!

Third Fridays in Yellow Springs

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On Third Friday, there was a fiddler playing in the moonlight in the first garden of Alan Macbeth’s fantastical building on Xenia Avenue in Yellow Springs. On the side of the building is a beautiful, warm mural of an African woman and her child. To get to the Yellow Springs Arts Councils Gallery you pass under the swooping brick arch and enter by the fountain. There is another garden in the back with tables and chairs to sit and enjoy this enchanted, peace filled space.

The show I came to see was a whimsical combination of Sharon Mohler’s sculpted miniature stories in the round and Karen Russell’s colorful textile quilts and paper art. For a month beforehand Karen had been reporting on face book about how she just couldn’t stop herself making these gorgeous tiny paper boxes. It was amazing to see the final results when she put them together. Sharon’s tiny sculpted stories are heart warming; they are frozen moments from “three generations of memories.” She calls them Sharon’s Songs. On her web site she says: “Life has been a bumpy road for me, but it has never been dull. I am blessed with a good memory. I can remember things that happened when I was only two years old. So these works are called my “songs” because they are the ballads of my life.” Sharon once told me that in her home she has stacks of hatboxes everywhere, lovingly filled with these sculpted stories.
Sharon and Karen’s work will be up at the YSAC Gallery through October 31st
Since there are 2 artists they decided to have 2 receptions. So you have a second chance on October 15th, this coming up Third Friday to meet the artists and see their work.

On my way back to visit some of the other art receptions on Corry and Dayton Street, I was pulled in by the joyful live music cascading out the open doors at the Emporium. I stood on the sidewalk and watched the musicians laughing and jamming together with people of all ages dancing in the glow of the Emporium’s golden light. Right in front, two little bitty girls were gyrating like mad. The Emporium holds a wine tasting with live music every Friday night.

Across the street on Xenia Avenue, there were drums being played and Soul Fire Tribe, the fire dancers of Yellow Springs, were dancing and whirling fire sticks and hoops. I can’t just walk by when they are performing, I had to stop and join the crowd ooohing and ahing.

September was a perfect Third Friday Fling. But if you missed that one there is a very special one coming up October 15th. Two times a year, Yellow Springs puts on an art stroll. (I know that sounds confusing, the September Third Friday that I just described sounds like an art stroll. Third Fridays often have art receptions but usually not to the degree that Art Stroll Night is dedicated to them. There is added effort for all the businesses/galleries and restaurants in town to have new art, live music and great food. Plus many more people come out to see the art and chat with each other. It’s sort of the friendly super bowl of Art Strolls for Yellow Springs.) Traditionally all the spots with a reception that night have balloons out front.  Also traditionally Art Stroll is from 6-9 p.m. but it often goes on later.

This year Art Stroll is in memory of a beloved Yellow Springs artist who passed away this past year- Eddie Eckenrode. At Sam & Eddies Open Books, 232 Xenia Ave. (one of my favorite Yellow Springs’ shops for getting unusual cards and birthday presents,) there will be an Art Reception to celebrate Eddie’s new permanent collection, in the upstairs gallery. On display will be an amazing collection from and history of an Ohio artist’s life.

I’ve got to let you know right now that I am not going to cover all the places with receptions, new art up or wine tastings and live music for Art Stroll. I can’t, you’ll just have to come and discover them yourselves!

But I’ve got to tell you about 2 of the art receptions because I am completely biased about them.

The first one is at the Village Artisans at 100 Corry St. Village Artisans is a Co-Op of 20 local artists. I have happily been one of them for 6 years. We are oil, acrylic and water color painters, potters and wood turners, carvers and inlay artists. We work with stones, gourds and precious metals to make jewelry, ornaments, bowls and drums. We are calligraphers and philosophers, textile artists that quilt and embroider and sew and make fabric bowls and wall art. We work with cameras and computers and stained glass. We make books and author books. And pretty much everyone makes cards. (I sure hope I didn’t forget anyone!)
The Village Artisans is putting on the Dare 2B Square show for the month of October. All the art is 12”X12” and is being sold for $100.00 our reception is on (I bet you guessed it) Art Stroll, October 15th from 6-9 p.m. We have over 20 extra artists from this region that are being showcased and then there is the home crew from Village Artisans who are also well represented. And if I do say so myself it is a great show. Come talk to the artists and enjoy our wine and cheese and other goodies.

The other reception that I am totally biased about is at “would you, could you In A Frame” 113 Corry St. The “Stitch Gasp” show is going to be totally weird and totally wonderful. The artist is Corrine Bayraktaroglu aka Jafabrit, (and my Jafagirl art partner.) She has been on an artistic journey from oil paint to graffiti art to stitched art that is fascinating. At her reception on Art Stroll night you will get to see all the stages from art journals to paintings to glorious hand stitched art. Besides, you’ll get to hear the stories behind the art. Stories told in a delightful, non-reverent British way. It will be fun, I promise you.
Art Stroll in Yellow Springs, 6-9 p.m. October 15th- Be there or be square. (Where have I heard that before?)

Where’s the Art in Yellow Springs?

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photo by Corrine Bayraktaroglu

Sometimes visitors to Yellow Springs ask, “Where’s the Art?  I heard this was an art town but there aren’t rows of galleries like other art towns I’ve visited.”

Here’s my answer “the whole town is a gallery.”  Art is everywhere in Yellow Springs, you sit on it – the mosaic benches and the painted daisy benches.  You lean against it- the knit and felt covered benches.  You can touch it on the poles in the knit graffiti.

Visit the public restrooms in the Train Station and look up.  It’s a Loo with a view! Local artists started the Chamber Pot Gallery 4 years ago.

Walk behind Xenia Ave. in Keith’s Alley and see the ever-changing murals. You might catch an artist painting one.

You drive past murals and sculptures on Xenia Ave. and Dayton St. coming into town.

We sneak art in everywhere.  Going for a walk in the glen?  Stop in for a map in the Glen Helen Building and bingo! someone has hung a new art show in the atrium.

Hungry? Get a bite to eat at the Winds Café or the Sunrise Café and you are surrounded with a beautiful art show that changes every month.

Going to listen to the live band at the Wine Tasting at The Emporium?  Whose show is on the walls tonight?   Love the   Pizza at Ha Ha’s?  Check out this month’s featured artist.   On Corry St., Williams Eatery has a couple of regular artists who keep their walls filled with color and wonderful scenes of the Glen.

If you go to see an art film at The Little Art Theater there’s a visual art show hung in the lobby. That’s a double art whammy.

This past month, at the Corner Cone, you could get a scoop of ice cream and depending on the day listen to live music, watch the 10 Minute Play Festival or explore the Art Phone Booth.

Then there are the galleries- Herndon Gallery on the Antioch Campus, Would you, Could you In A Frame on Corry St., the Yellow Springs Arts Council Gallery on Xenia Ave and the new kid on the block- Art Happens in Kings Yard.   Plus there are 2 long established artist co-ops, Yellow Springs Pottery and the Village Artisans.   Or go see the John Bryan Community Pottery with its magnificent ceramic mural on one side and it’s painted penguins on the other side of the door.  It is right behind the John Bryan Building at 100 Dayton St..  Inside ceramic artists are working at the wheels and firing the kilns day and night.

Many Fridays, you can find free art pieces left around town by the Jafagirls.

O.K. there’s much  more but I think I will end with a challenge mystery.  Can you find these art pieces?  They are outside, in plain view, in downtown Yellow Springs.

photo by Corrine Bayraktaroglu

1. The Giant Nose- including nose hair

2. A Lion’s Head

3. A Vampire Bunny

4. The small, white Art Box that changes what’s inside from time to time.

5. The mural on a ceiling.

For useful links on upcoming art events visit the Yellow Springs Chamber of Commerce

A public art map is available at Yellow Springs Arts Blog

UD Celebration of the Arts: Part 2

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horvath2Want an insider look at a college art department? As a closing event to the University of Dayton’s annual Stander Symposium, the Department of Visual Arts will host an evening of open studios from 5-7 p.m. this Wednesday, April 14, at the Rike Center. Student work will be on display throughout the building; the evening will also feature the reception and awards ceremony for the Horvath Exhibition. The exhibition, an annual juried exhibit that started in 1975, features University of Dayton student work in a variety of media, such as drawings, paintings, photography, design, ceramics and sculpture. The exhibition is on display until April 21st in the Rike Center Gallery. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday; closed Saturday and Sunday.

HorvathIn addition, the Horvath juror, Curtis Mann, will give a talk at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 15, in the Rike Center Gallery. Mann, a Miami Valley native and graduate of the University of Dayton, was recently selected to showcase his work in the Whitney Museum of American Arts prestigious biennial exhibition.

The Rike Center for Fine Arts is located on the south side of B lot on the University of Dayton campus; for a campus map, visit http://map.udayton.edu. A parking permit is required and can be obtained at the main visitor center on the University circle.

For more information about these events, visit http://stander.udayton.edu or contact Todd Hall, Rike Center gallery coordinator, at 937-229-3261 or [email protected].

NYFA to Offer Free Presentations for Artists

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Miami Valley native Rory Golden, Program Officer for External Affairs, Fiscal Sponsor Programs at the New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA), will be returning to Dayton to present on the extensive professional development programs available to artists nationwide through NYFA.

The presentation, geared to individual artists across disciplines and small/emerging arts organizations, will focus on NYFA’s extensive fundraising and support programs available to artists nationwide. Visual, performing, literary artists and filmmakers are all encouraged to attend.

Golden will present at the University of Dayton’s ArtStreet on Friday February 12th from 3:30 – 5:30PM. ArtStreet is located at the intersection of Lawnview Avenue and Kiefaber Street on the University of Dayton campus. For directions or parking information, call 937-229-5101 or visit http://artstreet.udayton.edu.

On Saturday, February 13th from 1 – 3PM Golden will present at Dayton Visual Arts Center. Contact Patrick Mauk, DVAC Gallery Manager,  for more information: 937-224-3822.

Both presentations are free and open to the public. The talk will allow additional time for Q&A and follow up with participants.

ABOUT THE EVENT

Golden’s presentation will include information on two of NYFA’s main fundraising and support programs:

NYFA Source is the most extensive national online directory of awards, services, and programs for artists. Listings include over 4,200 arts organizations, 2900 award programs, 4,200 service programs, and 900 publications for individual artists across the country.

Fiscal Sponsorship is a critical way for individual artists, artists’ collaborative projects, and emerging arts organizations in all disciplines to apply for funding usually available only to organizations with 501(c)(3) nonprofit status.NYFA_Logo

ABOUT NYFA

The New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA) was founded in 1971 with the mission to empower artists at critical stages in their creative lives. Each year NYFA awards close to $1 million to individual artists and small organizations.   NYFA Learning programs serve thousands of artists through workshops, panel discussions, and individual mentoring on topics ranging from grant writing and budgeting to creating an artist portfolio and audience development.  The NYFA Fiscal Sponsorship program is one of the largest and most established in the country and helps artists and organizations raise and manage over $3 million annually.  The NYFA website, NYFA.org, received over 4.4 million unique visits last year and contains in-depth information about more that 8,000 opportunities and resources for artists in all disciplines.

For more information about the New York Foundation for the Arts, visit http://www.nyfa.org.

ABOUT THE PRESENTER

Miami Valley native Rory Golden brings strong experience in supporting artists and an active artist’s professional practice to his position at NYFA. As Executive Director at the Center for Book Arts (2000 – 2004) in New York, Rory established various new programs to support artists. These include a new exhibition series, a letterpress broadsides poetry reading series, a workspace artist-in-residence program for emerging artists, and a tuition-free class for emerging writers. He left the position in 2004 to pursue his own challenging creative projects.

Rory has exhibited his artwork widely in both solo and group shows at venues such as the Spruill Gallery in Atlanta, the Denver International Airport and both the San Francisco and New York Public Libraries. His work has been recognized with fellowships from Yaddo, the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, the Blue Mountain Center and the National Academy of Fine Arts. Recent grants include an Idea Capital Grant, a Puffin Foundation Grant and a recent research grant from Duke University Libraries Special Collections.  A 1984 graduate of Tecumseh High School, Golden holds an MFA from the University of Alabama, a Master of Humanities from Wright State University and a Bachelor of Arts from Miami University.

Golf Club Hosts Local Visual Arts Showcase

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art@thetraceThe Fifth Annual Art at the Trace, sponsored by the Centerville Arts Commission will be held on February 13 at The Golf Club at Yankee Trace. “Art at the Trace is a well known and respected event in our community,” said Jim Teske, Centerville Arts Commissioner. “We are bringing back some favorites but have also made it a point to showcase some talent that may not have been seen before. When you mix food, talented artists, great music and Valentine’s weekend all in a warm and cheerful community you can expect something great,” he said.

The event will feature hundreds of works of fine art in a variety of mediums from paintings, photography, sculptures, jewelry, and mixed media on display for viewing and purchase.  Local artist, Nancy Fisher, is the Art at the Trace featured artist who has donated an original piece of artwork to be raffled off at the event. All ticket holders will be entered in the drawing and must be present to win.

Guests will enjoy live music provided by the James Murrell Trio and Rob Turner, along with an assortment of delicious, gourmet appetizers and desserts. A cash bar will be available offering fine wines, beers, and cocktails. The Golf Club at Yankee Trace will also be providing a cash tapas bar paired with wine selections for a nominal fee. Attend and you’ll learn how to choose wine that actually enhances the food’s taste while you stroll the gallery of fine art.

Tickets for Art at the Trace are $5 in advance or $7 at the door. Cash or check is accepted in advance and cash, check, or credit card will be accepted at the door. The event runs from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., Saturday, February 13, 2010, at the Golf Club at Yankee Trace, 10000 Yankee Street in Centerville.

Advance tickets may be purchased in Centerville at the following locations:

· Municipal Building, 100 W. Spring Valley Road
· Pro Shop at The Golf Club at Yankee Trace, 10000 Yankee Street
· Centerville Framing and Gifts, 270 North Main Street

Boot Camp for Future Filmmakers

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95Miami Valley high school students are invited to make a film in 48 hours with Dayton’s best filmmakers.

The Muse Machine is partnering with FilmDayton to present the wildly fun and educational 48 Hour Film Boot Camp. For one action-packed weekend in January, area high school students will work with award-winning Dayton-based filmmakers to learn how to write and direct their own short film. As part of this process, students will also format, storyboard, edit, film, score, and rough cut their films. Finished films will be presented at the end of the Boot Camp weekend on the “big screen” at Wright State University’s esteemed film production facilities. Students who are interested in filmmaking, film school, acting, or just want to get a taste of filmmaking, are encouraged to participate.

at Wright State University’s Film Department
Saturday, January 16, 9am-6pm
Sunday, January 17, 9am-7:30pm; Screenings 8pm
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Registrations will be accepted through December 31, 2009. Registration is $90 for Muse Members. Equipment, breakfast, and lunch are included.

Email Eva Buttacavoli, to register and/or become an $11-a-year Muse Member. Include name, email address, home address, phone number, school, and grade level.

Filmmakers/Instructors
Wright State graduate Filmmakers/Instructors Marisha Mukerjee and Rocky Smith will lead sessions that encompass filmmaking basics, from writing a script to shooting to editing on simple, widely available software programs, and will culminate in the creation of a short film.

Marisha Mukerjee lives and works in Chicago and Dayton; co-produced the feature film The Grind; directed and/or produced numerous short films and theatrical productions for a wide range of venues; and is co-founder of Relief Productions Theater Group and Madrina Films.

Rocky Smith lives and works in Springboro and was the co-producer and co-director of Toughman, which premiered at Wright State’s 2009 Big Lens Film Festival, and was awarded “Best Ohio Short” at the 2009 Oxford International Film Festival. Smith has also worked as a key grip, sound department, stunts, and assistant editor on four award-winning short films for the 48 Hour Film Project.

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For More Information
www.musemachinedayton.com/filmdayton/

About Muse Machine
The Muse Machine is a nationally recognized arts education organization, providing creative experiences and resources for thousands of Miami Valley young people and their teachers since 1982. For information on the Muse Machine see www.musemachinedayton.com.

About FilmDayton
An initiative of the DaytonCREATE project, FilmDayton is a nonprofit, volunteer organization that has spent its first year connecting local filmmakers, encouraging film culture in our community and working to create a richer environment here for future moviemaking.

We are dedicated to boosting economic development in the region and to expanding recognition of the considerable number of young and established filmmakers who live and work in the Miami Valley. For information on FilmDayton see www.filmdayton.com.

Pottery for a Cause

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Pots for CharityLooking for a way to give a great handmade gift while also giving back to the community? Local potters David Chesar, Kate Chesar and Geno Luketic have combined their skills to create twelve unique ceramic pots that will be up for auction on eBay now through December 11th. All proceeds from the auction will be donated to the Miami Valley Foodbank, which provides hunger relief efforts throughout Montgomery, Greene and Preble counties.

This is the fifth year for the charity pottery auction; each year, event organizer David Chesar has selected a different organization to benefit from the auction. Past beneficiaries have included Daybreak and Dayton Southwest Weed and Seed.  The firing costs for this year’s pots were donated by John Bryan Community Pottery.

Pots for CharityThe pots are on display at the University of Dayton’s ArtStreet Studio D Gallery until December 9. ArtStreet is located on the 300 block of Kiefaber Street; for more information, visit http://artstreet.udayton.edu or call (937) 229-5101.

To view the pots online or place a bid, please visit http://www.ebay.com and search “ArtStreet pots.”

Joanne Dugan: On Seeing What’s Right in Front of You

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According to Joanne Dugan, art is all around us. The key to discovering it is careful observation.

As a photographer, artist, designer, and writer based out of New York City, Joanne has taken this philosophy to heart and incorporated it into every aspect of her diverse career. And now, Dugan is going to share her experiences and collection of work to the community this month.

“The exhibit is thought-provoking and challenges the viewer to stop and look closely at what’s in front of you,” said Jayne Matlack-Whitaker, the curator of Joanne Dugan’s exhibit for the Rike Center. “I’ve been familiar with the transformation of her work for awhile and I think her exhibit will be beneficial to the Visual Arts Department. It’s going to be a different show than what we’ve had in awhile.”

Joanne Dugan Exhibit 1Joanne Dugan’s exhibit, On Seeing What’s Right in Front of You: ABCs, 123s and New York City, will be on display in the Rike Center gallery from October 1–29. The collection of photographs reflects Joanne Dugan’s experiences of seeing art everywhere in Manhattan and also encourages others to do the same throughout their daily lives.

Her images of New York City have also appeared in six award-winning books, including her own photographic children’s book ABC NYC: A Book About Seeing New York City and its sequel 123 NYC: A Counting Book of New York City.

“She blurs the lines of distinction that may exist between a designer, photographer, artist, and writer,” Jayne said.

On Wednesday, October 28th, Joanne Dugan will be leading ArtStreet’s Wednesday Workshop session, which runs from 7-9 PM in Studio E. For more information about ArtStreet’s Wednesday Workshops, go to http://artstreet.udayton.edu.

“The fact is that her work does present a real mixture of ways to use ones eyes and photography. She’s doing the workshop to help people understand that her images are inspired from New York, but that anyone can do that anywhere.

The end of the exhibit will conclude with a closing reception on Thursday, October 29 from 5-7 PM in the Rike Center. This will be an amazing opportunity to not only see On Seeing What’s Right in Front of You one last time, but to also speak with Joanne Dugan herself.

“She is encouraging people to look at their surroundings,” Jayne said, “and to see the potential of making images possible. All you need is wonder, interest, and a keen observation for what’s right in front of you.”

Be sure to check out Joanne Dugan’s exhibit throughout the month of October. For more information about the On Seeing What’s Right in Front of You exhibit, contact Todd Hall, the Rike Center gallery coordinator, at 937-229-3261 or [email protected].

From Water to ABC’s: Art Exhibits Abound at University of Dayton

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33181_betsydamon_thumbWhat do rivers, a tribute to a deceased pet, and the alphabet have in common? All are part of the visual art exhibits on display at the University of Dayton this fall:

Water: Source and Resource
Eco-artist Betsy Damon just completed a week-long residency at the University of Dayton, where she shared her experiences as an artist deeply engaged with the importance of water in our lives, a relevant topic for the Miami Valley. As founder of the organization Keepers of the Waters, she works to transform communities’ relationship to water; her “living water” projects can be found throughout the U.S. and in China. By the time Damon left campus on Friday, faculty, students and community members alike were abuzz with ideas for Dayton’s own watershed. An exhibit of Damon’s work is on display through October 23 at UD’s ArtStreet, located on the 300 block of Kiefaber Street. ArtStreet is open 8 am – midnight Monday through Friday, noon – midnight Saturday and Sunday.

Shelf: Department of Visual Arts Faculty and Staff Exploration
The Department of Visual Arts’ annual faculty exhibition concludes this week with a closing reception, scheduled for Thursday, September 24, from 5-7 pm. The exhibit is located in the Rike Center Gallery on the UD campus. And while you are there, be sure to stop by Roesch Library, located just a few steps away from the Rike Center. Adam Alonzo’s Five for Five photography exhibit is located in the first floor gallery (now through September 30, http://www.adamalonzo.com), and Tom Watson’s Stem/ReAssemblage screen print/mixed media series can be found on the ground floor and second floor mezzanine (now through September 25, http://www.myspace.com/lemonadehead).

On Seeing What’s Right in Front of You: ABCs, 123s and New York City
Manhattan-based photographer Joanne Dugan will share her ongoing experiences of “Seeing What’s Right in Front of Me,” October 1 – 29 in the Rike Center Gallery. Check out a sample of Dugan’s work at http://www.joannedugan.com. A closing reception with the artist is scheduled for Thursday, October 29, from 5 – 7 pm.

For more information about the arts at the University of Dayton, visit http://arts.udayton.edu.

Arts Exhibit to Celebrate Dayton’s Legacy of Creativity

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creativesoulThe Armory building will become the latest exhibition space in the Oregon Arts District, when it hosts Creative Soul of Dayton, starting Friday, Oct 2nd.    “Our goal is for Creative Soul of Dayton to include a wide variety of works representing the many talented artists, including students, in our community,” says Susan Byrnes, director of UD’s ArtStreet and lead exhibit organizer. “We hope all Daytonians with an artistic spirit will participate.  “This project is being designed to display the highest quality of individual artistic achievement in the visual arts.”

Prior to the exhibit opening, prize juror Eva Buttacavoli will select winning works in a variety of categories.  Buttacavoli is an independent curator and art educator who recently moved to Dayton. Previously, she was the director of exhibitions and education at the Austin Museum of Art, where she was recognized for creating art experiences that connect to everyday life and  was awarded museum educator of the year in Texas in 2006.

Three artists will be awarded best of show, and each will receive a solo exhibit of his or her work in Link Gallery in the Oregon Arts District, a sponsor of Creative Soul of Dayton, as well as exhibition and professional development consultation from Buttacavoli.

Creative Soul of Dayton also will include artist talks and other fun, educational activities throughout the month, with details available closer to the exhibit opening. A group of faculty, staff and students from the University of Dayton, Wright State University, Central State University and Sinclair Community College ― along with local artists, gallery owners and community members ― are organizing the exhibition.

It will be on display on the third floor of the Armory Building, 201 E. Sixth St., on the corner of Sixth Street and Patterson Boulevard in downtown Dayton, from Friday, Oct 2, through Friday, Nov 6, 2009.  An opening reception for the exhibit will be held during the free monthly downtown arts hop, First Friday, from 5‐10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2, when award winners will be announced. A closing reception will be held from 5‐10 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6, during that month’s First Friday event.

Creative Soul of Dayton was inspired by the DaytonCREATE effort that began in March 2008, when “creative class” economist Richard Florida and his Creative Communities Leadership Project came to Dayton. DaytonCREATE includes five initiatives. One of them, This is Dayton, is aimed at building civic pride, and Creative Soul of Dayton is part of this initiative. For more on DaytonCREATE, see www.daytoncreate.org.