Dayton Society of Artists has impressive history
Charming gallery in St. Anne’sHill is open, with a new exhibit.
Even before artist Olga Evanusa-Rowland moved from the San Francisco Bay area to Richmond, Ind., she knew about the Dayton Society of Artists. Several pieces of her mixed media artwork had been accepted in a national call for a show at the gallery in July of 2019 entitled “Crossing Boundaries.”
After moving to the area a year ago, she was delighted to become a member. “Membership has been a valuable support structure for me as an artist,” she says. “The gallery artists are friendly and welcoming, and their work is serious and of high quality. It is great to have a venue to show work locally where the artists, the management and the public are passionate and supportive. There is a genuine enthusiasm in the air at the openings and events! And the venue, a beautiful Victorian building, is lovely and well-located.”
If you haven’t visited the charming gallery in Dayton’s historic St. Anne’s Hill, you’re in for a treat. The good news is that after being closed because of the pandemic, it’s now open to the public with a new exhibit that runs through the end of October. Visits are by appointment, which means you and your friends are likely to be the only ones in the gallery at a given time, making it especially safe for social distancing.
The DSA is also hosting its second annual “Come As You Art” Fundraiser on Oct. 9. Proceeds from the evening will allow the DSA to continue its mission of connecting, supporting and educating artists and the community.
The group currently has 226 members. Well-known member artists over the years have included David Smith, known for his plein-air paintings of scenes around Dayton, and Martha Schauer, a teacher who taught cartoonist Milton Caniff, creator of “Terry and the Pirates” and “Steve Canyon.” H. Richard Black, creator of Mr. Clean and Smokey the Bear, was a DSA member and so was internationally known photographer Jane Reese. Meet the gallery director Gallery director Amanda Grieve fell in love with painting during her senior year at Beavercreek High School when her art teacher allowed her to come into her classroom during her free period and paint. After majoring in graphic design at Sinclair Community College, she graduated from Wright State University with a focus in studio painting in 2018.
When the job opening for the Dayton Society of Artists’ gallery director became available, she knew it would be a great fit. “It’s a joy to get to know our local artists and be able to provide them with support and opportunities,” Grieve says. “I’m constantly surrounded by beautiful art in the gallery that’s continually rotating. The gallery is gorgeous and the history of both the building and of the organization is something I often reflect on and am glad I get to play my small part.”
We chatted with Grieve about the organization, its current exhibit and its rich history.
How did the organization get its start?
The group was originally founded as the Dayton Society of Painters in 1938 by artists in association with the Dayton Art Institute. For many years, the
society held meetings, critique sessions and exhibits at the museum. In 1944, the group changed its name to Dayton Society of Painters and Sculptors.
During the 1960s, Dayton urban renewal project members were able to purchase the Victorianstyle house at 48 High St.. Keeping with its 19th-century charm and authenticity, the house was remodeled and converted into an art gallery. During that time, the organization applied for and became an official non-profit.
In 2016, to include other art mediums, members changed the name from the Dayton Society of Painters and Sculptors to the Dayton Society of Artists. Increasing inclusion and diversity continues to be a priority for the current leadership. DSA continues to fulfill its mission to “connect, support, and educate artists and the community” by hosting seven exhibits in their gallery, which are free and open to the public for viewing, hosting educational workshops, and other social activities.
What’s the group’s mission?
DSA strives to bring together artists with all levels of skill, from the beginning artist to the professional artist and teacher. Our workshops vary from the introductory to those that allow participants to work alongside professional artists. We also host professional development opportunities such as tax-prep or grant-writing. In 2013, the DSA marked its 75th anniversary with a series of 75 artist workshops.
DSA’s project space is a separate gallery; members may apply for a solo self- curated exhibition of their work. Currently, Margie McCullough is displaying her colored xerox transfers through the end of October.
Can you tell us about the current exhibit?
“Illuminate” is a juried, lens-based exhibition of photography and video that was open to artists in Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky. Juried by local photographers Gary Beeber and Amy PowelI, the show explores not only how
light is necessary for viewing an object or scene, but also how light brings to view the physical that may have been passed over or unexplored. In addition, the
theme delves into intangibles such as mood, ideas, concepts, issues or other topics that may need to be brought to light.
What other programs are hosted at the gallery?
DSA holds a members’ exhibition each year where each member is guaranteed a spot in the show. Other yearly exhibitions include a local spring show where all materials and styles are welcome, and a printmaking exhibition historically sponsored by the Dayton Printmakers Cooperative.
Other recent exhibitions have partnered with local groups such as the African-American Visual Artists Guild, Spire Arts, FotoFocus, and the Dayton Sister City Committee, which brought over an artistin-residence from Monrovia, Liberia. In addition, DSA has held national calls for art, most recently featuring fiber artwork in a virtual format (due to COVID19); this will be held in the gallery physically in 2021. Most artwork in the exhibitions may be purchased and all of the proceeds of sales go straight to the artist, as no commission is taken.
At the moment DSA is sponsoring “Emergence,” an emerging artist exhibition open to recent graduates.
Our art tool library is a collection of items members can borrow such as lights, tripods, easels, backdrops, etc.
How did the virus affect your gallery?
Exhibitions were moved to online platforms; workshops and critique sessions were moved online to Zoom. DSA has plans for virtual workshops (or in person when deemed safe) through summer of 2021. Plein-air painting/drawing/photography days have been a successful way to provide a communal activity while still following social distance guidelines, most recently at Eastwood Metro Park.
How does someone become a member of DSA?
Membership is open to all, even art supporters. Member artists are featured on social media, may add three of their pieces to the DSA’s members’ gallery, are listed on the DSA’s “find an artist” page, and receive special discounts at partnering companies, such as the Hue House, Dayton’s new art supply store in St. Anne’s Hill. Interested parties may become a member at daytondsa.org/ becomeamember.
We currently have 226 members. For an individual, it’s $45 a year. The student rate is $20 and a family bundle of two is $70. The patron level is $150.
Members weigh in
Past DSA president George Liston, now in his 90s, enjoys reminiscing about his early years with the organization. “We would have exhibits on the lawns at the University of Dayton and the Fairgrounds,” recalls Liston, who was honored last November by the Columbus College of Art & Design. “The Society gave an artist an opportunity to network and to engage in competitions among themselves. There were lectures and available space at the gallery to do our artwork.”
Artist Kate Huser Santucci says the DSA has been great for her during the past few months. “When a last-minute spot opened up in August, I was able to hang new work that I had created during the pandemic,” she says. “I had a very successful show, the work was easily viewable on their website, and patrons were able to purchase online and pick up by appointment.”