Dayton Visual Arts Center

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1 Defined
2 History
3 Importance
4 The Gallery
5 Noteworthy People
6 Publications
7 Sources

[edit] Defined

Dayton Visual Arts Center[1] is a group of artists and art lovers who believe that a vital visuals arts community is essential to the life of the community. From gallery talks and exhibit openings to professional development workshops, DVAC provides opportunities to meet others who share an interest in art and to learn about and support contemporary visual art.

[edit] History

The Dayton Visual Arts Center was founded in 1991 by a coalition of Dayton-area artists, art supporters, and visual arts professionals who saw a need for more interaction between the public and regional artists. DVAC's founders established an organization that allows the community to see and experience the wealth and diversity of visual art being created in the area and to get to know these artists.

[edit] Importance

DVAC is an important part of the Dayton culture community, with over 800 supporters from around the Dayton area. The Center allows artists opportunities to show their work, receive feedback, and make important sales that are essential to the artists' livelihoods. This non-profit organization operates based on gifts and grants and is one of the few free, completely handicap-accessible art centers in the area.

[edit] The Gallery

Since 1991, DVAC has been a leading proponent of contemporary art in the region. The gallery in downtown Dayton presents a full schedule of innovative exhibitions each year. The annual art auction has grown to become one of the largest auctions of contemporary art in Ohio. ARTtoBUY, which includes the very popular holiday gift gallery, connects artists with the public for the purchase of reasonably priced fine art and fine craft. They also consult with art collectors, assisting them in finding art by regional artists.

[edit] Noteworthy People

Jane Black took over as DVAC's executive director in 2003 and currently oversees a staff of three, including Patrick Mauk, an Ohioan printmaker who has taught at four-year universities in the area such as University of Dayton and Wright State University. Other employees include Erinne Bettendorf and Mary Merrell, students of art.

Notable artist members of DVAC are Jud Yalkut, an internationally-known pioneer in the field of video art and Bing Davis. In 2006, acclaimed sculptor, Jun Kaneko, presented his redesign for the opera Madame Butterfly in the gallery.