Dayton Society of Artists developing local talent for nearly 85 years
What comes to mind when one thinks of art? Is it the “Mona Lisa,” smiling contemplatively in the Louvre? The fine detail carved into the marble of David? The shredded remains of a multi-million-dollar piece from provocateur Banksy?
The local members of the Dayton Society of Artists (DSA) invite visitors to experience truly amazing artwork created by people right here in the Miami Valley. Friends, neighbors, coworkers, cousins—the region is home to an abundance of talent, and the DSA is here to ensure those artists are nurtured and their gifts are witnessed.
High (Street) Society
In 1938, a group of local artists were searching for better means to promote, display and create their work outside of The Dayton Art Institute. The cohort formally assembled the Dayton Society of Painters and Sculptors (DSPS) and the group raised funds by selling their artwork at the Rike-Kumler Company and Art Mart.
DSPS meetings and exhibitions took place in obvious locations, like the Art Institute, and nontraditional spaces, like Winters Bank Tower (now known as Stratacache Tower), the Patterson Homestead, the Engineers’ Club of Dayton and the Dayton Museum of Natural History (now known as the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery). “A meeting held by the DSPS was considered to be a big deal, at least in the organization’s early days,” says Jo Bell, director of the DSA. “The meetings consisted of 15 to 20 minutes of administrative duties, and the rest of the time was designated for guest speakers and social activity.”
Eventually, DSPS members decided to find their own permanent location for administrative offices and host events. Finally, in 1967, member David Smith made a bid for a house located at 48 High St. in the St. Anne’s Hill Historic District for $6,525. The gallery remains in the neighborhood today.
In 2016, members decided to change the name from the Dayton Society of Painters and Sculptors to be more inclusive as the Dayton Society of Artists. Long-time member Marsha Pippenger says she returned to the DSA following this move.
“I became a (DSPS) member when I first moved to Dayton in 1985, then dropped the membership for a long time,” she says. “I dropped the membership because I felt it had little to offer me as I was not a painter or sculptor but a collage artist. When I rejoined, I saw that DSA had become more inclusive, more vibrant and was headed into the 21st century with growth in mind. I actually became a board member and am now serving as president!”
Brushing Up on the Basics
DSA members enjoy access to educational workshops and programs throughout the year. Whether artists are looking to expand their skill sets or fine-tune existing talents, these activities present options to broaden horizons and networks.
“It’s an easy way to get to know a lot of local artists in the area, which can lead to so many more opportunities,” says Cydnie King, who has been a member for two years. “DSA is a great place to get started exhibiting as an emerging artist or as a career artist.”
Michael Surber, who has been a member for a little more than a year, agrees.
“I am so very thankful to the DSA for everything they have done for me as an artist,” he says. “Between the opportunities for exposure of my artwork, the education they provide to help perfect my artwork, and, above all, the connections I have made with fellow artists in the community has been invaluable.”
DSA leadership strives to provide members with timely information about opportunities in other communities as well. Commissioned works, murals, residency programs—keeping members abreast of activities not only helps the artist shine, that glow reflects on the efficacy of the organization.
Four-year member Kathleen Caffrey says she consistently receives messages with details on shows, galleries and projects. “We also get emails with information on resources and contacts for training and outreach. I recall mentioning that I was struggling with a pastel I was working on while I was at an unrelated class. Within moments, I had five or six people giving me their cards and insisting they help. If you are an artist, or a supporter of the arts, you want to join this organization,” she says.
But nurturing artists goes beyond the gallery walls. Bell says the DSA’s work has far-reaching financial impacts as well. “The work that artists do brings joy and makes homes and communities beautiful, but each artist is also a business that contributes to larger economic activity,” she says. According to the Americans for the Arts 2017 economic impact report AEP5, “the nonprofit arts and culture industry generated $166.3 billion in economic activity (spending by organizations plus the event-related spending by their audiences), which supported 4.6 million jobs and generated $27.5 billion in government revenue.”
Bell also emphasizes that art can be an instrument for social justice and an agent of change. “Art is a powerful tool in cultivating empathy between social groups,” she says. “In short, nurturing artists stimulates our community’s economic growth and the personal growth of its residents.”
Spotlighting Local Talent
When Dayton Magazine asked DSA members what one thing they wished more people knew about their organization and the local arts scene, so many responses included sentiments about the depth and breadth of talent in the region.
“I’m currently studying prior members of the DSA and with whom they studied under and trained,” Caffrey says. “They have ties to some major names in art over the last 100 years or so. These are not small potatoes. People are proud of the arts here in Dayton, but they should be more proud. Dayton artists are—and have been—stupid talented!”
Despite being immersed around nationally and internationally renowned works every day, The Dayton Art Institute’s director and CEO, Michael Roediger, says as a member himself, he’s impressed with Dayton’s local talent.
“The galleries are updated and fresh. Their events are engaging and entertaining. The art is meaningful and thought-provoking,” he says.
Pippenger agrees. “The DSA is a beacon in the Dayton area, showing our population what talented artists we have here in the Miami Valley,” she says. “One does not need to travel to Chicago or New York to find supremely talented artists. They are here.”
Upcoming Programming at DSA
Check out the latest up-to-date information here.
The gallery is open to the public from noon to 5 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays at 48 High St., Dayton. Find more information about these and other workshops and exhibits at daytondsa.org.
– Art Lunch, noon to 1 p.m. third Thursday of every month (free): Artists bring their lunch and artwork or art topic they would like to talk about.
– Art Critique Sessions, 10 a.m. to noon, fourth Saturday of every month (free): Artists can receive constructive feedback to take their art to the next level or help with a creative block.
– Spring Juried Show, April 7-May 20: Theme this year is “Inspire(d)” featuring Ohio Arts Council Individual Excellence Award-winning artist James Pate on the exhibition jury. Opening reception 6-9 p.m. April 7.
