THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING THERE…

Watching and reading the news these days I see large numbers of people coming together to express concern about immigration, ACA, climate change and the arts. If something is to change or grow, it’s important to show up. There is significance in participating. It’s important to “be there”.

That’s my thought for this week: being there. And this “being there” is local, it’s not controversial, and it takes us back to the topic of supporting, creating and participating in the arts.

I am a board member of the Dayton Society of Artists, formerly known as the Dayton Society of Painters and Sculptors. This group was founded by artists who realized the need for a supportive artistic community. It’s Dayton’s oldest art organization at 75+ years.

I joined the organization when I first moved to Dayton more than 30 years ago. As I moved away from painting to collage and mixed media I felt the group was no longer relevant for me. I dropped my membership.

During the 75^th anniversary celebration of the society, I rejoined. Not only that, I became a member of its board. Why, after all this time, did I reconsider?

The world has changed. The art world has changed. The boundaries between media are less strict and there is more crossover from one type of media to the next. Therefore, it no longer made sense for this particular organization to restrict its membership to painters and sculptors only. This is also the reason for the name change to Dayton Society of Artists.  

By inviting artists who work in all media we are also inviting fresh ideas, the possibility of collaboration, and contributing to a renewed excitement in the organization. If you have not experienced Dayton Society of Artists, you should, and I am extending that invitation. Join us. The more members of DSA the more good things, and if you are not already a member you should be!

COME TOGETHER FOR THE GOOD OF THE ARTS IN DAYTON. JOIN DSA.

FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO: http://daytondsps.org/ or visit us on Facebook.