DVAC’s newest program connects six artists to local art lovers


About DVAC CSA(rt) shares

Become part of the Dayton Visual Arts Center’s first annual CSA(rt) program.

For $650, you get:

  • Six new and original works of art (two photographs, one painting, one print, one artist book and one ceramic whisky cup) from local artists Amy Kollar Anderson, Douglas Fiely, Paula Willmot Kraus, MANDEM, Brooke Medlin and Joel Whitaker.
  • Two tickets to the CSA(rt) Harvest Pick-up Party, Aug. 9 at the Dayton Beer Company.
  • 50 shares are available, and a payment plan (three payments of $232.66 by Aug. 1; shareholder pays tax) is an option. Purchase by July 9 to have artwork ready for the August 9 Harvest Pick-Up Party.
  • DVAC CSA(rt) is made possible from a seed grant from the U.S. Bank Foundation.
  • For more information and to purchase a share, visit daytonvisualarts.org/csart.

In a Dayton art nonprofit’s new program, artists and art lovers form new and closer connections.

The Dayton Visual Arts Center, 118 N. Jefferson St., is trying something completely new in 2016: CSA(rt), a way for champions of the Gem City's impressive art scene to support six artists throughout the entire year.

CSA(rt) draws inspiration from the ever-growing Community Supported Agriculture programs, where individuals buy a yearly share in return for routine delivery of fresh produce and sometimes animal-based products. Here, the program gives artists a commission to create new work and gain exposure while 50 art lovers connect more deeply with the artists and their craft yearlong.

One art share for $650 provides the holder with six unique, signed works of art created in editions of 50, along with two tickets to a special Harvest Pick-Up Aug. 9 at the Dayton Beer Company, where they will receive all six works.

“DVAC’s CSA is a year of grass-roots art buying, collecting, networking, parties and special moments,” said Amy Deal, Dayton artist and co-coordinator of DVAC’s CSA program with Alexis Larsen, external affairs director for the Dayton Art Institute. “It’s 100 percent organic, fresh, locally sourced and good for you.”

The six artists selected include Amy Kollar Anderson, Douglas Fiely, Paula Willmot Kraus, MANDEM, Brooke Medlin, and Joel Whitaker, who will work throughout the coming months to create original pieces of art in various media, between 4x6 inches and 11x14 inches in size, signed and editioned.

MEET THE ARTISTS

"Portrait of Numia" by DVAC CSA(rt) participant Amy Kollar Anderson, 12-x-18-x-1.75, acrylic paint and various media on wood. Contributed photo.

Amy Kollar Anderson: The Dayton-based artist creates surreal narrative paintings inspired by natural forms and decorative arts. Her work has been exhibited throughout the region and internationally and she recently was awarded three commissions for the Dayton Public Library. One of her murals, "Farm Girl", can be seen at the intersection of Third and McDonough Streets. Anderson will be creating a limited edition of mica and Liquitex paintings. View more of her work at kollaranderson.com.

“Festive Prayer” by DVAC CSA(rt) participant Doug Fiely, Lino cut, 9-x-12 inches. Contributed photo.

Doug Fiely: The Dayton artist was raised on the shores of Grand Lake in Celina, OH. The imagery that surrounded him during his Catholic school years captivated his attention, and he began to draw. In 1964, he was given a guitar, which opened the door to both the visual and performing arts. In 1968, he enrolled at Bolling Green State University and soon became enamored with the process of printmaking. Fiely will be creating a limited edition wood engraving on paper. View more of his work at fielyarts.com.

“Bird Study 2Birds” by DVAC CSA(rt) participant Paula Willmot Kraus, original photograph digitally printed on rice paper with encaustic. Contributed photo.

Paula Willmot Kraus: The former resident of Houston, Tex., currently teaches photography at Wright State University and Stivers School for the Arts. Her work has been exhibited throughout the region and her largest project is a 96-foot-long by 40-foot-tall black and white photograph that will be permanently displayed in the renovated Dayton Metro Library in late 2016. Kraus will be creating a limited edition original photograph digitally printed on rice paper with encaustic.

“Thousand Furs” by DVAC CSA(rt) participant MANDEM. Contributed image.

MANDEM: Based in Cleveland, MANDEM is the art name shared by Maize Arendsee and their life-partner, Moco Steinman-Arendsee. With an academic background in mythology, critical theory, and gender/queer studies, MANDEM works across media and materials, intentionally destabilizing genre in terms of content and media, while exploring the visceral body, art history and religious iconography, and issues of gender and desire. MANDEM will be creating a limited edition hand-made artist book on classic Italian paper. View more of their work at mythpunkart.com.

Ceramic tumblers by DVAC CSA(rt) participant Brooke Medlin. Contributed photo.

Brooke Medlin: The Dayton native has maintained an active studio in the city for over a decade. While metalsmithing and jewelry design remain the focus of her work and business, she has begun to add more utilitarian pieces to the mix through her recent ceramic works. Medlin will be creating limited edition wheel thrown/hand-built recycled stoneware and glazed ceramic cups. View more of her work at brookemedlin.com.

“Invisible Cities 0049” by DVAC CSA(rt) participant Joel Whitaker, archival pigment print. Contributed photo.

Joel Whitaker: The Dayton artist and educator holds a Bachelor of Fine Art's Degree in Art from the University of Montevallo in Alabama and a Master of Fine Art's Degree in Studio Art from Florida State University in Tallahassee. In 1990, he held a one-year appointment as a visiting Assistant Professor at the University of Iowa, and in 1993 he joined the faculty of the University of Dayton, where he currently holds the rank of Professor. Whitaker will be creating a limited edition archival ink jet print. View more of his work at joelwhitaker.com.

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