Dayton Daily News: Controversial student art and the discussion it started

September 11, 2017

By Michael Casselli

We are more polarized than ever as a country. What are our options? How can we move forward? How do we push back? How do we respond? How do we build for a better world when there is so much disagreement on what that should look like?

When Eva Buttacavoli, executive director of the Dayton Visual Arts Center, asked me to curate this exhibition, we both agreed the it was important to feature the work that ninth-grade students at the Dayton Regional STEM School produced just prior to Black History month in February 2016 — work that was removed by the City of Dayton two days after it went on display.

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ABOUT THE CONTEMPORARY DAYTON

Mission: To provide art for the community and a community for artists.

Overview: The Contemporary Dayton (TCD) is the region’s contemporary art center. Established in 1991 as Dayton Visual Arts Center (DVAC), a 501c3, The Contemporary Dayton produces and presents original exhibitions and programs, art events, community partnerships, and artist opportunities. Exhibitions and education programs feature artists living and working today, both nationally and in Ohio, with an emphasis on those whose work focuses on issues of social justice. In addition to its three galleries—open to all and always free—its retail store, the CoSHOP, provides income for Ohio artists and extends The Contemporary Dayton's accessibility to art, from visitor engagement to educational outreach through store products, programs, and experiences.

The Contemporary Dayton is proud to support the creation of connections among the arts, community building, civic engagement, community planning, and use of public space, and makes an annual economic impact of 3.4 million to the region. Recently raising 1 million during the Pandemic to expand and move into its new home in downtown’s historic Dayton Arcade.

The Contemporary Dayton receives operating support from Culture Works, Montgomery County Arts & Cultural District, Ohio Arts Council, the Virginia W. Kettering Foundation, and Members.