Dayton Visual Arts Center Presents Major Award: The 2018 Mike Goheen Memorial Fund for Photographers Winner Announced

DAYTON (July 9, 2018) – The Dayton Visual Arts Center (DVAC) proudly announces Francis Schanberger as the winner of the 2018 Mike Goheen Memorial Fund for Photographers award. Shanberger will receive a $500 prize for his 2018 gelatin silver print with Sabatier effect entitled Thighs and Sunlight.

The Mike Goheen Memorial Fund for Photographers honors longtime DVAC Member, Mike Goheen’s legacy and passion for photography.

The Fund was established in 2017 by Mike’s partner and DVAC supporter, Craig Schrolucke, and provides an annual prize to an artist in the DVAC Annual Members’ Show. Thanks to the support of friends and family, the award is one of the largest in the region and honors photographers who demonstrates experimental photographic methods.

“This is the biggest prize DVAC has ever awarded from the biggest memorial gift DVAC has ever administered,” said Eva Buttacavoli, DVAC executive Director. “We are proud to offer this award to both celebrate the talent and creativity of local photographers and to honor Mike’s legacy.”

The 2018 Mike Goheen Memorial Fund for Photographers award winner was selected by Goheen’s friend since childhood and current Director of the Clemens Fine Arts Center in Paducah, Kentucky Todd Birdsong. Birdsong based his selection on several criteria, including composition – the over-all visual effect and the use of line, form, color and visual balance; the printing process, including digital, traditional and non-traditional means of printing; and the uniqueness of the subject matter. Additionally, his selection was influenced by his relationship with Goheen.

“In the end, my award selection was also guided by my deep and personal connection to its namesake,” said Birdsong in his Juror Statement. “Having been his friend for most of our lives, I would dare say that I belong to a very small group that understood his visual sensibilities and the emotion contained within each image he discovered. My selection resonated with me in a similar way and I appreciate artist’s works that have a powerful sense of vision and concept regardless of their training or technical mastery. Those artists who are creating spirited works are not only growing personally, but professionally.”

Schanberger’s photograph is on view as part of DVAC’s Annual Members Show, The Light Within, now through August 11.

For more information about DVAC, the Annual Open Members’ Show, or The Mike Goheen Memorial Fund for Photographers, visit www.daytonvisualarts.org, and follow DVAC on Facebook (Dayton Visual Arts Center), Twitter (@DaytonVisArtCtr) and Instagram (daytonvisualartscenter).

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ABOUT THE CONTEMPORARY DAYTON

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

Overview: The Contemporary Dayton (The Co) is the region’s contemporary art center. Established in 1991 as Dayton Visual Arts Center (DVAC), a 501c3, The Co 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 Co’s accessibility to art, from visitor engagement to educational outreach through store products, programs, and experiences.

The Co 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 Co is led by Executive Director Eva Buttacavoli, a 30-year art museum administrator, curator, and educator, whose previous roles were at The Contemporary Austin, TX and The Perez Art Museum Miami, FL; and Curator Michael Goodson, who previously served as Curator at the Wexner Center for the Arts, Beeler Gallery, Columbus College of Art and Design, OH; and as Director at James Cohan Gallery, NY.

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