Stunt Show: Three Miami Valley artists work with collage, paint to create cutting-edge personal narratives

DAYTON (April 27, 2016) – The Dayton Visual Arts Center (DVAC) presents Stunt Show, an exhibition showcasing three Miami Valley artists working with collage and paint to create cutting-edge personal narratives. This show opens May 6th and runs through June 18th, 2016. Artists featured in Stunt Show include Darren Haper, Colleen McCulla, and Tres Roemer.

“Darren Haper, Colleen McCulla and Tres Roemer are three of Dayton’s most progressive collagists,” said Eva Butacavoli, executive director of DVAC. “Though unique in approach, they share a common medium making their pieces harmonious yet distinct at the same time. Presenting them all together in the gallery showcases each artist’s fresh perspective and trailblazing approach to art-making while highlighting their incredible depth of creativity and a mastery of their medium.”

Each artist has a personal approach to their art-making. Darren Haper’s work, according to the artists, explores materials and mark-making while developing a narrative. “As I begin the process, each mark directly affects the next,” said Haper. “There is a frantic, almost manic start to my paintings. The images engage the viewer to become part of the narrative while disparate elements converge creating a playful vision. I like the psychology behind juxtaposing these ideas.”

Colleen McCulla’s work focuses primarily on found-image collage. According to the artist’s statement, “collages are a tapestry of vaguely familiar images that have been set free from context and come together to create a moment that is freshly relevant in present. I collage to juxtapose images from our mass-produced visual past in order to create daily, thought-provoking pauses in our lives. I’m influenced by our dependency on technology and the vast amount of visual stimuli we experience daily.”

Tres Roemer, a designer, and illustrator by trade, appreciate the medium of collage because it challenges the artist with “the responsibility to honor and balance context and potential. Minimal techniques of manipulation bring forward deceivingly simple visual and conceptual considerations for the viewer to process.”

A Collector’s Preview of Stunt Show will take place from 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. on May 6th at DVAC, located at 118 N. Jefferson St., Dayton, Ohio 45402. Non-members are invited to attend the Opening Reception on May 6th, from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. This reception is free and open to the public. A Gallery Talk is scheduled for May 19th at 6:15 p.m.

This exhibition is supported by Education & Public Program Sponsor Dr. Bob Brandt, Jr.

The artists in this exhibition were selected through DVAC’s 2014 Biennial Call for Exhibitions by jurors Jason Franz, Founding Executive Director & Chief Curator, Manifest Creative Research Gallery and Drawing Center, Cincinnati; John Kortlander, Professor, Drawing & Painting, Columbus College of Art and Design, OH and 2012 DVAC Biennial Call Artist; and Liz Maugens, Co-Founder & Director, Zygote Press, Cleveland. The exhibition was organized by DVAC.

For more information on Stunt Show or DVAC, visit www.daytonvisualarts.org and follow DVAC on Facebook (Dayton Visual Arts Center), Twiter (@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.