ART Matters, Dayton Art and Design Symposium

Come join us at the Dayton Arcade’s Tank for a day filled with creativity and inspiration! The ART Matters Symposium is a gathering of artists, architects, designers, and art enthusiasts from many industries to celebrate the importance of art in our lives. Immerse yourself in thought-provoking panel discussions, and engaging presentations from industry experts. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and explore the power of art and design!

The day will feature three sessions, each offering three options of presenters or panels for participants to choose from. The event will conclude with a keynote address by Donna Collins, the Executive Director of the Ohio Arts Council.

Please refer to the schedule below to view the full lineup and more information on each the EPIC presenters and panelists, who will contribute to this exciting day.

Check-in: 9:00 am -9:25 am, The Tank Entrance

Opening Remarks: 9:30 am -9:50 am, The Tank Theater

Mayor Jeffrey J. Mims, Jr.: Mayor of Dayton, Ohio

10:00 am-10:50 am, The Galleria

Art, Identity, and Transformation: The Power of Creative Philanthropy

Josh Stucky: Co-owner of Square One Salon, & Co-founder of The Rubi Girls

10:00 am-10:50 am, The Tank Theater

On the Frontlines: Artists discuss the current state of artmaking in 2025

Rodney Veal: Producer of The Art Show & Community Arts Liaison

Jamal Durr: Artist

Brandon Ragland: Dayton Ballet, Artistic Director

Kevin Harris: Artist and Sinclair Community College Art Professor

10:00 am-10:50 am, Dana L Wiley Gallery

Redefining Beauty: The Art of Efficiency and Resilience in Design

Mary Rogero: Chair, Dept of Architecture and Interior Design at Miami University, & Owner at Rogero Architects

11:00 am-11:50 am, The Galleria

Tell The Story: The Art of Visual Speaking

Gary Hinsche: Artist, & Executive Design Director at the Ohlmann Group

11:00 am-11:50 am, The Tank Theater

The ART of (and in) Toy Design: The Process of Toy Design, How “Art” is at the Foundation

Tom Osborne: Industrial Designer & Adjunct Professor at The University of Cincinnati, School of Design

11:00 am-11:50 am, Dana L Wiley Gallery

How Art Breathes Life into Forgotten Places

Dave Williams: Vice President of Dayton Development–Cross Street Partners

Lunch: 12 pm-1:50pm, Pick up in The Tank Reception Area.

Seating available in The Galleria and The Hub.

1:00 pm-1:50 pm, The Galleria

From Workspace to Living Room: How Art Alters the Way You Feel

Litsa Spanos: Owner and President of ADC Fine Art, Art Design Consultants

1:00 pm-1:50 pm, The Tank Theater

Creative Crossroads: Exploring Opportunities for Artists Across Industries

Debi Chess: Director of External Relations and Development at Dayton Metro Library

Andy Aidt: GIS Manager for Kettering, Ohio

Lisa Hanson: President & CEO at Culture Works

Frances Jo Hamilton: Director of Revitalization at Heritage Ohio

Michael Roediger: Director & CEO at The Dayton Art Institute

Jessica Barry: President & Owner of The Modern College of Design

Graig Gossman: Principal & Owner at the Gossman Group

1:00 pm-1:50 pm, Dana L Wiley Gallery

ART in Design: What is Art, Why does it Matter, and How do I get it?

Rich Johnson: President and Creative Director of RVJ Design & Décor

Keynote Speaker: 2:15 pm- 3:15 pm, The Tank Theater

Empowering Creativity: Advancing Art and Design in Ohio

Donna Collins: Executive Director of the Ohio Arts Council

Closing Remarks: 3:30 pm-4:00 pm, The Tank Theater

Shelley Dickstein: City Manager of Dayton, Ohio

Reception to Follow: 4:15 pm-5:30 pm, Dana L. Wiley Gallery