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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe Co’s entrance has become a mainstay of Dayton’s art community. Photo Credit: Jessie Ngowoh<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Co, formerly known as the Dayton Visual Arts Center (DVAC), was founded in 1986 based on a proposal from Sean Wilkinson. It has since been home to hundreds of exhibitions and welcomed tens of thousands of visitors. The Clarion spoke with two artists that have had their work displayed there for a look behind the curtain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Andy Snow was 12 when he developed his passion for photography. He started with a Kodak Brownie camera everything near his home. While completing his master’s degree, Snow also expanded into film and digital media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cDuring the pandemic I learned to use photoshop to create art in the comfort of my home,\u201d Snow said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n His pieces hung up in The Co are a photoshop blend of past and present events in Dayton. One shows 1913 workers of Requarth Lumber facing an audience on the Dayton dragon’s baseball field. It captures his artistic philosophy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI want to each photograph to feature an inspiring narrative,\u201d Snow said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Video art specialist Tess Cortes began with a passion for painting. As a little girl she had always seen her art as more of a means of communication. Later, she became interested in bringing artwork and technology together. With her family\u2019s support, she pursued her passion and graduated with a Master\u2019s degree in Electronic Media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n One of her most radiant pieces in the gallery\u2019s Eichelberger video gallery room is called \u201cHouse Sprout.\u201d It was made during the COVID-19 pandemic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIt is a blend of footage from my mother’s family when she was younger and footage of our family now with my mother explaining her childhood as the background audio. They are memories from different timelines put together,\u201d Cortes said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition to her own work, Cortes currently teaches art and computer design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n She told The Clarion, \u201cI enjoy teaching, it helps me share my passion with the younger generation. My teaching also informs my art, and my art informs my teaching.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Visitors to The Co won\u2019t have to wait long for the gallery\u2019s latest series of exhibitions to begin. Sean Wilkinson\u2019s ongoing photographic series \u201cFlora\u201d will open on Sep. 6 whilst the more abstract-minded can look ahead to Curtis Mann\u2019s \u201cPrecious Blood\u201d which is debuting the same day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Jessie Ngowoh, Reporter <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" If you happen to take a walk through the quiet streets of downtown, make sure to walk towards 25 W 4th St. There you\u2019ll find The Contemporary Dayton (The Co), a spectacular open house art gallery filled with a variety of strong and alluring arts by some brilliant artists. 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