Dayton Art Champions

This exclusive event will honor the following 2025 Dayton Art Champions:
• Dr. Robert L. Brandt, Jr.: A visionary leader and advocate for the arts, Dr. Robert L. Brandt, Jr. has
championed countless initiatives that enrich Dayton’s cultural landscape.
• Sandy Gudorf: As a dedicated civic leader and president of the Downtown Dayton Partnership, Sandy
Gudorf has been instrumental in revitalizing and fostering a vibrant downtown arts community.
• Five Rivers Health Centers: A pillar of community health and equity, Five Rivers Health Centers
supports initiatives that integrate wellness and the arts to inspire and uplift the Dayton region.
• Linda Lombard & Paul Marshall: Philanthropists Linda Lombard and Paul Marshall are passionate
supporters of contemporary art, investing in programs that empower artists and create lasting
cultural impact.
• Meredith Moss: A long-time arts journalist and advocate, Meredith Moss has highlighted Dayton’s
thriving creative community, bringing awareness to the vital role of the arts in everyday life.
SPECIAL PERFORMANCE
Te’Jal Jarrae, a rising voice in contemporary poetry and a proud Dayton native, takes the stage to deliver an
original poem, written in honor of this year’s awardees, celebrating their unwavering commitment to art and
culture. Her words will illuminate the transformative power of their support for Dayton’s creative
community, the region’s artists, The Co, and the broader artistic landscape. With her powerful words and
heartfelt delivery, Te’Jal’s tribute is sure to inspire and serve as a fitting honor to the champions’ remarkable
service and dedication.
Presented by The Contemporary Dayton Board of Trustees, the reception is hosted in partnership with The
Co’s 2024–2025 Artist Advisory Committee: Dan Cleary, Lori Daugherty, Amy Deal, Amy Dolan, Gretchen Durst
Jacobs, Teresa Olavarria, and Timothy Wells.
• Dan Cleary: A celebrated photographer, Dan Cleary captures evocative images that explore the
interplay of light, form, and emotion.

The Contemporary Dayton / 25 W 4th Street, Dayton, OH 45402 / codayton.org / 937/224.3822 2
• Lori Daugherty: An innovative artist and advocate, Lori Daugherty creates mixed-media works that
inspire dialogue and community engagement.
• Amy Deal: A graphic designer and fine artist, Amy Deal is known for her bold, graphic compositions
that celebrate color and pattern.
• Amy Dolan: A dedicated artist and arts educator, Amy Dolan brings a passion for fostering creativity
and innovation in the Dayton arts community.
• Gretchen Durst Jacobs: A painter whose dynamic works explore nature and abstraction, Gretchen
Durst Jacobs creates art that reflects her deep connection to the natural world.
• Teresa Olavarria: A multidisciplinary artist and community volunteer, Teresa Olavarria crafts
compelling sculpture.
• Timothy Wells: A ceramicist and educator, Timothy Wells is renowned for his masterful
craftsmanship and dedication to advancing the ceramic arts.
Guests at the reception will enjoy sparkling wines and craft beers while celebrating the honorees’ profound
contributions to the arts.
Immediately following the reception, Dayton Art Champion Patrons are invited to join us upstairs in the
Arcade’s iconic Rotunda for Prelude, the Co’s Reimagined Art Auction. This unforgettable evening includes
cash bars, light bites, silent and live auctions, and first dibs on 30+ booths featuring works by local artists and
galleries.
TICKETS