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The History of the African American Visual Artists Guild




The idea of a group for artists of African descent in the Dayton area, came to life in 1992 under the hopeful eyes of Dayton artists Curtis Barnes Sr., and Willis "Bing" Davis. Their vision was to bring together artists and art patrons to share their passion for the visual arts and work to uplift artists of African descent throughout the Miami Valley. So began the African American Visual Artists Guild of Dayton Arts club. The club slowly grew into the African American Visual Artists Guild (AAVAG) which officially became a 501 (C)3) non-profit corporation in August of 1995. Its membership is made up of professional artists, patrons of the arts, hobbyist and interested members of the community, all with a shared commitment to realize the organization's goals.

In Our Thirty One Years of Existence We Have:



  • Become an officially state recognized non-profit arts activity
  • Maintained an open membership
  • Curated exhibits in public and private educational institutions, civic and government entities
  • Conducted membership and awards programs
  • Provided to the community, professionals to speak on arts topics
  • Participated and exhibited throughout the community during the Black History annual celebrations
  • Developed tours to area cities to view and critique art matters
  • Brought to the community, internationally recognized artists and professionals
  • Served as the Arts arm of the TWENTIG organization, in conducting workshops for young emerging artists
  • Participated as a partner with the Dayton African American Culture Festival Corporation since 1994 until the present
  • Exchanged exhibits with arts organizations within the city and regional areas
  • Provides an "Annual Art Day" for senior citizens and young teens, free of charge
  • Produced an annual National Art Exhibition in partnership with the National Afro-American Museum and Culture Center of Wilberforce, Ohio
  • Established an Exposition through Art Program which consist of a two year traveling exhibit locally and regionally
  • We held our 7th National "Black Heritage through Visual Rhythms Exhibit" at The Prestigous Dayton Art Institute that features artists of African descent
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African American Visual Artists Guild (AAVAG)

840 Germantown Street

Dayton, Ohio 45402

Telephone:937-580-4288


Our Gallery Hours:


Monday - Friday: 9am - 4:30 pm

Saturday: 9 am - 4:30 pm, Saturdays Closed June and July


To Contact Webmaster


Contact: Clifford Darrett

5100 Retford Drive

Dayton, Ohio 45417

Conquero@aol.com


© aavag.org