Journeys: The Work of Willis Bing Davis & Tess Little

Journeys: The Work of Willis Bing Davis & Tess Little

Presented as part of R.E.A.C.H Across Dayton, The Contemporary Dayton presents Journeys: The Work of Willis "Bing" Davis & Tess Little. A multimedia retrospective exploring the African American and Appalachian roots and the 25 year creative partnership of two Dayton-based artists and friends. 

This special art exhibit features the creative and artistic work of two Dayton-based artist-educators and long-time friends, whose common Appalachian background and love of teaching helped to forge a 25-year community project called R.E.A.C.H. –Realizing Ethnic Awareness and Cultural Heritage across Dayton.  R.E.A.C.H. early years focused on the commonalities found in African American and Appalachian communities, as reflected in their artistic and cultural expressions.

This humanities oriented project hopes to add to the harmony and cooperative efforts in the African American and Appalachian communities.  Within a few years R.E.A.C.H. began to embrace and serve other ethnic and cultural communities in the Dayton Miami Valley community.  For the past 25 years of the R.E.A.C.H. projects, these two artists have highlighted the art of other local, regional and national visual artists to exhibit and share at the R.E.A.C.H. conference.  Tess and Bing retired from the leadership of REACH after 25 years.  The 2019 leadership of R.E.A.C.H. extends the opportunity for Tess and Bing to be the featured artists for the 2019 R.E.A.C.H. conference.

The journey for Tess and Bing has always reflected their cultural heritage and urban lifestyle with its strong tie and love of family, kinfolks and friends.  There has always been a strong respect and appreciation between artists, Tess and Bing.  The 25-year R.E.A.C.H. experience solidified a bond and friendship that will last a lifetime and this rare opportunity to exhibit together is looked to with great anticipation.

Opening Reception is Thursday, February 21, 2019 from 4-6 at Burnell Roberts Gallery at Sinclair Community College, then at The Contemporary Dayton from 6-8 pm

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The Contemporary Dayton

Journeys: The Work of Willis Bing Davis & Tess Little is taking place at The Contemporary Dayton, which is located at 25 W 4th Street in Dayton. The Contemporary Dayton - The Contemporary Dayton is a non-profit gallery and artist resource that provides art for the community and a community for artists. (Formerly Dayton Visual Arts Center / DVAC). - read more