On a mission to unify Dayton’s dedicated arts community
We aspire to present Dayton as a vibrant hub of creativity in all its diversity through curated performances and collaborative experiences.
Celebrating the arts and artists in our community
EPIC is a grass-roots organization composed of a group of individuals who have a common interest in Educating, Promoting, Inspiring, and Connecting the arts to a broader audience in Dayton.
Our purpose is to facilitate and enhance the artistic community through the creation of innovative and unique events that celebrate and promote artists, activate our city, and bring vibrancy to the region.
We aim to support visual and performing artists, designers, architects, art collectors and enthusiasts, or anyone who has a passion for arts education, culture, and advancement.
How We Got Started
The Dana L. Wiley Gallery created EPIC to promote Art as a form of communication. Dana was able to bring together 10 other people who have passion for both the arts and the Dayton community to form the EPIC committee and collaborate on a shared mission: encouraging open dialogue through educational and inspirational events, which will elevate the Arts in our community and allow for the inherent value to be revealed.
Meet Our Committee Members
Lori Daughtery
Dayton-based abstract artist Lori Daugherty specializes in the captivating art of encaustic painting. From her studio, “Darty Art,” located in the Front Street Buildings in Dayton’s Art District, she explores the rich depth and intrigue that this medium provides. Using a torch, she layers encaustic wax, inks, and shellac to create intricate and vibrant creations. Her work invites viewers on an enchanted journey, embracing the painting’s lines, shapes, textures, and colorful energy.
Lori Daughtery
Dayton-based abstract artist Lori Daugherty specializes in the captivating art of encaustic painting. From her studio, “Darty Art,” located in the Front Street Buildings in Dayton’s Art District, she explores the rich depth and intrigue that this medium provides. Using a torch, she layers encaustic wax, inks, and shellac to create intricate and vibrant creations. Her work invites viewers on an enchanted journey, embracing the painting’s lines, shapes, textures, and colorful energy.
Jon Daughtery
Jon Daugherty, a Dayton native, has over 30 years of experience in product development, successfully bringing new products to market through strategic insights, innovative design, and partnerships. Alongside his wife, Lori, he co-founded Darty Art Studio & Gallery, where they share their love for art with the Dayton community, fostering creativity and building connections. As an artist, Jon works with various mediums, including soft pastel painting and his signature paper tube sculptures. He has contributed to community art projects like the Wag Town Benches in downtown Dayton and sculptures in Linden Heights, Highland Park, and Free Library.
Jon Daughtery
Jon Daugherty, a Dayton native, has over 30 years of experience in product development, successfully bringing new products to market through strategic insights, innovative design, and partnerships. Alongside his wife, Lori, he co-founded Darty Art Studio & Gallery, where they share their love for art with the Dayton community, fostering creativity and building connections. As an artist, Jon works with various mediums, including soft pastel painting and his signature paper tube sculptures. He has contributed to community art projects like the Wag Town Benches in downtown Dayton and sculptures in Linden Heights, Highland Park, and Free Library.
Jamie Dewing
Jamie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and has 30+ years of experience in sales, marketing, and leadership in manufacturing and advanced technology. He’s passionate about helping companies solve business challenges and has crafted business plans, sales strategies, and marketing campaigns for Fortune 1000 companies and SMBs. As a business development advisor for FastLane, he connects manufacturers to resources for growth and efficiency. Jamie grew up with an interest in art and creativity; his grandfather was an artist and his mother was an art consultant for 30+ years. Along with being an art enthusiast, Jamie enjoys sports, music, travel, the outdoors, and spending time with family.
Jamie Dewing
Jamie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and has 30+ years of experience in sales, marketing, and leadership in manufacturing and advanced technology. He’s passionate about helping companies solve business challenges and has crafted business plans, sales strategies, and marketing campaigns for Fortune 1000 companies and SMBs. As a business development advisor for FastLane, he connects manufacturers to resources for growth and efficiency. Jamie grew up with an interest in art and creativity; his grandfather was an artist and his mother was an art consultant for 30+ years. Along with being an art enthusiast, Jamie enjoys sports, music, travel, the outdoors, and spending time with family.
Gary Hinsche
Gary W. Hinsche studied at Santa Monica College, Art Center College of Design, and California State University at Long Beach before joining Robert Miles Runyan & Associates in 1968. His work, rooted in conceptual and minimalist design, was influenced by architect Craig Ellwood, who was mentored by Josef Albers. Hinsche also worked with Frank Gehry, shaping his approach. He has earned gold medals from the New York Art Directors Club, AIGA, and the American Institute of Architects. Hinsche served as president of the Los Angeles Art Directors Club, sat on the AIGA/LA board, and taught at Art Center College of Design. His work has been exhibited in cities including Los Angeles, New York, and Dayton.
Gary Hinsche
Gary W. Hinsche studied at Santa Monica College, Art Center College of Design, and California State University at Long Beach before joining Robert Miles Runyan & Associates in 1968. His work, rooted in conceptual and minimalist design, was influenced by architect Craig Ellwood, who was mentored by Josef Albers. Hinsche also worked with Frank Gehry, shaping his approach. He has earned gold medals from the New York Art Directors Club, AIGA, and the American Institute of Architects. Hinsche served as president of the Los Angeles Art Directors Club, sat on the AIGA/LA board, and taught at Art Center College of Design. His work has been exhibited in cities including Los Angeles, New York, and Dayton.
Rich Johnson
Rich Johnson, president and creative director of RVJ Design & Décor, relocated to Dayton in 2021 after 24 years in New York City. His firm specializes in interior design, decorating, and staging of residential and commercial properties. With over a decade of experience managing up to 30 projects a year in Manhattan, including artwork selection and installation, Rich creates sophisticated, functional interiors. He is passionate about supporting local artists and educates clients on the value of original art. Rich frequently attends First Friday events and gallery openings, connecting clients with artists to discuss their work.
Rich Johnson
Rich Johnson, president and creative director of RVJ Design & Décor, relocated to Dayton in 2021 after 24 years in New York City. His firm specializes in interior design, decorating, and staging of residential and commercial properties. With over a decade of experience managing up to 30 projects a year in Manhattan, including artwork selection and installation, Rich creates sophisticated, functional interiors. He is passionate about supporting local artists and educates clients on the value of original art. Rich frequently attends First Friday events and gallery openings, connecting clients with artists to discuss their work.
Tracy Longley-Cook
Tracy Longley-Cook holds a BFA in photography from the University of Washington (1997) and an MFA from Arizona State University (2007). She also completed a residency at the Maine Photographic Workshops from 1994-95. Currently, an Associate Professor of photography at Wright State University, her work as an artist, educator, and curator explores themes of transformation, memory, and perception. Using experimental and traditional techniques, she creates photography, prints, and books exhibited internationally. Her work has been featured in The Book of Alternative Processesby Christopher James and The Elements of Photography by Angela Faris-Belt. Curatorial projects include Emmet Gowin and his Contemporaries at the Dayton Art Institute and The Fixed Shadow: Cameraless Images at Wright State University’s Stein Galleries.
Tracy Longley-Cook
Tracy Longley-Cook holds a BFA in photography from the University of Washington (1997) and an MFA from Arizona State University (2007). She also completed a residency at the Maine Photographic Workshops from 1994-95. Currently, an Associate Professor of photography at Wright State University, her work as an artist, educator, and curator explores themes of transformation, memory, and perception. Using experimental and traditional techniques, she creates photography, prints, and books exhibited internationally. Her work has been featured in The Book of Alternative Processesby Christopher James and The Elements of Photography by Angela Faris-Belt. Curatorial projects include Emmet Gowin and his Contemporaries at the Dayton Art Institute and The Fixed Shadow: Cameraless Images at Wright State University’s Stein Galleries.
Rodney Veal
Rodney Veal is an independent choreographer, interdisciplinary artist, educators and Producer. He is a graduate of Eastern Michigan University with a B.S in Political Science and Visual Arts and The Ohio State University with an MFA in Choreography. Rodney currently serves as President of the board of trustees of Ohio Dance and on the boards of Dayton Live, Dayton Performing Arts Alliance, WYSO and Homefull.
Rodney Veal
Rodney Veal is an independent choreographer, interdisciplinary artist, educators and Producer. He is a graduate of Eastern Michigan University with a B.S in Political Science and Visual Arts and The Ohio State University with an MFA in Choreography. Rodney currently serves as President of the board of trustees of Ohio Dance and on the boards of Dayton Live, Dayton Performing Arts Alliance, WYSO and Homefull.
Dana L. Wiley
Dana Wiley is a painter and gallery owner in Dayton, Ohio. She is a graduate of both Sinclair Community College and Wright State University. She has been a gallery director since 2018, with locations in the Front Street Arts Community and the Dayton Arcade. She has been an Ohio resident for 30 years and is a devoted member of the Arts Community in Dayton. She is also the founder of EPIC and a proud mother of two.
Dana L. Wiley
Dana Wiley is a painter and gallery owner in Dayton, Ohio. She is a graduate of both Sinclair Community College and Wright State University. She has been a gallery director since 2018, with locations in the Front Street Arts Community and the Dayton Arcade. She has been an Ohio resident for 30 years and is a devoted member of the Arts Community in Dayton. She is also the founder of EPIC and a proud mother of two.
Dave Williams
As Vice President of Real Estate Development for Cross Street Partners out of Baltimore, Maryland, he manages the Dayton office and the Arcade adaptive reuse and historic preservation project in Dayton Ohio. He oversees the design, construction, leasing, financing and supports property management for the project. Dave serves as Board Chair for Heritage Ohio. Heritage Ohio is Ohio’s official historic preservation and Main Street organization, fosters economic development and sustainability through preservation of historic buildings, revitalization of downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts, and promotion of cultural tourism. He is also an avid fly fisherman and began sharing his love of fishing through abstract art focusing on colors and markings on weathered steel.
Dave Williams
As Vice President of Real Estate Development for Cross Street Partners out of Baltimore, Maryland, he manages the Dayton office and the Arcade adaptive reuse and historic preservation project in Dayton Ohio. He oversees the design, construction, leasing, financing and supports property management for the project. Dave serves as Board Chair for Heritage Ohio. Heritage Ohio is Ohio’s official historic preservation and Main Street organization, fosters economic development and sustainability through preservation of historic buildings, revitalization of downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts, and promotion of cultural tourism. He is also an avid fly fisherman and began sharing his love of fishing through abstract art focusing on colors and markings on weathered steel.
Susan Williams
Susan T. Williams is an award-winning, published architect that is currently focusing on painting in addition to marketing her own and her husband’s artwork. She has re-discovered her love of “creating” after decades of working as an architect. Susan’s architectural firm, SET Group Architecture, specialized in design and planning for all aspects of the healthcare environment. Serving as owner-representative, SET completed front-end space planning, guided the architect of record through documentation, finishing with the installation of furniture, signage and art. Susan is excited about the impact EPIC they are making to the Dayton arts community.
Susan Williams
Susan T. Williams is an award-winning, published architect that is currently focusing on painting in addition to marketing her own and her husband’s artwork. She has re-discovered her love of “creating” after decades of working as an architect. Susan’s architectural firm, SET Group Architecture, specialized in design and planning for all aspects of the healthcare environment. Serving as owner-representative, SET completed front-end space planning, guided the architect of record through documentation, finishing with the installation of furniture, signage and art. Susan is excited about the impact EPIC they are making to the Dayton arts community.
Other EPIC contributors: Curtis Bowman, Lisa Hanson
