What to See in Downtown Dayton After NATO

Friends and I recently went on a walk all around downtown Dayton (the Art Stroll suggested by Downtown Dayton Partnership) to check out what’s new since NATO and wow, she’s looking pretty! Here are some scenes from around town:

The Dayton Peace Sign

The Dayton Peace Sign was designed by Real Art using federal funds set aside for the NATO Parliamentary Assembly event. It was unveiled at RiverScape and later moved in front of the Schuster Center. It’s going to be a permanent fixture in downtown Dayton. You can learn more about it here.

“On Peace Work”

This mural titled “On Peace Work” was designed by Atalie Gagnet and Jennifer Ustick, curated by Sierra Leone, and written by Alice Young-Basora. It says “Peace is a verb. First to be sought within, then to be actively shared with others.” The mural can be viewed at Courthouse Square.

Courthouse Square Fountain

It’s so nice to see a flowing fountain in Courthouse Square again. The construction started toward the end of last summer and now that’s it’s done, it’s lovely.

Sidewalk Studios

I’m not sure just how long you have to see some of the artist-curated Sidewalk Studios, but if you do get a chance to see them, they are very unique! This one is called “Ida Holdgreve The Plane Seamstress” by Samantha Hughes (you may know her from her business Riley Street Merchants).

“Amplified Frequencies” by Joy Johnson is another Sidewalk Studio – vinyl wrapped windows featuring a single art image.

Beautiful Things All Around

The main reason so much effort went into sprucing up the place is because Dayton had access to federal and state funds that were earmarked for the NATO Parliamentary Assembly. Add to that commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Dayton Peace Accords.

But now that it’s done, we have so many beautiful things to see and enjoy for years to come. If it’s been a while since you’ve strolled around downtown, make a plan to get out there and see our newest murals and so much more.