Summer in Dayton
By Amanda Sue Allen
A tribute to “celebrating Dayton” wouldn’t be complete without a nod to what many consider the highlight of the season — festival time! Amanda Allen’s depictions of popular downtown festivals showcase Dayton’s diverse collection of heritage, music, food, art, dance, culture and traditions that are celebrated every summer and into fall. In fact, just up the street from her display is RiverScape MetroPark, the site of several signature community events. Besides its famous festivals, RiverScape MetroPark also plays host to Big Band Thursdays, Summer Concert Series, Fridays @ 5 concerts, as well as educational and fitness programs. Be sure to include RiverScape MetroPark on your family’s summer to-do list!
About Amanda Sue Allen:
Born and raised in Dayton, Amanda Sue Allen received her appreciation for her history and pride in her community from living with her great grandparents. “My great-grandpa was born and raised on East First Street in Dayton. My great-grandmother moved from Italy as a small girl, and later moved to Dayton,” Allen explains. Her great-grandfather worked in masonry, and Allen attributes her artistic talents to an inherited sense of creativity. “Sometimes Papa and I didn’t even have to speak; we would just create.” She wanted to portray Dayton as the lively city she knew from experience and recognized from her family’s stories. Even her current studio reflects this ideal. “I live in the very home that holds many stories and traditions in its walls. I get to create in the same studio my Papa did so many years ago, and it’s a great feeling! I also get to pass down these family traditions to my son. Being a mother and an artist are the two most precious jobs I could have and are very dear to my heart. I feel as though I can portray the Dayton I know—the real Dayton—through my art. I feel so proud and honored to be a part of the Activated Spaces project.”
I love your story – Dayton heart & soul. Keep the traditions strong; it’s families like yours that will help bring this city back to its glory! Beautiful work, lady.
Love your work!