EPIC Inspires brings together renowned artists, architects, designers, students, and city leaders to explore opportunities for artists and the economic impact art makes at the intersections of innovation, culture, and community.
EPIC Inspires announced its second annual Dayton Art and Design Symposium entitled PROCESS | PASSION | PURPOSE to be held on February 20, 2026, from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM at Wright State University (WSU) Creative Arts Center. Renowned artists, architects, designers, city leaders, students, and creative visionaries will come together to explore opportunities for artists and the economic impact and importance art has at the intersections of innovation, culture, and community. Dayton’s Poet Laureate, Sierra Leone, will recite a poem and the keynote address will be given by Willis “Bing” Davis, renowned African American Artist, Educator, and Community Activist.
Last year’s sold‑out inaugural event was a tremendous success, affirming how deeply the arts matter in the Dayton community. Building on that momentum, this year’s symposium returns with an expanded lineup of speakers, immersive discussions, and creative exchange designed to engage artists, creative professionals, businesses, and the greater community. The symposium will explore the methods, motivations, and meaning behind impactful creative work, offering attendees valuable insight into contemporary practices, emerging ideas, and the future of art and design. With a focus on inspiration and community connections across disciplines, the event invites the public to seek fresh perspectives and experience a dynamic day of learning and dialogue to energize, challenge, and deeply motivate.
“Art is more than a finished piece on a wall—it’s a living process shaped by curiosity, courage, and care,” said Dana Wiley, owner of the Dana L. Wiley Gallery and president of EPIC Inspires, LLC. “This event invites our community to come together and explore not only how art is made, but why it matters—
how passion fuels creativity, how purpose gives it meaning, and how art connects us to one another in ways that are deeply human and profoundly impactful.”
Organized by EPIC Art Inspires the symposium features five breakout sessions and five panel discussions for attendees to select from throughout the day, including a panel discussion on the future of public broadcasting with Shaun Yu, CEO of Discover Classical, Luke Dennis, GM & President of WYSO, and Kitty Lensman, President & CEO of ThinkTV, and moderated by Debi Chess, External Relations & Development Director of Dayton Metro Library.
Other topics include Creative Intelligence: How AI is Redefining the Arts, Everyone Deserves Beauty: Art in our Community Health Center, Art Representation & Democracy, A Case for Art, and Marketing Your Art Without Losing Your Voice.
Presenters and panelists are notable industry leaders and artists comprised of Lisa Hanson, President & CEO of Culture Works, Tamiko Stump, Interim Director of Dayton Society of Artists, Lisa Wagner, Executive Director of Levitt Pavilion, Shayna McConville, Division Manager of Cultural Arts for City of Kettering, Kim Bramlage, Curator of Five Rivers Health Centers, Heather Jones, Fiber Artist and Curator at The Contemporary Dayton, and Emily Stamas, Global Marketing Manager of Henny Penny, among many others.
This year’s proud event sponsors are Wright State University, Houser Asphalt, Square One Salon & Spa, and Tall Tails in memory of Joseph P. Daugherty.
Tickets are $25.00 (+ tax) for students and $100.00 (+ tax) for the general public and include continental breakfast and boxed lunch. A networking reception where attendees can meet and greet guest speakers and panelists will be held in the Stein Galleries from 4:30 to 6:00 PM featuring the soothing sounds of a WSU student jazz trio. To get more details about PROCESS | PASSION | PURPOSE and purchase tickets, visit: Eventbrite.
ABOUT EPIC INSPIRES, LLC
EPIC Inspires is a grassroots initiative launched by community members with a passion for the arts and a desire to explore the Educational, Promotional, Inspirational, and Connective impact of the arts. The EPIC Inspires mission is to unify Dayton’s dedicated arts community through curated exhibitions, special performances, and collaborative experiences. We aim to present Dayton as a vibrant hub of creativity in all its diversity to celebrate the art and artists in this metropolitan area. For more information, visit: EpicArtInspires.com, FaceBook, and Instagram