The fourth annual Visual Voices art exhibit was presented at the Benjamin and Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center, January 29 – February 29.

This year’s exhibit was titled “Dayton Skyscrapers II: An African American Visual Artists Tribute to African American Heroes of Dayton, Ohio” and carries the same theme as the 2007 Visual Voices.

Visual Voices is a visual arts tribute which identifies, celebrates and preserves the legacy of the many African Americans who have made, or are making, significant contributions to the Miami Valley community.

Victoria Theatre Association once again collaborated with Willis “Bing” Davis of EbonNia Gallery on the exhibit.

Thirteen artists from the Miami Valley, including Davis, created pieces which were inspired by both historical figures of Dayton as well as those who continue to spread their impact.

Among those who provided inspiration were former mayor James H. McGee, former state representative C.J. McLin Jr., NAACP activist Miley Overby Williamson, former mayor Richard “Clay” Dixon, former county treasurer and commissioner Dr. Sarah E. Harris, Miami Valley Walk of Fame honoree Col. Charles Denton Young, and Olympic champion Edwin C. Moses.

In 2005, Visual Voices was formed through a collaboration of Victoria Theatre Association and the Arts Center Foundation with Dayton Visual Arts Center and EbonNia Gallery.

The Dayton Power and Light Company Foundation sponsored the exhibit for the third year in a row.

Visual Voices was presented by Victoria Theatre Association as part of its first African-American Arts Festival