The life of an artist, by definition, can be a lonely one. In order to make artwork, the artist needs a certain amount of time, space, and resources where uninterrupted solitude allow for the making of art.

That said, artists still need other artists. DSPS members represent a wide cross section of artists and art enthusiasts, but most are self-directed art-makers who prefer to gather ideas from this place and that place and put them together in a unique and individual manner. So DSPS offers art enrichment activities for every level of art expertise.

*   The Dayton Academy of Traditional Art are held at The 48 High Street Gallery and are led by Jerry Edwards. The lessons offer artists over age 18 daily instruction and/or shared studio space with shared model fees, M-F, 10 am -1 pm, $2/day for members. Located at 48 High Street Gallery, classes are held upstairs in the Atelier.

*   The Cafe DSPS is a weekly event -- still an experiment -- offering members who stop by the gallery the chance to get to know one another, have some coffee or juice with a muffin, and chat with other artists about art. We meet 10 am to noon on Thursdays at The 48 High Street Gallery. Visit our Facebook page. If you "like" our Facebook Page we'll give you updates!

*   Monthly meetings, held in the spring and autumn, provide programs where speakers demonstrate, teach a new skill, or offer a perspective on art. These meetings are free and open to the public. In the 2011-2012 year, Member meetings will be held at Dayton Art Institute. Other activities will be held at 48 High Street Gallery. For up-to-date information on these, please review the DSPS Schedule.

*   Getting acquainted with other DSPS members can be both enriching and fruitful! Would you like to volunteer with us? Please explore our volunteering possibilities, or keep track of us on Facebook. We'd like to know you better!