YS Experience launches with exhibits, readings, music and dance

Sarah Leavens reading her work on the back porch

Carl Schumacher and Gary Arnold performing on the Barr property

Jill Becker & Friends

Alan Macbeth

Buck Truitt (R) with Jamie Henderson at 108 Dayton Street ArtSpace

On Friday, the Yellow Springs Arts Council celebrated its new home and gallery at 309 Xenia Avenue with two simultaneous art shows.

The opening reception for "Transitions: Traces and Spaces" featured a group show in the new space by artists working for the Arts Council including paintings, handmade books, and readings by Sarah Leavens. Carl Schumacher and Gary Arnold were one of just three local bands that performed on the lawn of the neighboring Barr property and Jill Becker & Friends performed an improvisational dance in the gallery's outdoor garden.

Longtime villager Alan Macbeth, owner of the gallery and the man behind the construction and artistic brickwork of the building, is thrilled with his new tenants and could be seen dancing to the music on the front porch.

Meanwhile, the Arts Council ArtSpace gallery at 108 Dayton Street held an opening reception for "Life Paintings by Buck Truitt".

The new gallery is currently serving as the Welcome Center for the Yellow Springs Experience which runs from July 9-18. For a complete list of events, visit www.yellow-springs-experience.org.

Photos by Susan Gartner

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