Hidden Gems: Meet Ed Dixon of Edward A. Dixon Gallery

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ed Dixon

Hi Ed, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
The Edward A. Dixon Gallery has continued to grow over its 7 years of existence. It opened in 2017 with artwork from the owner’s private collection to now featuring local artists and artists from across the U.S. The gallery has also expanded its programming to provide interesting, community-centered events to the Dayton area. An appreciation and enthusiasm for artwork and the talent of visual artists unexpectedly turned into an almost decade long journey that I hope ends no time soon.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The challenges to maintain the gallery have been many. Being new, being in a small market and educating people on what the gallery does all present their own unique challenges. There were growing pains as different ways to engage and reach out to the public were explored. Some strategies worked better than others, but the gallery has a very positive momentum at the moment. The Dayton art market is growing, but not yet on the level of the close, larger markets of Cincinnati and Columbus. Pricing can sometimes be challenging and introducing new artists is always a gamble. Another challenge is that people don’t always understand what the gallery is about. Many times people make the wrong assumption that the gallery must be a “Black” gallery. However, the artists and guests of the gallery all have very diverse backgrounds. Sometimes people are new to art galleries and don’t know how they work. They wonder if it cost to get in or if all the work is created by me. I get all types of questions and comments, but the gallery is very open to people of all levels of art experience and from all walks of life.

All those things were just part of doing business, but Covid was the real struggle. The shutdowns and having to move twice were very disruptive and expensive. The government grants during that period were crucial to being able to stay in business.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Edward A. Dixon Gallery?
The Edward A. Dixon Gallery has featured well over 200 artists over its 7 years of operation. The gallery has exhibited at Art Fairs such as Artexpo New York and hosted pop-up exhibitions for Beatles animator Ron Campbell and many others. The gallery focuses on curating exhibitions by contemporary artists and also hosts an annual art exhibition titled We’re Doing It ALL Wrong® featuring artwork selected from national, juried entries.

The gallery also hosts artists talks, workshops and community events throughout the year and offers its Suite B1 space to artists for weekend pop-up exhibitions.

Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
The gallery has been fortunate to be in a supportive Arts community and a city filled with people who show up time and time again. With the challenges the gallery has faced, its success is due in no small part to the many supporters and patrons who frequent, share and buy from the gallery.

Contact Info:

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