Wright State’s ArtsGala celebrates the transformative power of art

Wright State University’s ArtsGala, one of the Dayton region’s most festive and unique arts events, returned to the Creative Arts Center on April 5 with an impressive program featuring student performances in theatre, dance, motion pictures, music and visual arts.

ArtsGala celebrated its 26th year with many special events designed to commemorate the occasion, including several hundred student performers.

The symbol of this year’s ArtsGala was a jade butterfly, representing transformation. As a theme, it embodies how “ArtsGala transforms the lives of our students and how their education is transforming them,” said Rebecca Foley, art gallery and events coordinator in Wright State’s College of Liberal Arts.

“This is the most exciting arts event in the Dayton region,” said Gary Schmidt, Ph.D., dean of the College of Liberal Arts. “Our students are really talented. They come from the region and from around the country.”

ArtsGala has raised more than $4 million in scholarships for Wright State’s fine and performing arts students over the past two decades.

Dominic Rhodehamel, a junior music education major and ArtsGala Scholarship recipient, said the scholarship allows him to pursue his passion for music instead of worrying about tuition.

“Getting to spend more time practicing helps me focus,” Rhodehamel said.