Help save SHANGO: Center for African American Art!

click here for Willis "Bing" Davis biography



Master clay elder Willis  "Bing" Davis is the founder and director of Shango: Center for the Study of African American Art & Culture in Dayton, Ohio.  Bing Davis has been working hard to keep his community based non-profit afloat, but due to the unprecedented economic impact of COVID-19 this vital arts & culture organization is in danger of having to close its doors forever.

As our mission statement reflects both cross-cultural and cross-generational values, THE COLOR NETWORK is excited to help raise money to benefit  Shango: Center for the Study of African American Art & Culture.

ANY DONATION WILL HELP MAKE AN IMPACT.
Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to us!



Organization Statement:

Shango: Center for the Study of African American Art and Culture is 501 (c) (3) entity of the Davis Art Studio complex designed to provide art and cultural experiences and activities to enhance the understanding and appreciation of African American art and culture, reinforce the interrelationship of the visual arts to other artistic and cultural expressions while enhancing the position of African-American artists in the community and the world at large.

The primary focus of Shango. Inc. since 2004 has been its Annual Youth Summer Art Camp for youth 10-12 and 13-18. This two week art making workshop is conducted by local artists and art educators and involves a professional style four week exhibit in the EbonNia Gallery and other local venue including an annual exhibit at its corporate sponsor the Dayton Power and Light Foundation.

The other primary project of Shango. Inc. is the emerging artists' project that has been in operation since 2007 under the banner of Visual Voices. Visual Voices consist of local and regional African-American visual artists living and working in the Dayton and the Miami Valley Region. This group of artists with diverse styles and artistic skills are provided annual opportunities to participate in visual art concepts such as the Dayton Skyscrapers Art Project, the Dayton Funk Music Art Exhibit, Martin Luther King, Jr./Paul Lawrence Dunbar Art Project, the Black Life as Subject Matter Project and others. Shango is also the site for and supporter of other art and cultural activities in the region.

The goals and objectives are achieved through traditional and innovative exhibitions, workshops, lectures, seminars and symposiums, plus collaborative efforts of organizations at the local, state, national and international levels.