As a young mother on a career pause, Laurie Westheimer pursued her passion for creativity by seeking volunteer opportunities with local arts organizations, staying engaged and connected to her community. Now, as a successful Realtor® and lead agent of the Westheimer Group, partnering with the Dayton Society of Artists (DSA) to help strengthen the local arts scene is a natural fit.
“I live and work in this town, and I want it to be a vibrant, cultured community,” Laurie shares. After a visit to the DSA High Street Gallery during a holiday event, Laurie was ready to become more involved with supporting the DSA. “I served a three-year term on the DSA Board of Directors and assisted with fundraising initiatives,” she recalls. Her time on the board deepened her connection to Dayton’s creative community and laid the foundation for an innovative partnership: transforming her real estate office into a rotating art gallery.
“When I first toured my new office space at the corner of Far Hills Avenue and Dorothy Lane, I thought, ‘This would be a great spot to showcase local art,’” Laurie explains. She reached out to DSA Gallery Director Jo Bell, who embraced the idea, leading to quarterly art installations featuring talented local artists.
“There is incredible power in collaboration, and patrons like Laurie provide invaluable support through her advocacy and generosity," shares Jo.
Founded in 1938 as an exclusive art club, the DSA has evolved into an inclusive nonprofit art organization with the mission to connect, support and educate artists and the community. “At DSA, we strive to make these relationships mutually beneficial: businesses and patrons enjoy increased visibility, creative marketing opportunities and the cultural enrichment that art brings to their spaces. At the same time, artists gain exposure, financial support and opportunities to connect with new audiences,” says Jo.
By showcasing art from DSA artists in her office, Laurie brings local art to a wider audience and reaches people who may not have ventured to the DSA gallery on their own. “Our vision incorporates artists and art lovers, as well as those who don’t know they are yet. One of the more exciting challenges of our organization is figuring out how we can reach more people and improve their experience with art,” explains Jo.
Countless studies have been conducted on the many benefits of viewing artwork in the home, a gallery or a museum. “One of my favorite studies showed that viewing original artworks in person triggers an emotional response 10 times stronger than viewing reproductions. The presence of an authentic piece can create a deeper, more personal connection engaging the viewer on a self-reflective and emotional level,” says Jo.
Laurie supports local artists and introduces her clients to the transformative power of art through the exhibitions she curates in her office. While she acknowledges the difference between staging a home to be market ready and curating a home for personal comfort, Laurie believes art is integral to creating inviting and unique living spaces. “I love walking into homes that showcase personality rather than looking like a generic showroom,” she says.
Laurie’s partnership with the DSA exemplifies the power of collaboration. “Our first installation with artist Mikee Huber was a great success. She sold several pieces and gained new followers,” notes Laurie. A new art installation set to debut in March celebrates the work of painter Alisa H. Workman whose passion for nature, science and vibrant color shines through her bold, floral acrylic paintings. “Alisa’s artist statement reveals how deeply personal her art is: her first painting, 'SURVIVE', emerged from a period of profound loss and challenge. Her mission is to transform darkness into vibrant beauty, embracing color as a source of energy and joy,” shares Jo.
A thoughtfully chosen piece of artwork and the right home can inspire, uplift and create a unique atmosphere that enriches daily living. Laurie’s story is a testament to the value of incorporating art into everyday experiences. Her dedication to the DSA and her clients highlights how creativity and community can intersect to enrich both.
You can view art from DSA artists by stopping by the High Street Gallery (48 High Street, Dayton) on Fridays and Saturdays from 12–5 p.m. Admission to the gallery is always complimentary. The current exhibition is their annual members’ show, “Part of a Whole.” This impressive showcase features the work of local artists, highlighting a wide variety of artistic mediums and styles. They have divided this year’s members’ show into two parts, one in March and another in April.
In addition to exhibitions, the DSA offers a variety of activities throughout the year, including art workshops, artist talks, professional development classes, live music events and more. To become a DSA member or learn more about upcoming shows and activities visit DaytonDSA.org and follow them on social media. For more on Laurie’s real estate services visit WestheimerGroupDayton.com.