Oakwood Schools Foundation (OSF) and the Oakwood City Schools District hosted about 100 art lovers and supporters on Saturday night at the Oakwood Arts Gala presented by Arzola Urology. Guests sampled lite bites from A Pretty Picnic ( in Maraluna) and Ashley’s Pastry Shop, perused artwork submitted by students from all grade levels, and enjoyed performances on the Whalen Family Stage from The Dayton Performing Arts Alliance (DPAA) and student performers Max Kirschman, Lucas Huang, Elliott Fairfax, and Evelyn Buck.
Amy Martin, OSF’s Vice Chair noted in her opening remarks that “It is our hope Oakwood students will grow their love, appreciation and enjoyment of the arts all their lives. We are blessed to have such a wealth of artistic talent and performance in our city, and are grateful for the Dayton Performing Arts Alliance in sharing their tremendous talent with us.”
This event comes as OSF looks to complete fundraising for phase two of its Flourish Campaign for Oakwood’s Performing and Visual Arts—the first phase was completed with the February 2024 opening of The Rick and Jane Schwartz Performing Arts Wing. This second phase, focused on the auditorium, includes improvements such as new theatrical rigging, increased electrical capacity, a state-of-the-art soundboard, as well as audio and lighting upgrades.
“At Oakwood Schools, we believe in the power of learning together—a theme embedded in our mission and reflected in everything we do. The arts embody that spirit. They bring us together as storytellers, musicians, dancers, and creators. They challenge us to see the world through new perspectives and inspire us to think beyond what is and imagine what could be.” Added Oakwood Schools Superintendent Dr. Neil Gupta during his remarks.
OSF would like to thank its trustees Dori Spaulding, Kate Edstrom, Meghan Ewing, Ashley Hackett, Amy Martin, and Mari Jo Vazzo, and Event Chairs Melissa and Jorge Arzola for all their time and effort planning and producing this one-of-a-kind event. OSF is also very grateful for its event sponsors whose generosity made this gala possible. Sponsors include, The Hackett Family, The Family of Kathryn Chamberlain, Kramers, The Kolodesh Family, The Spaulding Family, Chris & Kara Conard, John & Meghan Ewing and Family, The Kirschman Family, Brandy & Patrick McFall, The Pamela & Andrew Schwartz Family, Allison & Josh Thomas, Keith & Amy Martin and Family, and presenting sponsor Arzola Urology.