Artist on Art: Current Nominations

Aka Pereyma (Pam Houk): A Ukrainian native who has lived in Troy since 1960, Aka has exhibited her paintings and sculptures internationally; had several books published about her work; and was in the first group of Ohio Heritage Fellows. Now in her late 70s, she continues to create in clay, metal, wood and paint on a daily basis. 

Homer Hacker (Pam Houk): A Dayton native and recent Montgomery County Arts & Cultural District Lifetime Achievement awardee, Homer studied at the Dayton Art Institute before graduating cum laude from Ohio University and spending more than three decades as the art director and chief photographer for the Dayton Daily News. At the age of 90, he continues to work as an accomplished watercolorist and is a respected member of the American Watercolor Society.

Florence Sanko Hirsch (Jane Black): A native of Dayton, Florence received a BFA from the School of the Dayton Art Institute and a BA from the University of Dayton, with Atelier work at the Aegina Arts Center in Greece. She was an instructor at the DAI and served as Chair of the Art Department at the Wilberforce University from 1965-1970. Her one person exhibitions include the Miami Valley Cooperative Gallery, Wilmington College, Antich College and the University of Dayton. At 80, Florence still creates artworks in painting and drawing.

Curtis Barnes (Jane Black): A native of North Carolina, Curtis has lived in Dayton since 1962. He studied at Wright State University and went into the Dayton Public School system as an art educator. Barnes then taught at Sinclair Community College and is currently Professor Emeritus. He is the co-founder of the African-American Visual Artist Guild. Barnes received the Paul Laurence Dunbar "Humanitarian" award. He has and extensive exhibition record with drawings and paintings in private collections throughout the Midwest. At 73, he continues to create imagery that reflect his fears, ignorance, and superstitions regarding the mysteries of the universe.