A Little Info on the Two Michaels

In case you were wondering who the movers are behind the new Oregon Art District project, here’s a little bit of information concerning them.

Dr. Michael E. Ervin was previously CEO and Chairman of Wright Health Associates. He has always maintained an interest in Dayton and has served as Chairman of the Board of the United Way and Co-Chair of the Downtown Dayton Partnership. I’m not sure if he is still involved in this, but he was/is chair of the investment committee of the UD board of trustees and has been involved in the university’s Center for Portfolio Management, nationally known for allowing finance students to manage a portfolio of funds in an environment that simulates Wall Street. He also was involved in the pre-hire interview of Dayton’s new police chief, Richard Biehl.

Michael Elsass is a nationally known artist whose gallery, at least presently, is on Front Street. You can learn more about him at his website http://www.mikeelsass.com/.

If anyone else would like to add something to these short bios, feel free.

Oregon District - Using ART for Economic Development

Once known for its seedy bars and seedier people (yes some are still there), the Oregon District has undergone a bit of a transformation over the past few years with places like Pacchia, Thai Nine, Cafe Boulevard, Jay's Seafood and John Henry making this one of the Dayton Region's only classy dining destinations for independent restaurant lovers.  There have also been a few random art galleries to add to the urban experience, but nothing like what is being announced today....

Big Announcement Coming Tomorrow...

Yes, we know what it is but we're not allowed to tell the secret... until tomorrow at 10am, so check back here then.  It is happening in the OD and it is going to be big...

here it is...