BLACK PALETTE ART GALLERY TO OPEN IN HISTORIC WRIGHT DUNBAR BUSINESS DISTRICT - April 23, 2023
DAYTON, OH (April 12, 2023)—Renowned fine artist, graphic designer, art educator, and consultant James Pate
will now add gallerist to his robust resume. Pate, along with his partner in life and business, multi-dimensional
entrepreneur Shola Odumade, will open Black Palette Art Gallery on Friday, April 21, 2023 at 1139 W. Third St. in
the bustling main corridor of the Historic Wright Dunbar Business District.
The grand opening celebration on April 21st will include a ribbon cutting & dedication ceremony at 11:00 a.m.
and an opening reception from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m. featuring interactive art-making, refreshments, live music,
and fine artwork & retail merchandise for sale. All festivities are free and open to the public.
Black Palette Art Gallery has signed a multi-year lease with Wright Dunbar, Inc. It aligns with the organization’s
vision for Wright Dunbar to be a thriving, inclusive business and cultural district of innovation, creativity,
entrepreneurship, and commerce that honors the spirit of the Wright Brothers and Paul Laurence Dunbar.
“So many feats have been birthed here in the heart of the Wright Dunbar District,” Pate says. “Launching this
establishment here—just a few doors down from one of my greatest mentors, artistic giant Willis “Bing” Davis—
is about forging ahead with an identity that reflects not only the rich heritage of this neighborhood, but the
innovative spirit that flows through the city of Dayton at large.”
Art production, consumption, education, and consulting are at the core of Pate and Odumade’s vision for the
space. They endeavor to provide an inspirational and immersive art experience, promote artists and help
springboard careers, and be a conduit for community building and holistic prosperity.
Black Palette’s inaugural exhibit features selected original works by Pate. Future exhibitions will spotlight an all-encompassing array of local, regional, national, and international artists and showcase a broad assortment of art
genres, subject matter, mediums, and materials. In addition to serving as an art showroom and studio, the
gallery will be a vibrant hub for a wide range of programming and activities, including workshops, gallery talks,
pop-up events, live performances, film screenings, first Friday happy hours, art collector groups, exhibit road
trips, public & private functions, and more.
The name Black Palette has layered significance that not only embodies reverence for a people and their
unparalleled depth and breadth of creativity and culture; but, on a wider scale, is a nod to the financial term “in
the black” and affirms an intention to foster far-reaching economic empowerment, wealth, and solvency via
high-quality productivity. It recognizes and honors Black achievement by celebrating, highlighting, and
augmenting the profound influence and brilliance of African Americans and their invaluable contributions to
artistic and fiscal vitality worldwide.
GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION – FRIDAY, 4/21/23 (free & open to the public)
11:00 a.m. Ribbon Cutting & Dedication Ceremony
5:00–10:00 p.m. Grand Opening Reception
BLACK PALETTE ART GALLERY
Location: 1139 W. Third St. (MLK Way), Dayton, OH 45402
Hours: Thursday – Saturday 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. & Sunday 12:00–5:00 p.m.
Phone: 937-723-9106
Website: www.blackpaletteartgallery.com
Email: info@blackpaletteartgallery.com
Connect with BPAG:
Instagram: @blackpaletteartgallery
Facebook: Black Palette Art Gallery
Wright Dunbar, Inc.