When creative class economist Richard Florida and his Creative Communities Leadership Project came to Dayton in 2008, ArtStreet director Susan Byrnes was inspired.

Florida is an advocate for the concept that community members can launch creative grassroots initiatives that start small and make a big impact, according to Byrnes.

"I was curious about what different people in the Dayton community were doing with visual art," she said. "Often when you go to an exhibit, you see what a particular curator is interested in or what a particular niche group of artists is doing."

Byrnes' curiosity motivated her to develop Creative Soul of Dayton, a month-long community art exhibition that is not juried, meaning all works entered are displayed in the show.

"Putting together an exhibit in that way is taking a huge risk, because you literally have no idea what you will get," Byrnes said. "This is an amazing show because the artists who submitted work are under 20, over 90, with a diverse array of backgrounds, styles and subject matter, but all presented their best work in a highly professional manner. It is truly a credit to the strength of the arts in Dayton that this essentially unedited show looks so fantastic."

The more than 230 works by 130 artists that make up the Creative Soul exhibit are on display now through Nov. 6 in the Armory Building, located one and a half miles from UD.

In addition to Byrnes, faculty, staff and students from UD, Wright State University, Central State University and Sinclair Community College, along with local artists, gallery owners and community members worked to organize the event.

Creative Soul was also organized by DaytonCREATE's "This is Dayton" initiative, which works to build civic pride in the community, according to the press release.

Theresa Gasper, a member of the This is Dayton group, said the exhibition highlights all the best of the region.

"Dayton is a very creative region filled with so much talent, but we tend to discount it with the attitude of 'if it's from Dayton, it can't possibly be cutting edge,'" Gasper said. "With over 120 participating artists, chances are that you will know someone with a piece in the show, which forms a connection. And that is the spirit behind everything we do with This is Dayton - connecting the dots."

The chair of UD's visual arts department, Joel Whitaker, won an honorable mention award for the work he submitted. He said he is pleased that he was able to participate in this effort and that his work was recognized.

"This exhibition brings together many types and approaches to making art and the understanding of art," he said. "It is a true reflection of Dayton and artistic vibrancy of the city."

Before the exhibition opened, prize juror Eva Buttacavoli, an independent curator and art educator, selected winners in several categories. Three artists won best of show awards.

Ben Norton, a 2009 UD graduate, submitted two pieces for Creative Soul and won the Best in Media for Painting award.

"The amount of work and variety of artists packed into that room is almost overwhelming," he said. "This show helps to raise awareness as to the abundance of artists working in Dayton, and I think it made it possible for a large number of artists to show who wouldn't otherwise be seen outside of their own houses."

Christine Zuercher, a junior photography major, worked as a committee volunteer to help set up all of the artists' works.

"The Creative Soul of Dayton show has been extremely successful in fostering the importance of the arts in the city," Zuercher said. "Rather than selecting work to be included in the show, no work was juried out. The show, to me, as a result of this, represents inclusion in the arts in Dayton rather than elitism."

Derica Washington, a senior art history and history major, is also a committee volunteer. She said she would encourage the UD community to visit the exhibition to see what is beyond the boundaries of UD.

"The show is a very eclectic mix of artists from Dayton housed in a historic building in one of the oldest districts of Dayton," she said. "Not only will visitors receive a visual experience but also a journey into Dayton's history."

In addition to the artwork on display, Creative Soul also includes artist talks and educational activities throughout the month.

"If, as a member of the UD community you are interested in living in a city that is vibrant, cultured and engaged in the arts, it is important to not only be a witness to the vibrance and culture that is available to see with opportunities such as the Creative Soul of Dayton show; it is important to participate, as well," Zuercher said. "The arts community is alive and well in Dayton and eager for UD residents to take part."