Celebrate East and West:
Wright-Dunbar and Huffman Historic Districts

Like Amanda’s work? Vote for her to win the People’s Choice Award. Voting open through September 30th.

Amanda Sue Allen

When Amanda thinks about Dayton, she thinks of all the history that still affects us today, and some of the people responsible for it. With that in mind, she celebrates the creativity and entrepreneurship of the Wright Brothers and Paul Lawrence Dunbar who lived and worked in the Wright-Dunbar Historic District. Allen was also inspired by the creative spirit of William Huffman who turned the Davis Sewing Machine Factory into the Huffy bicycle warehouse. With her art, she spotlights the Huffman Historic District and their great innovation. These are the people and creative visions that have made Dayton unique and continue to impact our neighborhoods.

About Amanda Sue Allen

Born and raised in Dayton, Amanda Sue Allen received her appreciation for her history and pride in her community from living with her great grandparents. “My great-grandpa was born and raised on East First Street in Dayton. My great-grandmother moved from Italy as a small girl, and later moved to Dayton,” Allen explains. Her great-grandfather worked in masonry, and Allen attributes her artistic talents to an inherited sense of creativity. “Sometimes Papa and I didn’t even have to speak; we would just create.”

She wanted to portray Dayton as the lively city she knew from experience and recognized from her family’s stories. Even her current studio reflects this ideal. “I live in the very home that holds many stories and traditions in its walls. I get to create in the same studio my Papa did so many years ago, and it’s a great feeling! I also get to pass down these family traditions to my son. Being a mother and an artist are the two most precious jobs I could have and are very dear to my heart. I feel as though I can portray the Dayton I know—the real Dayton—through my art. I feel so proud and honored to be a part of the Activated Spaces project.”