Meet Tami Beale | Visual Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tami Beale and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tami, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I wanted a platform to sell my artwork where I had full creative control and where every detail was my vision. It was an opportunity to create something truly meaningful and personal to me. I hesitated for years because I was nervous about putting myself out there. But I believe everything happens for a reason, and about a year and a half ago, the timing finally felt right. After building my own website, I started entering art shows and looking into places where I could showcase my artwork.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
The story behind my abstract paintings actually began with photography. I was working in portraits and senior photos and wanted to offer something unique—a watercolor portrait of my clients’ favorite images. After taking a watercolor class, I decided to try an oil painting class, and I was hooked. That experience completely shifted my artistic path. I became obsessed with the richness of oil paint, its depth, and the incredible textures it could create. Now, I work primarily with oils, using a brush less technique with no thinners, For added dimension I mix acrylic paint and sawdust and use that as a base for oil paint. My work is deeply focused on color and texture, bringing each piece to life in a bold and expressive way.

Recently, I had the honor of collaborating with a We Care Arts client to create a piece for their annual art auction. Our artwork attracted nine different bidders, which was such a rewarding moment for both of us. I’m incredibly proud of that collaboration and hope to do it again next year. I was also so excited to collaborate with Gem City Catfe and Gem City Kitties. My artwork hung in their Art Gallery for 2 months and 30% of all sales went to help local cats in need. I wanted to create something with a cat theme, so I experimented with abstract cat silhouettes. It was a fun challenge and a great way to step outside my usual style and try something new.

Being an artist definitely isn’t always an easy journey. Art sales fluctuate, and the market can be unpredictable. Even in a smaller city like Dayton, the art scene is competitive—there’s just so much incredible talent here. I’m constantly in awe of the artists in this city. But regardless of the ups and downs, whether I get into a show or not, I always make time to create. Painting and creating art is a deeply therapeutic process for me and I am grateful I get to do what I love.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
We would start with a local beer and a yummy sandwich at Canal Street Deli while playing some vintage pinball After that I’d definitely take them to a Front Street Art Hop because everyone needs to experience the heart of Dayton’s art scene! There are so many cool studios and artists to visit (especially Art Encounters!), and of course take home a new piece of artwork.
Breakfast at Blueberry Cafe is also a must, followed up by a visit to one of the amazing parks this city has to offer.
Sugar Creek MetroPark for a scenic hike or Eastwood Metro park to walk along the river. Another must see park is Riverscape for a concert or festival while enjoying food truck bites and a taste of local craft beer. For some night life we would head down to Oregon District for a dinner at Dublin Pub and off to see a local band play live at Oregon Express or Blind Bobs.
Shopping at Second Street Market would be on the schedule to see what local foods and fairs are available. They have a huge assortment of foods, crafts, and so much more. It is a great place to browse and relax. The last stop would be the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. It is the largest military aviation museum in the world. It is definitely a must see one of a kind experience. It is filled with a rich history of the past and a also glimpse into the future. You walk away with so much knowledge and appreciation.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
The Downtown Coffee Crew that meets at Gather in downtown Dayton every Tuesday morning to discuss all things art. I hesitantly attended the first one ( I didn’t feel like I belonged) about the same time I launched my website, and I will be forever grateful I did . The artists and art lovers who attend are some of the most encouraging and supportive people I’ve ever met. The mix of experiences and talent of the group is what makes it so special. It’s a space filled with inspiration, connection, and a shared passion for creativity. Through this group, I was fortunate to discover Art Encounters, which is a local co-op gallery showcasing the work of several Dayton artists, including myself.

Website: https://www.tamibeale.com

Instagram: https://tami.beale

Facebook: Tami Beale

Other: Bluesky: [email protected]

Artwork available at Art Encounters at Front Street, Middletown Arts Center and Tend&Flourish in Dayton.