Mohawk College graduate Dave Kuruc is taking a leadership role in the renewal and revitalization of downtown Hamilton through the flourishing of an arts community in the city core. Dave is the owner and operator of Mixed Media, Hamilton's only independent arts supply shop and gallery.

From a renovated building in the heart of downtown Hamilton, Dave's store serves as an artistic, cultural and political hub for the neighbourhood. Dave also demonstrated leadership in the creation of the James Street Art Crawl and The Maker's Market. The Art Crawl attracts nearly 500 people each month for a tour of eclectic galleries, shops, restaurants and churches along a downtown Hamilton street. The outdoor market.

Dave's leadership in downtown renewal and revitalization has been recognized with Top 30 Under 30 honours from Hamilton Magazine, Top 40 Under 40 honours from The Hamilton Spectator and a Mohawk College Alumni of Distinction Award. Applying what he learned in Mohawk's Graphic Design Production program, Dave is the publisher, editor-in-chief and art director for H Magazine, a monthly publication focused on downtown arts and culture.

Prior to launching his own business, Dave worked as a graphic design for the Hamilton Spectator and continues to do graphic design work for clients, including an award-winning design for the City of Hamilton's new fleet of hybrid buses. Dave's community involvement includes serving on the James North Initiative, a coalition of neighbourhood businesses and residents, as well as Artists Inc., a cooperative for new and mid-career artists.