The Pattern Project

he Dayton Art institute is proud to announce that Tommy Ballard has been selected as the 2023 Yeck Artist in Residence. Mr. Ballard is an artist, writer and educator from Dayton, Ohio, working in textiles, print media and creative writing. His creative practices are focused on making larger-than-life installations that blend art, craft and the written word.

Funded by the William and Dorothy Yeck Family Foundation, the Yeck Artist in Residence program provides a paid opportunity for greater Dayton area artists to create original, participatory art projects related to exhibitions featured in DAI’s nationally renowned Lange Family Experiencenter and engage museum guests of all ages. As a participatory and engaging hands-on creative arts experience, this program aims to further families’ and children’s connection to museum spaces, as well as provide artists with an approximately 4-month long residency.

Mr. Ballard has created The Pattern Project, an interactive project focused on the creation of art through weaving and textile. Participants are invited to spend time in the gallery and weave on large looms to create an exhibition of tapestries made during several collaborative weaving sessions.  Join Tommy as he leads museum guests in a hands-on project using Ikat weaving and learn about the art of dyeing with hand-dyed yarns made of natural and synthetic colors inspired by textiles from around the world.  Textile artwork created by The Pattern Project is inspired by the layering of patterns, colors, letters, and motifs and combining color themes from different sources.

“We are thrilled to offer the community a chance to learn from a working artist and experience weaving in this intimate setting” said DAI Director & CEO Michael R. Roediger. “We are excited to experience and display the work Tommy creates with the Dayton Community”.

Gallery workshops with the artist will be held on Saturdays from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sundays from Noon to 5 p.m. through May 7^th. An exhibition of community work will be on view from May 10 through May 21.  The artist will host a lecture about his work on May 14^th at 3:00 p.m. All of these events are included in museum membership or the general admission fee.

For more information about planning a visit, including current museum hours, updates, go to www.daytonartinstitute.org/visit or call 937-223-4ART (4278). Connect with the Dayton Art Institute on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok for additional information, behind-the-scenes photos and videos and exclusive offers.