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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260801
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260802
DTSTAMP:20260603T141216
CREATED:20260603T125731Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T130344Z
UID:10056475-1785542400-1785628799@downtowndayton.org
SUMMARY:Threads of History: Quilts by Carolyn Mazloomi
DESCRIPTION:June 12-September 12\, 2026 \nThreads of History: Quilts by Carolyn Mazloomi is a landmark solo exhibition by award-winning artist\, historian\, and curator Dr. Carolyn Mazloomi. Now an octogenarian\, Mazloomi remains one of the most visionary leaders in contemporary quilting\, widely recognized for her lifelong efforts to elevate African American quilt traditions. Her striking black-and-white quilts memorialize the lives and legacies of African American freedom fighters\, capturing resilience\, resistance\, and remembrance through bold imagery and layered narrative. Originally trained as an aerospace engineer\, Mazloomi shifted her focus in the 1980s to advocate for African American quilt artists whose contributions had long been marginalized. Through her scholarship\, mentorship\, and the founding of the Women of Color Quilters Network\, she has transformed the cultural landscape\, bringing international recognition to quilting as both fine art and historical record. Her extraordinary impact has been recognized with numerous honors\, including the Bess Lomax Hawes NEA National Heritage Fellowship\, a United States Artists Fellowship\, and an American Craft Council Honorary Fellowship. Her work is held in major collections\, including the Smithsonian Institution and the American Folk Art Museum. Opening Reception: June 12\, 2026\, 6-8 p.m.
URL:https://downtowndayton.org/event/threads-of-history-quilts-by-carolyn-mazloomi-2/2026-08-01/
LOCATION:The Contemporary Dayton\, 25 W. Fourth St.\, Dayton\, OH\, 45402\, United States
CATEGORIES:Art in the City 2026
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://downtowndayton.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/threads.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260801
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260802
DTSTAMP:20260603T141216
CREATED:20260603T135057Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T135241Z
UID:10058682-1785542400-1785628799@downtowndayton.org
SUMMARY:Fighters for Freedom: William H. Johnson Picturing Justice
DESCRIPTION:June 27–September 13\, 2026\, Gallery 120 \nWilliam H. Johnson (1901–1970) painted the Fighters for Freedom series in the mid-1940s as tribute to African American activists\, scientists\, teachers and performers as well as international leaders working to bring peace to the world. It was his last body of work. This landmark exhibition brings together—for the first time since 1946—34 paintings featured in the series\, drawn from the collection of the Smithsonian American Art Museum (SAAM). This nationally traveling exhibition is accompanied by a scholarly\, full-color exhibition catalog. \nOf the series\, SAAM states: “The exhibition illuminates the extraordinary life and contributions of Johnson\, an artist associated with the Harlem Renaissance but whose practice spanned several continents\, as well as the contributions of historical figures he depicted. Some of his Fighters—Marian Anderson\, George Washington Carver\, Mohandas Gandhi\, and Harriet Tubman—are familiar figures; others—Nannie Helen Burroughs and William Grant Still\, among them—are less well-known individuals whose achievements have been eclipsed over time. Johnson celebrates their accomplishments even as he acknowledges the realities of racism\, oppression and sometimes violence they faced and overcame. Johnson clues viewers to significant episodes in the Fighters lives by punctuating each portrait with tiny buildings\, flags and vignettes that give insight into their stories. Using a colorful palette to create evocative scenes and craft important narratives\, he suggests that the pursuit of freedom is an ongoing\, interconnected struggle\, with moments of both triumph and tragedy.”
URL:https://downtowndayton.org/event/fighters-for-freedom-william-h-johnson-picturing-justice-2/2026-08-01/
LOCATION:The Dayton Art Institute\, 456 Belmonte Park N\, Dayton\, OH\, 45405\, United States
CATEGORIES:Art in the City 2026
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://downtowndayton.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/picturingjustice.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260801
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260802
DTSTAMP:20260603T141216
CREATED:20260603T135727Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T135727Z
UID:10059250-1785542400-1785628799@downtowndayton.org
SUMMARY:Captivating Clay: Contemporary Japanese Ceramics from the Horvitz Collection
DESCRIPTION:April 13\, 2024–January 3\, 2027\, Gallery 106 \nToday\, Japanese ceramic artists are building on centuries of tradition and taking the art in dynamic and new directions. They are exploring the potential of clay to create both functional and abstract sculptural forms with an incredible range of surface textures and decoration. The aesthetic sensibilities are varied\, from rough and imperfect to detailed and refined\, but all show a mastery of the craft. \nDrawn from the renowned collection of Carol and Jeffrey Horvitz—including recent gifts from them to the museum—this exhibition presents more than thirty artworks spanning eight decades. Traditionally a craft restricted to men\, in recent years women have become some of the leading voices in the field and several examples are included. \nArtists range from innovative pioneers in the twentieth century\, several designated as Living National Treasures in Japan\, to emerging\, younger artists. Interspersed are examples from the DAI’s collection of historic Japanese ceramics. Across 2\,000 years\, these speak to the long history of the art in the island nation and their continued inspiration for artists today.
URL:https://downtowndayton.org/event/captivating-clay-contemporary-japanese-ceramics-from-the-horvitz-collection/2026-08-01/
LOCATION:The Dayton Art Institute\, 456 Belmonte Park N\, Dayton\, OH\, 45405\, United States
CATEGORIES:Art in the City 2026
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://downtowndayton.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/captivating.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260801
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260802
DTSTAMP:20260603T141216
CREATED:20260603T135940Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T135940Z
UID:10059272-1785542400-1785628799@downtowndayton.org
SUMMARY:Exploring Feminism
DESCRIPTION:February 7\, 2026–January 31\, 2027\, Gallery 118 \nFeminism feels like a loaded term that\, when presented to people\, often triggers a gut reaction that it is positive or negative. But what actually is feminism? Presenting feminist artwork from the newly acquired Sara M. and Michelle Vance Waddell Collection\, this three-part\, rotating exhibition will demystify the origins\, history and commitments of the feminist movement. \nOften discussed in terms of waves\, feminism has signified struggles for a range of causes at varying moments in time. Through Exploring Feminism\, guests may become better acquainted with cycles of protest\, self-expression and community-building for a movement that has continued to change and adapt to include more and different constituents within its umbrella of “feminists.” \nNo bras will be burned (and\, in fact\, never were) for this new exhibition featuring regional\, national and international artists working in all manner of media.
URL:https://downtowndayton.org/event/exploring-feminism/2026-08-01/
LOCATION:The Dayton Art Institute\, 456 Belmonte Park N\, Dayton\, OH\, 45405\, United States
CATEGORIES:Art in the City 2026
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://downtowndayton.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/exfem.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260801
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260802
DTSTAMP:20260603T141216
CREATED:20260603T140236Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T140236Z
UID:10059294-1785542400-1785628799@downtowndayton.org
SUMMARY:All the World’s a Stage
DESCRIPTION:May 16–August 9\, 2026\, Gallery 117   \nAcross cultures\, the performing arts—drama\, dance\, music—have entertained and educated\, bringing people together in communal spaces to celebrate and question what it means to be human. Along the way\, visual arts have depicted performers and performances\, commemorating and giving semi-permanent form to temporal acts\, from records of sacred rituals to portraits of leading actors. \nAt the same time\, performance extends beyond the stage to the world\, becoming a metaphor for our lives and how we interact with others. As we form our individual identities\, we play a variety of roles in a range of social settings at different points in life\, all while we serve as the audience of others. Drawing together a range of artworks from the DAI collection\, this exhibition shines a spotlight on performers across the ages and how they\, in turn\, may shape the ways we act.
URL:https://downtowndayton.org/event/all-the-worlds-a-stage/2026-08-01/
LOCATION:The Dayton Art Institute\, 456 Belmonte Park N\, Dayton\, OH\, 45405\, United States
CATEGORIES:Art in the City 2026
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://downtowndayton.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/stage.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260801
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260802
DTSTAMP:20260603T141216
CREATED:20260603T141236Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T141236Z
UID:10059339-1785542400-1785628799@downtowndayton.org
SUMMARY:Niki Johnson: Pillars of Democracy
DESCRIPTION:The Contemporary Dayton is proud to present Niki Johnson: Pillars of Democracy\, a series of four large-scale collaged portraits envisioning Liberty\, Justice\, Freedom\, and Forward as first-time voters from Milwaukee. Set across Wisconsin landscapes at dawn\, midday\, dusk\, and night\, the works reflect how democratic values are lived\, protected\, and renewed at the local level. \nConstructed from discarded stencil paper and leftover spray paint collected during the 2020 installation of Shepard Fairey’s Voting Rights Are Human Rights mural\, the series bridges more than a century of voting rights activism through both material and design. Inspired in part by Bertha Boyd’s 1911 suffrage poster Votes for Women\, the works foreground the central role of women in democracy\, from early suffragists to first-time voters today\, uniting generations through civic participation and creative resistance. \nBuilt collaboratively over ten months with the support of Milwaukee artists and community volunteers\, Pillars of Democracy reminds us that democracy is not abstract\, but rather something we actively build\, sustain\, and strengthen through everyday acts of participation\, dialogue\, and collective care. \nPresented during The Contemporary Dayton’s 35th anniversary season\, the exhibition reflects our ongoing commitment to freedom of expression and to creating space for artistic inquiry\, civic engagement\, and public dialogue. \nJohnson is a Milwaukee-based artist\, curator\, and Executive Director of the Forward Art Initiative. She earned her BFA from the University of Memphis and her MA/MFA in Studio Art from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Her work is included in the collection of the Dayton Art Institute and has been reviewed in publications including The New York Times\, The Guardian\, Hyperallergic\, and Vice Magazine. \n\n\n\n\n\n\nOPENING NIGHT / Wednesday\, July 1\nMember & Sponsor Preview: 5-6 pm \nPublic Reception: 6-8 pm \nArtist Talk: 6:30 pm
URL:https://downtowndayton.org/event/niki-johnson-pillars-of-democracy-2/2026-08-01/
LOCATION:The Contemporary Dayton\, 25 W. Fourth St.\, Dayton\, OH\, 45402\, United States
CATEGORIES:Art in the City 2026
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://downtowndayton.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/johnson.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260801T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260801T160000
DTSTAMP:20260603T141216
CREATED:20260603T141531Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T141531Z
UID:10059346-1785592800-1785600000@downtowndayton.org
SUMMARY:Community Workshop with Niki Johnson
DESCRIPTION:A community-building workshop where participants use paper and other materials to create collage elements for a forthcoming public artwork. \n\n\n\n\nArt in the City Event \nA community-building workshop where participants use paper and other materials to create collage elements for a forthcoming public artwork by Niki Johnson. The workshop emphasizes that democracy is not abstract—it is built\, sustained\, and strengthened by each of us\, right where we live. \nLed by Niki Johnson. \nFREE and open to all. \nhttps://www.eventbrite.com/e/community-workshop-with-niki-johnson-tickets-1986130948131?aff=oddtdtcreator
URL:https://downtowndayton.org/event/community-workshop-with-niki-johnson/
LOCATION:The Contemporary Dayton\, 25 W. Fourth St.\, Dayton\, OH\, 45402\, United States
CATEGORIES:Art in the City 2026
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://downtowndayton.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/njohnson.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260801T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260801T173000
DTSTAMP:20260603T141216
CREATED:20260603T143255Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T143255Z
UID:10059356-1785605400-1785605400@downtowndayton.org
SUMMARY:Rock Fest w/ Big Sandy & His Fly-Rite Boys
DESCRIPTION:August 1 @ 5:30 PM\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFree Admission\n\n\n/\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSeries:\n\n\n\n\nAmplified Series sponsored by City of Dayton \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGenre:\n\n\n\n\nRock \n\n\n\n\n\n\nJoin us this year as we celebrate Rock Fest\, part of the Amplified Series sponsored by the City of Dayton. \nRock Amplified Lineup: \n\n5:30 p.m. The Boxcar Suite\n6:45 p.m. Spoils\n8 p.m. Big Sandy & His Fly-Rite Boys\n\nBig Sandy & His Fly-Rite Boys – Since forming in 1988 in Southern California\, Big Sandy and His Fly-Rite Boys have become one of the world’s most beloved Americana/Roots acts\, drawing from the deep musical waters that flow just beneath the surface of Rock & Roll’s fertile soil. A childhood passion for Country\, Doo-Wop\, and Rhythm & Blues 45s led Sandy (born Robert Williams) to pursue a singing career as a teenager\, beginning a life in music that continues decades later. And as his personal record collection continues to grow (75\,000 and counting)\, so does the depth of the musical influences that stream through his songwriting and singing style. A critically acclaimed tribute to Tex-Mex hero Freddy Fender\, released at the beginning of the 2020 lockdown\, points the way forward for Big Sandy and his Fly-Rite Boys as they continue on a path of musical growth. After nearly 35 years on the road\, and more than two dozen releases to their credit\, they remain key figures on the ever-changing Americana circuit\, both on record and in live appearances. \nSpoils – Spoils is a Cincinnati-based indie rock band with a sound that feels raw\, melodic\, and full of movement. Their music blends guitar-driven energy with emotional vocals and a DIY spirit\, creating songs that feel both personal and alive. \nRooted in the independent music scene\, Spoils brings an honest\, no-frills approach to their sound. Their live set invites listeners into something immediate and real\, with the kind of energy that fits perfectly on a summer night of free music in downtown Dayton. \nBring a chair or blanket\, find your spot on the lawn\, and get ready to discover a Cincinnati band bringing fresh indie rock energy to the Levitt stage. \nThe Boxcar Suite – The Boxcar Suite is a Cincinnati-based indie rock project known for melodic guitar work and introspective songwriting. Their music leans atmospheric and reflective\, pairing layered instrumentation with a steady\, understated energy. \nWith a DIY approach and a focus on mood and tone\, The Boxcar Suite creates songs that invite you to listen in and connect—perfect for discovering something new together on a summer night.
URL:https://downtowndayton.org/event/rock-fest-w-big-sandy-his-fly-rite-boys/
LOCATION:Levitt Pavilion Dayton\, 134 S. Main St.\, Dayton\, OH\, 45402
CATEGORIES:Art in the City 2026
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://downtowndayton.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/rockfest.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260802
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260803
DTSTAMP:20260603T141216
CREATED:20260603T135057Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T135241Z
UID:10058683-1785628800-1785715199@downtowndayton.org
SUMMARY:Fighters for Freedom: William H. Johnson Picturing Justice
DESCRIPTION:June 27–September 13\, 2026\, Gallery 120 \nWilliam H. Johnson (1901–1970) painted the Fighters for Freedom series in the mid-1940s as tribute to African American activists\, scientists\, teachers and performers as well as international leaders working to bring peace to the world. It was his last body of work. This landmark exhibition brings together—for the first time since 1946—34 paintings featured in the series\, drawn from the collection of the Smithsonian American Art Museum (SAAM). This nationally traveling exhibition is accompanied by a scholarly\, full-color exhibition catalog. \nOf the series\, SAAM states: “The exhibition illuminates the extraordinary life and contributions of Johnson\, an artist associated with the Harlem Renaissance but whose practice spanned several continents\, as well as the contributions of historical figures he depicted. Some of his Fighters—Marian Anderson\, George Washington Carver\, Mohandas Gandhi\, and Harriet Tubman—are familiar figures; others—Nannie Helen Burroughs and William Grant Still\, among them—are less well-known individuals whose achievements have been eclipsed over time. Johnson celebrates their accomplishments even as he acknowledges the realities of racism\, oppression and sometimes violence they faced and overcame. Johnson clues viewers to significant episodes in the Fighters lives by punctuating each portrait with tiny buildings\, flags and vignettes that give insight into their stories. Using a colorful palette to create evocative scenes and craft important narratives\, he suggests that the pursuit of freedom is an ongoing\, interconnected struggle\, with moments of both triumph and tragedy.”
URL:https://downtowndayton.org/event/fighters-for-freedom-william-h-johnson-picturing-justice-2/2026-08-02/
LOCATION:The Dayton Art Institute\, 456 Belmonte Park N\, Dayton\, OH\, 45405\, United States
CATEGORIES:Art in the City 2026
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://downtowndayton.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/picturingjustice.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260802
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260803
DTSTAMP:20260603T141216
CREATED:20260603T135727Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T135727Z
UID:10059251-1785628800-1785715199@downtowndayton.org
SUMMARY:Captivating Clay: Contemporary Japanese Ceramics from the Horvitz Collection
DESCRIPTION:April 13\, 2024–January 3\, 2027\, Gallery 106 \nToday\, Japanese ceramic artists are building on centuries of tradition and taking the art in dynamic and new directions. They are exploring the potential of clay to create both functional and abstract sculptural forms with an incredible range of surface textures and decoration. The aesthetic sensibilities are varied\, from rough and imperfect to detailed and refined\, but all show a mastery of the craft. \nDrawn from the renowned collection of Carol and Jeffrey Horvitz—including recent gifts from them to the museum—this exhibition presents more than thirty artworks spanning eight decades. Traditionally a craft restricted to men\, in recent years women have become some of the leading voices in the field and several examples are included. \nArtists range from innovative pioneers in the twentieth century\, several designated as Living National Treasures in Japan\, to emerging\, younger artists. Interspersed are examples from the DAI’s collection of historic Japanese ceramics. Across 2\,000 years\, these speak to the long history of the art in the island nation and their continued inspiration for artists today.
URL:https://downtowndayton.org/event/captivating-clay-contemporary-japanese-ceramics-from-the-horvitz-collection/2026-08-02/
LOCATION:The Dayton Art Institute\, 456 Belmonte Park N\, Dayton\, OH\, 45405\, United States
CATEGORIES:Art in the City 2026
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://downtowndayton.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/captivating.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260802
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260803
DTSTAMP:20260603T141216
CREATED:20260603T135940Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T135940Z
UID:10059273-1785628800-1785715199@downtowndayton.org
SUMMARY:Exploring Feminism
DESCRIPTION:February 7\, 2026–January 31\, 2027\, Gallery 118 \nFeminism feels like a loaded term that\, when presented to people\, often triggers a gut reaction that it is positive or negative. But what actually is feminism? Presenting feminist artwork from the newly acquired Sara M. and Michelle Vance Waddell Collection\, this three-part\, rotating exhibition will demystify the origins\, history and commitments of the feminist movement. \nOften discussed in terms of waves\, feminism has signified struggles for a range of causes at varying moments in time. Through Exploring Feminism\, guests may become better acquainted with cycles of protest\, self-expression and community-building for a movement that has continued to change and adapt to include more and different constituents within its umbrella of “feminists.” \nNo bras will be burned (and\, in fact\, never were) for this new exhibition featuring regional\, national and international artists working in all manner of media.
URL:https://downtowndayton.org/event/exploring-feminism/2026-08-02/
LOCATION:The Dayton Art Institute\, 456 Belmonte Park N\, Dayton\, OH\, 45405\, United States
CATEGORIES:Art in the City 2026
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://downtowndayton.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/exfem.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260802
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260803
DTSTAMP:20260603T141216
CREATED:20260603T140236Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T140236Z
UID:10059295-1785628800-1785715199@downtowndayton.org
SUMMARY:All the World’s a Stage
DESCRIPTION:May 16–August 9\, 2026\, Gallery 117   \nAcross cultures\, the performing arts—drama\, dance\, music—have entertained and educated\, bringing people together in communal spaces to celebrate and question what it means to be human. Along the way\, visual arts have depicted performers and performances\, commemorating and giving semi-permanent form to temporal acts\, from records of sacred rituals to portraits of leading actors. \nAt the same time\, performance extends beyond the stage to the world\, becoming a metaphor for our lives and how we interact with others. As we form our individual identities\, we play a variety of roles in a range of social settings at different points in life\, all while we serve as the audience of others. Drawing together a range of artworks from the DAI collection\, this exhibition shines a spotlight on performers across the ages and how they\, in turn\, may shape the ways we act.
URL:https://downtowndayton.org/event/all-the-worlds-a-stage/2026-08-02/
LOCATION:The Dayton Art Institute\, 456 Belmonte Park N\, Dayton\, OH\, 45405\, United States
CATEGORIES:Art in the City 2026
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://downtowndayton.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/stage.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260803T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260803T180000
DTSTAMP:20260603T141216
CREATED:20260603T132002Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T132012Z
UID:10056649-1785769200-1785780000@downtowndayton.org
SUMMARY:Artist in Training (AIT) Program
DESCRIPTION:After school Artist in Training program geared for grades 3rd-12th grades. Classes are Monday-Wednesdays from 3:00pm-6:00pm. Open Studio time to explore different types of mediums such as Drawing\, Painting\, Clay\, Digital Art.  20.00 per session for Members/40.00 per session for Non-Members.
URL:https://downtowndayton.org/event/artist-in-training-ait-program-2/2026-08-03/
LOCATION:K12 Gallery & TEJAS\, 341 S. Jefferson St.\, Dayton\, OH\, 45402
CATEGORIES:Art in the City 2026
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://downtowndayton.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/k12tejas-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260804T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260804T180000
DTSTAMP:20260603T141216
CREATED:20260603T132002Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T132012Z
UID:10056675-1785855600-1785866400@downtowndayton.org
SUMMARY:Artist in Training (AIT) Program
DESCRIPTION:After school Artist in Training program geared for grades 3rd-12th grades. Classes are Monday-Wednesdays from 3:00pm-6:00pm. Open Studio time to explore different types of mediums such as Drawing\, Painting\, Clay\, Digital Art.  20.00 per session for Members/40.00 per session for Non-Members.
URL:https://downtowndayton.org/event/artist-in-training-ait-program-2/2026-08-04/
LOCATION:K12 Gallery & TEJAS\, 341 S. Jefferson St.\, Dayton\, OH\, 45402
CATEGORIES:Art in the City 2026
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://downtowndayton.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/k12tejas-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260805
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260806
DTSTAMP:20260603T141216
CREATED:20260603T125731Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T130344Z
UID:10056476-1785888000-1785974399@downtowndayton.org
SUMMARY:Threads of History: Quilts by Carolyn Mazloomi
DESCRIPTION:June 12-September 12\, 2026 \nThreads of History: Quilts by Carolyn Mazloomi is a landmark solo exhibition by award-winning artist\, historian\, and curator Dr. Carolyn Mazloomi. Now an octogenarian\, Mazloomi remains one of the most visionary leaders in contemporary quilting\, widely recognized for her lifelong efforts to elevate African American quilt traditions. Her striking black-and-white quilts memorialize the lives and legacies of African American freedom fighters\, capturing resilience\, resistance\, and remembrance through bold imagery and layered narrative. Originally trained as an aerospace engineer\, Mazloomi shifted her focus in the 1980s to advocate for African American quilt artists whose contributions had long been marginalized. Through her scholarship\, mentorship\, and the founding of the Women of Color Quilters Network\, she has transformed the cultural landscape\, bringing international recognition to quilting as both fine art and historical record. Her extraordinary impact has been recognized with numerous honors\, including the Bess Lomax Hawes NEA National Heritage Fellowship\, a United States Artists Fellowship\, and an American Craft Council Honorary Fellowship. Her work is held in major collections\, including the Smithsonian Institution and the American Folk Art Museum. Opening Reception: June 12\, 2026\, 6-8 p.m.
URL:https://downtowndayton.org/event/threads-of-history-quilts-by-carolyn-mazloomi-2/2026-08-05/
LOCATION:The Contemporary Dayton\, 25 W. Fourth St.\, Dayton\, OH\, 45402\, United States
CATEGORIES:Art in the City 2026
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://downtowndayton.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/threads.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260805
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260806
DTSTAMP:20260603T141216
CREATED:20260603T135057Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T135241Z
UID:10058684-1785888000-1785974399@downtowndayton.org
SUMMARY:Fighters for Freedom: William H. Johnson Picturing Justice
DESCRIPTION:June 27–September 13\, 2026\, Gallery 120 \nWilliam H. Johnson (1901–1970) painted the Fighters for Freedom series in the mid-1940s as tribute to African American activists\, scientists\, teachers and performers as well as international leaders working to bring peace to the world. It was his last body of work. This landmark exhibition brings together—for the first time since 1946—34 paintings featured in the series\, drawn from the collection of the Smithsonian American Art Museum (SAAM). This nationally traveling exhibition is accompanied by a scholarly\, full-color exhibition catalog. \nOf the series\, SAAM states: “The exhibition illuminates the extraordinary life and contributions of Johnson\, an artist associated with the Harlem Renaissance but whose practice spanned several continents\, as well as the contributions of historical figures he depicted. Some of his Fighters—Marian Anderson\, George Washington Carver\, Mohandas Gandhi\, and Harriet Tubman—are familiar figures; others—Nannie Helen Burroughs and William Grant Still\, among them—are less well-known individuals whose achievements have been eclipsed over time. Johnson celebrates their accomplishments even as he acknowledges the realities of racism\, oppression and sometimes violence they faced and overcame. Johnson clues viewers to significant episodes in the Fighters lives by punctuating each portrait with tiny buildings\, flags and vignettes that give insight into their stories. Using a colorful palette to create evocative scenes and craft important narratives\, he suggests that the pursuit of freedom is an ongoing\, interconnected struggle\, with moments of both triumph and tragedy.”
URL:https://downtowndayton.org/event/fighters-for-freedom-william-h-johnson-picturing-justice-2/2026-08-05/
LOCATION:The Dayton Art Institute\, 456 Belmonte Park N\, Dayton\, OH\, 45405\, United States
CATEGORIES:Art in the City 2026
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://downtowndayton.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/picturingjustice.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260805
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260806
DTSTAMP:20260603T141216
CREATED:20260603T135727Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T135727Z
UID:10059252-1785888000-1785974399@downtowndayton.org
SUMMARY:Captivating Clay: Contemporary Japanese Ceramics from the Horvitz Collection
DESCRIPTION:April 13\, 2024–January 3\, 2027\, Gallery 106 \nToday\, Japanese ceramic artists are building on centuries of tradition and taking the art in dynamic and new directions. They are exploring the potential of clay to create both functional and abstract sculptural forms with an incredible range of surface textures and decoration. The aesthetic sensibilities are varied\, from rough and imperfect to detailed and refined\, but all show a mastery of the craft. \nDrawn from the renowned collection of Carol and Jeffrey Horvitz—including recent gifts from them to the museum—this exhibition presents more than thirty artworks spanning eight decades. Traditionally a craft restricted to men\, in recent years women have become some of the leading voices in the field and several examples are included. \nArtists range from innovative pioneers in the twentieth century\, several designated as Living National Treasures in Japan\, to emerging\, younger artists. Interspersed are examples from the DAI’s collection of historic Japanese ceramics. Across 2\,000 years\, these speak to the long history of the art in the island nation and their continued inspiration for artists today.
URL:https://downtowndayton.org/event/captivating-clay-contemporary-japanese-ceramics-from-the-horvitz-collection/2026-08-05/
LOCATION:The Dayton Art Institute\, 456 Belmonte Park N\, Dayton\, OH\, 45405\, United States
CATEGORIES:Art in the City 2026
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://downtowndayton.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/captivating.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260805
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260806
DTSTAMP:20260603T141216
CREATED:20260603T135940Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T135940Z
UID:10059274-1785888000-1785974399@downtowndayton.org
SUMMARY:Exploring Feminism
DESCRIPTION:February 7\, 2026–January 31\, 2027\, Gallery 118 \nFeminism feels like a loaded term that\, when presented to people\, often triggers a gut reaction that it is positive or negative. But what actually is feminism? Presenting feminist artwork from the newly acquired Sara M. and Michelle Vance Waddell Collection\, this three-part\, rotating exhibition will demystify the origins\, history and commitments of the feminist movement. \nOften discussed in terms of waves\, feminism has signified struggles for a range of causes at varying moments in time. Through Exploring Feminism\, guests may become better acquainted with cycles of protest\, self-expression and community-building for a movement that has continued to change and adapt to include more and different constituents within its umbrella of “feminists.” \nNo bras will be burned (and\, in fact\, never were) for this new exhibition featuring regional\, national and international artists working in all manner of media.
URL:https://downtowndayton.org/event/exploring-feminism/2026-08-05/
LOCATION:The Dayton Art Institute\, 456 Belmonte Park N\, Dayton\, OH\, 45405\, United States
CATEGORIES:Art in the City 2026
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://downtowndayton.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/exfem.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260805
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260806
DTSTAMP:20260603T141216
CREATED:20260603T140236Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T140236Z
UID:10059296-1785888000-1785974399@downtowndayton.org
SUMMARY:All the World’s a Stage
DESCRIPTION:May 16–August 9\, 2026\, Gallery 117   \nAcross cultures\, the performing arts—drama\, dance\, music—have entertained and educated\, bringing people together in communal spaces to celebrate and question what it means to be human. Along the way\, visual arts have depicted performers and performances\, commemorating and giving semi-permanent form to temporal acts\, from records of sacred rituals to portraits of leading actors. \nAt the same time\, performance extends beyond the stage to the world\, becoming a metaphor for our lives and how we interact with others. As we form our individual identities\, we play a variety of roles in a range of social settings at different points in life\, all while we serve as the audience of others. Drawing together a range of artworks from the DAI collection\, this exhibition shines a spotlight on performers across the ages and how they\, in turn\, may shape the ways we act.
URL:https://downtowndayton.org/event/all-the-worlds-a-stage/2026-08-05/
LOCATION:The Dayton Art Institute\, 456 Belmonte Park N\, Dayton\, OH\, 45405\, United States
CATEGORIES:Art in the City 2026
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://downtowndayton.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/stage.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260806
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260807
DTSTAMP:20260603T141216
CREATED:20260603T125731Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T130344Z
UID:10056477-1785974400-1786060799@downtowndayton.org
SUMMARY:Threads of History: Quilts by Carolyn Mazloomi
DESCRIPTION:June 12-September 12\, 2026 \nThreads of History: Quilts by Carolyn Mazloomi is a landmark solo exhibition by award-winning artist\, historian\, and curator Dr. Carolyn Mazloomi. Now an octogenarian\, Mazloomi remains one of the most visionary leaders in contemporary quilting\, widely recognized for her lifelong efforts to elevate African American quilt traditions. Her striking black-and-white quilts memorialize the lives and legacies of African American freedom fighters\, capturing resilience\, resistance\, and remembrance through bold imagery and layered narrative. Originally trained as an aerospace engineer\, Mazloomi shifted her focus in the 1980s to advocate for African American quilt artists whose contributions had long been marginalized. Through her scholarship\, mentorship\, and the founding of the Women of Color Quilters Network\, she has transformed the cultural landscape\, bringing international recognition to quilting as both fine art and historical record. Her extraordinary impact has been recognized with numerous honors\, including the Bess Lomax Hawes NEA National Heritage Fellowship\, a United States Artists Fellowship\, and an American Craft Council Honorary Fellowship. Her work is held in major collections\, including the Smithsonian Institution and the American Folk Art Museum. Opening Reception: June 12\, 2026\, 6-8 p.m.
URL:https://downtowndayton.org/event/threads-of-history-quilts-by-carolyn-mazloomi-2/2026-08-06/
LOCATION:The Contemporary Dayton\, 25 W. Fourth St.\, Dayton\, OH\, 45402\, United States
CATEGORIES:Art in the City 2026
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://downtowndayton.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/threads.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260806
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260807
DTSTAMP:20260603T141217
CREATED:20260603T135057Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T135241Z
UID:10058685-1785974400-1786060799@downtowndayton.org
SUMMARY:Fighters for Freedom: William H. Johnson Picturing Justice
DESCRIPTION:June 27–September 13\, 2026\, Gallery 120 \nWilliam H. Johnson (1901–1970) painted the Fighters for Freedom series in the mid-1940s as tribute to African American activists\, scientists\, teachers and performers as well as international leaders working to bring peace to the world. It was his last body of work. This landmark exhibition brings together—for the first time since 1946—34 paintings featured in the series\, drawn from the collection of the Smithsonian American Art Museum (SAAM). This nationally traveling exhibition is accompanied by a scholarly\, full-color exhibition catalog. \nOf the series\, SAAM states: “The exhibition illuminates the extraordinary life and contributions of Johnson\, an artist associated with the Harlem Renaissance but whose practice spanned several continents\, as well as the contributions of historical figures he depicted. Some of his Fighters—Marian Anderson\, George Washington Carver\, Mohandas Gandhi\, and Harriet Tubman—are familiar figures; others—Nannie Helen Burroughs and William Grant Still\, among them—are less well-known individuals whose achievements have been eclipsed over time. Johnson celebrates their accomplishments even as he acknowledges the realities of racism\, oppression and sometimes violence they faced and overcame. Johnson clues viewers to significant episodes in the Fighters lives by punctuating each portrait with tiny buildings\, flags and vignettes that give insight into their stories. Using a colorful palette to create evocative scenes and craft important narratives\, he suggests that the pursuit of freedom is an ongoing\, interconnected struggle\, with moments of both triumph and tragedy.”
URL:https://downtowndayton.org/event/fighters-for-freedom-william-h-johnson-picturing-justice-2/2026-08-06/
LOCATION:The Dayton Art Institute\, 456 Belmonte Park N\, Dayton\, OH\, 45405\, United States
CATEGORIES:Art in the City 2026
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://downtowndayton.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/picturingjustice.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260806
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260807
DTSTAMP:20260603T141217
CREATED:20260603T135727Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T135727Z
UID:10059253-1785974400-1786060799@downtowndayton.org
SUMMARY:Captivating Clay: Contemporary Japanese Ceramics from the Horvitz Collection
DESCRIPTION:April 13\, 2024–January 3\, 2027\, Gallery 106 \nToday\, Japanese ceramic artists are building on centuries of tradition and taking the art in dynamic and new directions. They are exploring the potential of clay to create both functional and abstract sculptural forms with an incredible range of surface textures and decoration. The aesthetic sensibilities are varied\, from rough and imperfect to detailed and refined\, but all show a mastery of the craft. \nDrawn from the renowned collection of Carol and Jeffrey Horvitz—including recent gifts from them to the museum—this exhibition presents more than thirty artworks spanning eight decades. Traditionally a craft restricted to men\, in recent years women have become some of the leading voices in the field and several examples are included. \nArtists range from innovative pioneers in the twentieth century\, several designated as Living National Treasures in Japan\, to emerging\, younger artists. Interspersed are examples from the DAI’s collection of historic Japanese ceramics. Across 2\,000 years\, these speak to the long history of the art in the island nation and their continued inspiration for artists today.
URL:https://downtowndayton.org/event/captivating-clay-contemporary-japanese-ceramics-from-the-horvitz-collection/2026-08-06/
LOCATION:The Dayton Art Institute\, 456 Belmonte Park N\, Dayton\, OH\, 45405\, United States
CATEGORIES:Art in the City 2026
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://downtowndayton.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/captivating.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260806
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260807
DTSTAMP:20260603T141217
CREATED:20260603T135940Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T135940Z
UID:10059275-1785974400-1786060799@downtowndayton.org
SUMMARY:Exploring Feminism
DESCRIPTION:February 7\, 2026–January 31\, 2027\, Gallery 118 \nFeminism feels like a loaded term that\, when presented to people\, often triggers a gut reaction that it is positive or negative. But what actually is feminism? Presenting feminist artwork from the newly acquired Sara M. and Michelle Vance Waddell Collection\, this three-part\, rotating exhibition will demystify the origins\, history and commitments of the feminist movement. \nOften discussed in terms of waves\, feminism has signified struggles for a range of causes at varying moments in time. Through Exploring Feminism\, guests may become better acquainted with cycles of protest\, self-expression and community-building for a movement that has continued to change and adapt to include more and different constituents within its umbrella of “feminists.” \nNo bras will be burned (and\, in fact\, never were) for this new exhibition featuring regional\, national and international artists working in all manner of media.
URL:https://downtowndayton.org/event/exploring-feminism/2026-08-06/
LOCATION:The Dayton Art Institute\, 456 Belmonte Park N\, Dayton\, OH\, 45405\, United States
CATEGORIES:Art in the City 2026
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://downtowndayton.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/exfem.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260806
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260807
DTSTAMP:20260603T141217
CREATED:20260603T140236Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T140236Z
UID:10059297-1785974400-1786060799@downtowndayton.org
SUMMARY:All the World’s a Stage
DESCRIPTION:May 16–August 9\, 2026\, Gallery 117   \nAcross cultures\, the performing arts—drama\, dance\, music—have entertained and educated\, bringing people together in communal spaces to celebrate and question what it means to be human. Along the way\, visual arts have depicted performers and performances\, commemorating and giving semi-permanent form to temporal acts\, from records of sacred rituals to portraits of leading actors. \nAt the same time\, performance extends beyond the stage to the world\, becoming a metaphor for our lives and how we interact with others. As we form our individual identities\, we play a variety of roles in a range of social settings at different points in life\, all while we serve as the audience of others. Drawing together a range of artworks from the DAI collection\, this exhibition shines a spotlight on performers across the ages and how they\, in turn\, may shape the ways we act.
URL:https://downtowndayton.org/event/all-the-worlds-a-stage/2026-08-06/
LOCATION:The Dayton Art Institute\, 456 Belmonte Park N\, Dayton\, OH\, 45405\, United States
CATEGORIES:Art in the City 2026
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://downtowndayton.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/stage.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260806
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260807
DTSTAMP:20260603T141217
CREATED:20260603T141236Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T141236Z
UID:10059340-1785974400-1786060799@downtowndayton.org
SUMMARY:Niki Johnson: Pillars of Democracy
DESCRIPTION:The Contemporary Dayton is proud to present Niki Johnson: Pillars of Democracy\, a series of four large-scale collaged portraits envisioning Liberty\, Justice\, Freedom\, and Forward as first-time voters from Milwaukee. Set across Wisconsin landscapes at dawn\, midday\, dusk\, and night\, the works reflect how democratic values are lived\, protected\, and renewed at the local level. \nConstructed from discarded stencil paper and leftover spray paint collected during the 2020 installation of Shepard Fairey’s Voting Rights Are Human Rights mural\, the series bridges more than a century of voting rights activism through both material and design. Inspired in part by Bertha Boyd’s 1911 suffrage poster Votes for Women\, the works foreground the central role of women in democracy\, from early suffragists to first-time voters today\, uniting generations through civic participation and creative resistance. \nBuilt collaboratively over ten months with the support of Milwaukee artists and community volunteers\, Pillars of Democracy reminds us that democracy is not abstract\, but rather something we actively build\, sustain\, and strengthen through everyday acts of participation\, dialogue\, and collective care. \nPresented during The Contemporary Dayton’s 35th anniversary season\, the exhibition reflects our ongoing commitment to freedom of expression and to creating space for artistic inquiry\, civic engagement\, and public dialogue. \nJohnson is a Milwaukee-based artist\, curator\, and Executive Director of the Forward Art Initiative. She earned her BFA from the University of Memphis and her MA/MFA in Studio Art from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Her work is included in the collection of the Dayton Art Institute and has been reviewed in publications including The New York Times\, The Guardian\, Hyperallergic\, and Vice Magazine. \n\n\n\n\n\n\nOPENING NIGHT / Wednesday\, July 1\nMember & Sponsor Preview: 5-6 pm \nPublic Reception: 6-8 pm \nArtist Talk: 6:30 pm
URL:https://downtowndayton.org/event/niki-johnson-pillars-of-democracy-2/2026-08-06/
LOCATION:The Contemporary Dayton\, 25 W. Fourth St.\, Dayton\, OH\, 45402\, United States
CATEGORIES:Art in the City 2026
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://downtowndayton.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/johnson.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260806T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260806T200000
DTSTAMP:20260603T141217
CREATED:20260603T132650Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T132650Z
UID:10058328-1786035600-1786046400@downtowndayton.org
SUMMARY:Collage Night
DESCRIPTION:Come get creative in a relaxed\, welcome space–no experience necessary! We’ll provide materials\, or feel free to bring your own. Whether you’re an experienced artist or just looking to unwind and try something new\, this night is all about making\, experimenting\, and connecting with others through art. Free .
URL:https://downtowndayton.org/event/collage-night-2/2026-08-06/
LOCATION:The Contemporary Dayton\, 25 W. Fourth St.\, Dayton\, OH\, 45402\, United States
CATEGORIES:Art in the City 2026
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://downtowndayton.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/collage.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260806T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260806T190000
DTSTAMP:20260603T141217
CREATED:20260603T143454Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T143454Z
UID:10059357-1786042800-1786042800@downtowndayton.org
SUMMARY:Ron Artis II
DESCRIPTION:Ron Artis II\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAugust 6 @ 7:00 PM\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFree Admission\n\n\n/\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSeries:\n\n\n\n\nAES Rock/Pop Series \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGenre:\n\n\n\n\nRock/Blues/Soul/R&B \n\n\n\n\n\n\nHailing from Haleiwa\, HI.\nOne of thirteen children.\nThis award-winning artist brings a unique soulful-honest-songwriting style to the stage. Performing all original music and energizing audiences all across the globe.\nYou’ll be sure to leave the experience feeling loved\, electrified and pondering the lyrics. \nProjects Unlimited & Wyse Family Foundation Gem Series Opener: KELLEN WILLIAMS
URL:https://downtowndayton.org/event/ron-artis-ii/
LOCATION:Levitt Pavilion Dayton\, 134 S. Main St.\, Dayton\, OH\, 45402
CATEGORIES:Art in the City 2026
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://downtowndayton.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/ronartis.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260807
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260808
DTSTAMP:20260603T141217
CREATED:20260603T135057Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T135241Z
UID:10058686-1786060800-1786147199@downtowndayton.org
SUMMARY:Fighters for Freedom: William H. Johnson Picturing Justice
DESCRIPTION:June 27–September 13\, 2026\, Gallery 120 \nWilliam H. Johnson (1901–1970) painted the Fighters for Freedom series in the mid-1940s as tribute to African American activists\, scientists\, teachers and performers as well as international leaders working to bring peace to the world. It was his last body of work. This landmark exhibition brings together—for the first time since 1946—34 paintings featured in the series\, drawn from the collection of the Smithsonian American Art Museum (SAAM). This nationally traveling exhibition is accompanied by a scholarly\, full-color exhibition catalog. \nOf the series\, SAAM states: “The exhibition illuminates the extraordinary life and contributions of Johnson\, an artist associated with the Harlem Renaissance but whose practice spanned several continents\, as well as the contributions of historical figures he depicted. Some of his Fighters—Marian Anderson\, George Washington Carver\, Mohandas Gandhi\, and Harriet Tubman—are familiar figures; others—Nannie Helen Burroughs and William Grant Still\, among them—are less well-known individuals whose achievements have been eclipsed over time. Johnson celebrates their accomplishments even as he acknowledges the realities of racism\, oppression and sometimes violence they faced and overcame. Johnson clues viewers to significant episodes in the Fighters lives by punctuating each portrait with tiny buildings\, flags and vignettes that give insight into their stories. Using a colorful palette to create evocative scenes and craft important narratives\, he suggests that the pursuit of freedom is an ongoing\, interconnected struggle\, with moments of both triumph and tragedy.”
URL:https://downtowndayton.org/event/fighters-for-freedom-william-h-johnson-picturing-justice-2/2026-08-07/
LOCATION:The Dayton Art Institute\, 456 Belmonte Park N\, Dayton\, OH\, 45405\, United States
CATEGORIES:Art in the City 2026
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://downtowndayton.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/picturingjustice.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260807
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260808
DTSTAMP:20260603T141217
CREATED:20260603T135727Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T135727Z
UID:10059254-1786060800-1786147199@downtowndayton.org
SUMMARY:Captivating Clay: Contemporary Japanese Ceramics from the Horvitz Collection
DESCRIPTION:April 13\, 2024–January 3\, 2027\, Gallery 106 \nToday\, Japanese ceramic artists are building on centuries of tradition and taking the art in dynamic and new directions. They are exploring the potential of clay to create both functional and abstract sculptural forms with an incredible range of surface textures and decoration. The aesthetic sensibilities are varied\, from rough and imperfect to detailed and refined\, but all show a mastery of the craft. \nDrawn from the renowned collection of Carol and Jeffrey Horvitz—including recent gifts from them to the museum—this exhibition presents more than thirty artworks spanning eight decades. Traditionally a craft restricted to men\, in recent years women have become some of the leading voices in the field and several examples are included. \nArtists range from innovative pioneers in the twentieth century\, several designated as Living National Treasures in Japan\, to emerging\, younger artists. Interspersed are examples from the DAI’s collection of historic Japanese ceramics. Across 2\,000 years\, these speak to the long history of the art in the island nation and their continued inspiration for artists today.
URL:https://downtowndayton.org/event/captivating-clay-contemporary-japanese-ceramics-from-the-horvitz-collection/2026-08-07/
LOCATION:The Dayton Art Institute\, 456 Belmonte Park N\, Dayton\, OH\, 45405\, United States
CATEGORIES:Art in the City 2026
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://downtowndayton.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/captivating.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260807
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260808
DTSTAMP:20260603T141217
CREATED:20260603T135940Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T135940Z
UID:10059276-1786060800-1786147199@downtowndayton.org
SUMMARY:Exploring Feminism
DESCRIPTION:February 7\, 2026–January 31\, 2027\, Gallery 118 \nFeminism feels like a loaded term that\, when presented to people\, often triggers a gut reaction that it is positive or negative. But what actually is feminism? Presenting feminist artwork from the newly acquired Sara M. and Michelle Vance Waddell Collection\, this three-part\, rotating exhibition will demystify the origins\, history and commitments of the feminist movement. \nOften discussed in terms of waves\, feminism has signified struggles for a range of causes at varying moments in time. Through Exploring Feminism\, guests may become better acquainted with cycles of protest\, self-expression and community-building for a movement that has continued to change and adapt to include more and different constituents within its umbrella of “feminists.” \nNo bras will be burned (and\, in fact\, never were) for this new exhibition featuring regional\, national and international artists working in all manner of media.
URL:https://downtowndayton.org/event/exploring-feminism/2026-08-07/
LOCATION:The Dayton Art Institute\, 456 Belmonte Park N\, Dayton\, OH\, 45405\, United States
CATEGORIES:Art in the City 2026
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://downtowndayton.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/exfem.jpg
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR