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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260821
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260822
DTSTAMP:20260603T174440
CREATED:20260603T135057Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T135241Z
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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-2/2026-08-21/
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
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260821
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260822
DTSTAMP:20260603T174440
CREATED:20260603T135727Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T135727Z
UID:10059264-1787270400-1787356799@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/2026-08-21/
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
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260821
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260822
DTSTAMP:20260603T174440
CREATED:20260603T135940Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T135940Z
UID:10059286-1787270400-1787356799@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/2026-08-21/
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;TZID=America/New_York:20260821T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260821T190000
DTSTAMP:20260603T174440
CREATED:20260603T144512Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T144512Z
UID:10059364-1787338800-1787338800@downtowndayton.org
SUMMARY:Bywater Call
DESCRIPTION:August 21 @ 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/Roots/Southern Soul \n\n\n\n\n\n\nOften transcending genres\, Bywater Call is known for their dynamic\, emotional live shows\, featuring powerful vocals and exciting interplay between all band members. A powerhouse seven-piece Southern soul\, roots rock outfit from Toronto\, Canada; the band is comprised of Meghan Parnell (vocals)\, Dave Barnes (guitar)\, Bruce McCarthy (drums)\, Mike Meusel (bass)\, newest member\, Andrew Moljgun (keys)\, Stephen Dyte (trumpet) and Julian Nalli (tenor sax).\nBywater Call is steadily building a reputation as one of best up-and-coming bands in the market today. Their live performances paired with an ever-growing catalog of recorded music\, is establishing their fanbase globally. With praises from other artists\, media\, and music fans alike\, Bywater Call is quickly becoming a fan favorite. \nRecently\, Bywater Call played their second Joe Bonamassa “Keeping the Blues Alive” (KTBA) cruise\, featuring headliners Big Head Todd and the Monsters and Larkin Poe. In 2025\, they played the Netherland’s BOSPOP festival alongside the likes of the Black Keys\, Warren Haynes Band\, Marcus King and Blackberry Smoke\, and others. \nBywater Call’s music is an exploration of life’s highs and lows. From intimate ballads that lay bare the complexities of human emotion to electrifying anthems that demand to be played at full volume\, their catalogue is a journey through human experience\, featuring influences from the likes of The Band\, The Wood Brothers\, Tedeschi Trucks Band\, Otis Redding\, Little Feat\, Sly and the Family Stone\, and many more.
URL:https://downtowndayton.org/event/bywater-call/
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/bywater.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260821T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260821T210000
DTSTAMP:20260603T174440
CREATED:20260603T191933Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T191933Z
UID:10059387-1787338800-1787346000@downtowndayton.org
SUMMARY:Summer Music Series: Kenny Chesney Tribute with The Poets & Pirates
DESCRIPTION:Join us under the pavilion as the RiverScape Summer Music Series features a Kenny Chesney Tribute with The Poets & Pirates! It’s time to grab your flip-flops\, because we’re welcoming the “No Shoes Nation” to RiverScape MetroPark. From the heart-pounding energy of a sold-out stadium to the laid-back storytelling of the Pirate-Poet himself\, this band delivers the authentic Kenny Chesney experience with hit after hit of incredible music that keeps the party going all night long.\nBring your lawn chairs and enjoy this FREE live concert\, while taking in a spectacular sunset over the Great Miami River. The RiverScape Café will be open selling food and drinks along with alcoholic beverages\, including beer\, wine\, and cocktails\, for those 21 and over. The Summer Music Series is presented by AES Ohio\, and supported by Jack W. & Sally D. Eichelberger Foundation and Enterprise Roofing.
URL:https://downtowndayton.org/event/summer-music-series-kenny-chesney-tribute-with-the-poets-pirates/
LOCATION:RiverScape MetroPark\, 237 E Monument Ave\, Dayton\, OH\, 45402\, United States
CATEGORIES:Art in the City 2026
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://downtowndayton.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/650905005_1341258788033761_1951645703948802320_n.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260821T200000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260821T200000
DTSTAMP:20260603T174440
CREATED:20260603T142135Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T142135Z
UID:10059347-1787342400-1787342400@downtowndayton.org
SUMMARY:Birthday Candles
DESCRIPTION:Birthday Candles\n\n\n\nby Noah Haidle\nErnestine Ashworth spends her 17th birthday agonizing over her insignificance in the universe. Soon enough\, it’s her 18th birthday. Even sooner\, her 41st. Her 70th. Her 101st. Five generations\, an infinity of dreams\, and one cake baked over a century. This sweet\, poignant\, and funny play takes you through the extraordinary moments that make up one woman’s ordinary life. \nBirthday Candles is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French\, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com
URL:https://downtowndayton.org/event/birthday-candles/2026-08-21/
LOCATION:Dayton Theatre Guild\, 430 Wayne Avenue\, Dayton\, OH\, 45410\, USA
CATEGORIES:Art in the City 2026
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://downtowndayton.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/bdaycandles.jpg
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