CURTIS MANN: Precious Blood
2024-11-23 11:00 - 18:00 (America/Detroit) | The Contemporary Dayton, 25 W. Fourth St., Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
CURTIS MANN: Precious Blood

THE DR. ROBERT L. BRANDT JR. FAMILY GALLERY
THE IRA & SUSAN THOMSEN FAMILY GALLERY

SEP 6 – DEC 21, 2024

Dayton native, Curtis Mann, returns home to present an experimental new body of work inspired by reflections on his childhood attending Parochial schools, his mother’s Catholic funeral services this past May, and the challenges he faced hiding and then embracing his atheism. Using a mixture of personal family photographs, found, and AI-generated images, Mann has cut and affixed them to shards of glass to create sculptural collages. The work presents us with questions about what a photograph is, about the precarious space between the image and the object, and about the larger ideas of absolute faith, its teachings, and leaders. The work also serves as a love letter to his mother and his own feelings of mortality. Curated by Jeffrey Cortland Jones.
Mann is a graduate of the University of Dayton, where he worked under the mentorship of Sean Wilkinson, whose work is on view in the companion exhibition, Flora, also on view. His work has been exhibited widely, most notably at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York; the Centre Georges Pompidou, Paris, France; the Whitney Museum of American Art, New York; and the Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago.

OPENING NIGHT / SEP 6

Members Preview with the Artist 5-6 pm / Public Reception 6-8 pm

ARTIST TALK / NOV 22 / 6:30 pm

Curtis Mann and Sean Wilkinson in Conversation with artist and writer, Carmen Winant
Doors open 6 pm / Reception immediately following ‘til 8 pm / FREE & open to all / The Tank at The Dayton Arcade

SEAN WILKINSON: Flora
2024-11-23 11:00 - 18:00 | The Contemporary Dayton, 25 W. Fourth St., Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
SEAN WILKINSON: Flora

THE MITOSIS GALLERY

SEP 6 – DEC 21, 2024

Wilkinson’s ongoing series of photographs, Flora (2020-2024) are the artist’s response to the exuberant vitality of plants, their thrusting and thriving, their boundless energy and raw power, their elegance and grace, their constant changing, and their utter disregard for anything to do with the human world. Photographed over many seasons at Dayton’s Five Rivers MetroParks, Wilkinson brings attention to change, the overlooked, the undisturbed, and how profoundly meditative life can be. Curated by Jeffrey Cortland Jones.
Wilkinson is a Distinguished Service Professor and Professor Emeritus at the University of Dayton, where he served as chair of the Department of Visual Arts and as the Graul Endowed Chair in Arts and Languages. He is the recipient of several Ohio Arts Council and Montgomery County Fellowships among many other awards and prizes. His work has been widely exhibited and housed in over twenty-five significant collections.

OPENING NIGHT / SEP 6

Members Preview with the Artist 5-6 pm / Public Reception 6-8 pm

ARTIST TALK / NOV 22 / 6:30 pm

Curtis Mann and Sean Wilkinson in Conversation with artist and writer, Carmen Winant
Doors open 6 pm / Reception immediately following ‘til 8 pm / FREE & open to all / The Tank at The Dayton Arcade

DAI presents Free Community Tour : Merry Grinchmas and (B)Art
2024-11-23 18:00 - 19:00 | The Dayton Art Institute, 456 Belmonte Park N, Dayton, OH, 45405, United States
A tour experience exploring the art and fun of the Merry Grinchmas: Art of Dr. Seuss’ Holiday Classic & (B)ART! America’s Funniest Animated Family special exhibition. Cost: FREE for #MuseumMembers and with the purchase of general museum admission! Advanced tickrting and registration is not required, but encouraged! Location: Special Exhibition Ages: 6+ Two of America’s most beloved animated works come together for this Special Exhibition. In 1966, the animation of Chuck Jones brought to life Dr. Seuss’ beloved 1957 children’s book. The animated story became a true television classic, with generations watching annually the story of redemption about the despicable Grinch, the sweet Cindy Lou Who and the innocent dog Max. The exhibition will feature original cel art used in the cartoon’s production, along with concept drawings by Jones (famous for Looney Tunes) and Dr. Seuss. Laugh along with America’s funniest animated family! Homer, Marge, Lisa, Maggie and Bart appeared in living rooms all over America in 1989 in the longest-running animated television series, with more than 750 episodes to date. Now made with cost-effective digital animation, the first 13 seasons (1989–2002) were made by hand with ink-and-paint on clear acetate cels, which were placed under a camera and slowly pieced together, showing the often irreverent but lovable antics of so many other unforgettable characters. In the early seasons, elements now vital to the series were created, including the famous sofa and living room set used to open each episode, which will be replicated at the DAI. These two exhibitions, presented side-by-side, will be fun, colorful and truly memorable. Not to be missed! From the collection of Bill Heeter and Kristi Correa

Elf In Concert
2024-11-23 19:30 | The Benjamin & Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center, 1 West Second Street, Dayton, OH, 45402
SANTA! I KNOW HIM! Grab a bowl of spaghetti and syrup and run like a cotton-headed ninny-muggins to see the heartwarming holiday classic ELF on the big screen. Enjoy the movie while the Philharmonic performs the original score live. Relive the story of Buddy the Elf, who leaves the North Pole in search of his biological father. Along the way, he inspires everyone around him to rediscover the joys of Christmas. MPAA rating PG.

Exhibits: Merry Grinchmas: Art of Dr. Seuss’ Holiday Classic & (B)ART! America’s Funniest Animated Family
2024-11-24, 2024-11-27 | The Dayton Art Institute, 456 Belmonte Park N, Dayton, OH, 45405, United States
The Dayton Art Institute (DAI) will close its 2024 Special Exhibition season with an exciting presentation of two combined traveling exhibitions, Merry Grinchmas: Art of Dr. Seuss’ Holiday Classic & (B)ART! America’s Funniest Animated Family, on view now through January 19, 2025. Just in time for the holidays, enjoy these nostalgic exhibitions highlighting two beloved classics that continue to influence the art of animation. View original drawings of Theodor Seuss Geisel (Dr. Seuss) and Chuck Jones, who brought Dr. Seuss’ beloved holiday tale to life in the 1966 animated special How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, then laugh alongside Homer, Marge, Lisa, Maggie and Bart as you experience the original handmade animation cels of the acclaimed series.

“The art displayed in our newest exhibitions explores the significant influence animation has had in pop culture and the worlds of art, entertainment and business,” said DAI Head Curator & Curatorial Affairs Director Jerry N. Smith. “Animation art is beloved worldwide, and for many of us, this medium is our introduction to art. This work showcases how in each animated classic, thousands of individual artworks come together to tell a story and create a larger singular work.”

In 1966, the animation of Chuck Jones brought to life Dr. Seuss’ treasured 1957 children’s book How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The animated story is a true television classic, with generations tuning in annually to watch the story of redemption with the despicable Grinch, the sweet Cindy Lou Who and the innocent dog Max. The exhibition Merry Grinchmas: Art of Dr. Seuss’ Holiday Classic features original cel art used in the cartoon’s production, along with concept drawings by Jones (famous for Looney Tunes) and those by Dr. Seuss.

(B)ART! America’s Funniest Animated Family showcases the often-irreverent antics of Homer, Marge, Lisa, Maggie and Bart—alongside many other unforgettable figures from the longest-running animated series on American television. Since its debut in 1989, there have been more than 770 episodes. Initially crafted through traditional ink-and-paint techniques on transparent acetate cels, the first 13 seasons (1989–2002) were produced by hand before transitioning to cost-effective digital animation. These hand-drawn cels are featured in the exhibition. In the early seasons elements, now vital to the series, were created, including the famous sofa and living room set used to open each episode, which is replicated at the DAI, allowing guests the chance to truly enter the fictional world of Springfield.

Fun and colorful, these two exhibitions showcase the art of illustration. A family-friendly and nostalgic outing, guests will enjoy more than 400 works of original art, as well as interactive sensory stations, educational resources and photo opportunities.

“In addition to learning about the art of animation and illustration, those attending our newest special exhibitions can expect a joyful, playful, and nostalgic experience,” said DAI Director & President Michael R. Roediger. “This artwork was created to bring a smile to your face and brighten your day. We’re excited to offer each guest the chance to slip away from any of life’s stresses and spend time reconnecting with characters they know and love. These two exhibitions are fun, colorful and truly memorable.”

Several related programs will be offered in conjunction with the Merry Grinchmas: Art of Dr. Seuss’ Holiday Classic & (B)ART! America’s Funniest Animated Family. These include:

Community Tour: November 2, 1–2 p.m.; November 23, 1–2 p.m.; December 7, 1–2 p.m.; December 19, 6–7 p.m.; January 18, 1–2 p.m.
Cost: Members: Free, Non-members: Included with the Price of Admission

Family Studio Special: December 7, 12:30–3:30 p.m.
Cost: Members: $20, Non-members: $25, Member Family 4-pack: $70, Non-member Family 4-pack: $90
Adult Studio Special: November 16, 12:30–3:30 p.m.
Cost: Members: $35, Non-members: $45
Ask Me Anything: November 7, 6–7 p.m., December 12, 6–7 p.m. and January 9, 6–7 p.m.
Cost: FREE

These exhibitions are from the collection of Bill Heeter and Kristi Correa. Admission to Merry Grinchmas: Art of Dr. Seuss’ Holiday Classic & (B)ART! America’s Funniest Animated Family is included in the museum’s general admission, which includes access to all Special and Focus Exhibitions currently on view, as well as the museum collection galleries. General admission is $15 adults; $10 seniors (60+), active military and groups (10 or more); $5 students (18+ w/ID) and youth (ages 7–17); and free for children (ages 6 & younger). Admission is free for museum members. Membership information can be found online at www.daytonartinstitute.org/membership.

Other current and upcoming Exhibitions at the museum include Captivating Clay: Contemporary Japanese Ceramics from the Horvitz Collection (on view until September 2025), Devil’s Promenade (on view until January 5, 2025), Making Faces: 18 Essential Kabuki Plays (on view until March 30, 2025) and The Need for Beauty (on view from November 30, 2024–May 18, 2025).

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

Rike’s Holiday Windows
2024-11-24, 2024-11-25, 2024-11-26, 2024-11-27 | The Benjamin & Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center, 1 West Second Street, Dayton, OH, 45402
The holiday season is here and one of Dayton’s most beloved traditions is visiting the Rike’s Holiday Windows!
The RIKE’S HOLIDAY WINDOWS’ animated elves and animals first appeared in NCR’s New York office windows in 1943, but many Daytonians remember them from their annual holiday pilgrimage to the Rike’s Department Store which sat on the corner of Second and Main Streets (where the Benjamin & Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center now sits). They’ve been on display in the Schuster Center’s Wintergarden during the holidays for more than 20 years.
In 2018, the displays were redesigned by critically acclaimed theatre and opera scenic designer and Dayton native Adam Koch, reconstructed by internationally acclaimed set and stage designers Scenic Solutions from West Carrollton, Ohio, and the characters were recostumed by the Dayton Sewing Collaborative.
SANTA’S SECRET
Santa and his magical team of crafty reindeer make a special stop each year to the Schuster Center to hide a special something in each of the Rike’s Holiday Windows. Can you guess what it is this year? It’s tiny, often at a child’s eye level, and has something to do with Dayton!
If you’re right, you’ll be entered to win a special gift certificate from Dayton Live. The winning entry will be notified after the new year begins!
You’ll be able to submit your entry when the RIKE’S HOLIDAY WINDOWS open for the season!

Windows are generally available for viewing Monday-Friday 6 a.m.-6:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m.-5 p.m. The windows will be closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day, and will not be available for public viewing during private events.
Presented by Dayton Live

Polar Bear Express
2024-11-24, 2024-11-25, 2024-11-26, 2024-11-27 | Downtown Dayton
Thru Feb. 28 • Polar Bear Express
Routes throughout downtown; call for dates, times, and cost.
Book a ride aboard the abominably decorated Pedal Wagon for a 2-hour pedaling adventure through the festive streets of Dayton and to the best bars and restaurants. Reservations required. pedalwagon.com/dayton. 388-3006.

Holly Jolly Social: A Holiday Pop-Up Experience
2024-11-24, 2024-11-25, 2024-11-26, 2024-11-27 | Two Social, 123 E. Third St., Dayton, OH, 45402
Get ready to celebrate the season at Holly Jolly Social! We’re decking the halls and transforming Two Social into a festive haven with cheerful décor, seasonal cocktails, and plenty of holiday spirit. Join us for a cozy and merry time this holiday season! (11/8-1/12)

Church of Funk
2024-11-24 11:00 - 14:00 | Oregon Express, 336 E. 5th Street, Dayton, OH, 45402, USA
Cooley the Curator, *Aka Pastor Cooley,* will be presiding over the wheels of steel between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Sundays. Entry is free! He’ll be offering up the finest Funk, Soul, & Reggae during our Sunday lunch service! Join us for the Funk but stick around for special themed drinks and food specials.

Global Artisan Fair
2024-11-24 11:00 - 15:00 | 2nd Street Market, 600 E. Second St., Dayton, OH, 45402, USA
The Market has partnered with Welcome Dayton and other partner agencies in inviting special guest artisans who recently arrived in this country to share their cultures with the Market community. Join us for music, culture sharing and artisan wares to kick off the Holiday shopping season.

Fall Wedding & Event Expo
2024-11-24 11:00 - 15:00 | The Remedy, 123 Webster St., Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Engaged and looking for a one-stop shop for all of your wedding vendors? Trying to plan the perfect event (birthday party, bridal shower, baby shower, graduation party, rehearsal dinner, and more!) for that person you love? Look no further! The Remedy Studios and Event Center have partnered with Storybook Assistance to host a Fall Wedding & Event Expo just for you! Join us on Sunday, November 24th from 11am – 3pm. For just $15 a couple (additional guests are always welcome for an additional $5!) we will have a variety of vendors for you to meet while you sip on your favorite cocktail, and snack on some delicious food. Get a tour of our venue for any event, and gather some inspiration for your memorable day. There will be incredible special booking deals as well! Book your tickets online now by using the link provided! We can’t wait to see you there! $15 per couple / $5 each additional.

Holiday Greenery Crafting
2024-11-24 11:00 - 16:00 | Now and Zen DIY Studio, 121 E. Third St., Dayton, OH, 45402
Stop in for a jolly good time with whimsical holiday plant projects, including terrarium snowmen, air plant ornaments, and more!
Thursdays through Sundays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. through Dec. 22

Crafty Meet Up
2024-11-24 13:00 - 16:00 | The Barrel House, 417 E. Third St., Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Crafty meet ups are back! Bring yourself, bring your project, bring a friend, or make some new ones. Come hang out for an afternoon of introverting public hosted by me, Savage Stitcher (Angie) and The Barrel House. I am so excited about this new location for our low-key hangs and also have hugs for anyone who needs one. Cheers!!!

Freya’s Felines Unplugged
2024-11-24 15:00 - 17:30 | The Brightside, 905 E. Third St., Dayton, OH, 45402
Come together with Freya’s Felines as we unplug from the hustle and share our music in the cozy loft at The Brightside. We’ll be performing acoustic renditions of our favorite tunes, along with the premiere of original songs from our upcoming Christmas EP. The evening will envelop you within the illusion of a forest, accompanied by the enchanting harmonies of the Felines, while enjoying charcuterie and tasty delights! HOW TO GO? Nov 24, 2024, Doors open at 3:00pm; Event 3:30pm – 5:30pm Presale tickets are $20. Seating is limited so presale tickets are highly encouraged! Get your pre-sale here: https://www.venuepilot.co/events/freya-s-felines-a8b549/orders/new Tickets will be $25 the day of event. Doors at 3:00pm / Music at 3:30pm All ages D

Clue Mystery Movie Party
2024-11-24 18:00 - 21:00 | The Brightside, 905 E. Third St., Dayton, OH, 45402
It’s a mysterious night out with music, food, trivia, and Dayton Dinner Theater’s famous interactive movie experience with the classic mystery Clue! Enjoy creative pizza from the Dayton Pizza Factory, a fancy salad, appetizer, and dessert by Baker Benji. Yum!
Themed Attire – Pick your favorite character!
HOW TO GO? Nov 24, 2024 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM The Brightside, 905 E 3rd St, Dayton, OH Doors open at 5:45 – Food and live music is available from 6-7 pm – Movie starts at 7 pm. A short intermission for dessert and trivia will start at 8 pm – Movie ends around 9:15 pm.
Alcoholic drinks available for purchase!
Tickets $28 – available here: https://www.daytondinnertheater.com/events/clue-mystery-movie-party Table reservations only for parties of 6 or more, otherwise we have open seating. For table reservations or other questions, please email Daytondinnertheater@gmail.com

Exhibit: Experiencing Veterans & Artists Collaboration (EVAC) Project
2024-11-25 08:00 - 18:00, 2024-11-26 08:00 - 18:00, 2024-11-27 08:00 - 18:00 | Galleries at Sinclair College, 444 W. Third St., Bldg. 13, Dayton, OH, 45402
The Sinclair Community College Art Department proudly announces new exhibits featuring works from the Experiencing Veterans & Artists Collaboration (EVAC) Project and contemporary steel sculptures by artist Chris Mohler.
The exhibits will be displayed in the Burnell R. Roberts Triangle Gallery and the Works on Paper Gallery from November 8 through December 14, 2024. The EVAC Project uses storytelling and art to bridge the gap between veterans and civilians.
Through the collaboration, over 60 veterans share their life stories, which are then interpreted into visual artwork by talented artists. As visitors explore these powerful stories alongside the artwork, the exhibit fosters empathy and a deeper connection with the experiences of veterans. Chris Mohler’s collection of steel sculptures shares a common theme of personal storytelling. Each piece reflects a chapter of Mohler’s life, inspired by topics such as current events, human existence, science, politics, personal joys, sacrifices, and social injustices. Mohler, however, encourages viewers to derive their own meanings from the works, allowing for an open-ended exploration of the art.
A virtual artist talk will take place on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. via Zoom. More details can be found at Sinclair.edu/ArtGalleries.
The exhibitions are free and open to the public.
Gallery hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Both galleries are located on the fourth floor of Building 13 at the corner of West Fifth and Perry Streets in downtown Dayton.

A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical
2024-11-26 19:30 | The Benjamin & Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center, 1 West Second Street, Dayton, OH, 45402
Created in collaboration with Neil Diamond himself, A BEAUTIFUL NOISE is the uplifting true story of how a kid from Brooklyn became a chart-busting, show-stopping American rock icon. With 120 million albums sold, a catalogue of classics like “America,” “Forever in Blue Jeans,” and “Sweet Caroline,” an induction into the Songwriters and Rock and Roll Halls of Fame, a Grammy® Lifetime Achievement Award, and sold-out concerts around the world that made him bigger than Elvis, Neil Diamond’s story was made to shine on Broadway – and head out on the road across America.
Like Jersey Boys and Beautiful: The Carole King Musical before it, A BEAUTIFUL NOISE: THE NEIL DIAMOND MUSICAL is an inspiring, exhilarating, energy-filled musical memoir, that tells the untold true story of how America’s greatest hitmaker became a star, set to the songs that defined his career.

The CoSHOP Holiday Shopping
2024-11-27 | The Contemporary Dayton, 25 W. Fourth St., Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
The Contemporary Dayton’s CoSHOP gets a holiday refreshing of new handmade ornaments, cards, decor and all sorts of giftables from a selection of local artists and artisans. At the Nov. 21 Preview Party, enjoy shopping, browsing the current exhibitions, and light bites from Gather. 224-3822.
