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PRODID:-//Downtown Dayton Partnership - ECPv6.8.1//NONSGML v1.0//EN
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METHOD:PUBLISH
X-WR-CALNAME:Downtown Dayton Partnership
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://downtowndayton.org
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Downtown Dayton Partnership
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X-Robots-Tag:noindex
X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:America/New_York
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20260308T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20261101T060000
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260820T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260820T183000
DTSTAMP:20260604T090831
CREATED:20260528T135659Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260528T141019Z
UID:10056350-1787245200-1787250600@downtowndayton.org
SUMMARY:RiverScape Stroll
DESCRIPTION:RiverScape Stroll\, every Thursday\, 5-6:30 pm\, Main Library: Walk from the Main Library to RiverScape MetroPark\, connecting with the Great Miami River Recreation Trail and return. Meet in the Main Library’s Atrium. All Ages
URL:https://downtowndayton.org/event/riverscape-stroll/2026-08-20/
LOCATION:Dayton Metro Library – Main Library\, 215 E. Third Street\, Dayton\, OH\, 45402
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://downtowndayton.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/dml.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260820T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260820T140000
DTSTAMP:20260604T090831
CREATED:20260526T195601Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260526T195601Z
UID:10056309-1787227200-1787234400@downtowndayton.org
SUMMARY:CURIO at Courthouse Square
DESCRIPTION:Free entertainment in the heart of downtown\nThroughout the summer months\, fun\, out-of-the-box entertainment can be found on Courthouse Square\, with CURIO serving as the hub of community\, connection\, and collaboration! \nBig ideas can come in small packages\, and CURIO is the first step in a larger\, longer-term plan to revitalize Courthouse Square. This shipping container transformed into an event hub has been combined with fun outdoor seating and other touches to create downtown’s newest summer hotspot! \nFIND THE CALENDAR OF SCHEDULED ENTERTAINMENT HERE:\nhttps://downtowndayton.org/things-to-do/curio/#schedule \nBring your friends and coworkers for a midday break outside!\nCURIO features free lunchtime entertainment from noon to 2 p.m. on Tuesdays\, Wednesdays\, and Thursdays each week during the summer months. \nFood vendors also set up on Courthouse Square each weekday\, allowing downtown workers and others to grab lunch from a vendor or a downtown restaurant and take in the entertainment while enjoying the outdoors downtown. \nBe sure to “Like” CURIO at Courthouse Square on Facebook to get the latest updates on upcoming entertainment and more. You can also request to receive regular emails about what’s planned for CURIO. \nIf you are interested in performing on the Square or would like more information about CURIO\, email events@downtowndayton.org. \nCURIO at Courthouse Square is a program of the Downtown Dayton Partnership\, with support from Montgomery County.
URL:https://downtowndayton.org/event/curio-at-courthouse-square/2026-08-20/
LOCATION:Courthouse Square\, Third & Main Streets\, Dayton\, OH\, 45422\, USA
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://downtowndayton.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/curiocal-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260820
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260821
DTSTAMP:20260604T090831
CREATED:20260603T135940Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T135940Z
UID:10059285-1787184000-1787270399@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/2026-08-20/
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:20260820
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260821
DTSTAMP:20260604T090831
CREATED:20260603T135727Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T135727Z
UID:10059263-1787184000-1787270399@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/2026-08-20/
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:20260820
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260821
DTSTAMP:20260604T090831
CREATED:20260603T135057Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T135241Z
UID:10058695-1787184000-1787270399@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-2/2026-08-20/
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:20260820
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260821
DTSTAMP:20260604T090831
CREATED:20260603T125731Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T130344Z
UID:10056485-1787184000-1787270399@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-2/2026-08-20/
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;TZID=America/New_York:20260819T190500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260819T190500
DTSTAMP:20260604T090831
CREATED:20260227T141839Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260227T141839Z
UID:10054899-1787166300-1787166300@downtowndayton.org
SUMMARY:Dayton Dragons vs. Quad Cities River Bandits
DESCRIPTION:Catch one of the hottest tickets in sports – see the Dayton Dragons play baseball at Day Air Ballpark! For tickets and more information\, visit www.daytondragons.com or call 228-2287.
URL:https://downtowndayton.org/event/dayton-dragons-vs-quad-cities-river-bandits/2026-08-19/
LOCATION:Day Air Ballpark\, 220 North Patterson Blvd.\, Dayton\, OH\, 45402
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://downtowndayton.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/dragons16x9.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260819T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260819T230000
DTSTAMP:20260604T090831
CREATED:20250528T120940Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250925T123704Z
UID:10036630-1787166000-1787180400@downtowndayton.org
SUMMARY:Wu-Tang Wednesdays
DESCRIPTION:Dayton’s legendary Ike B spins old school hip hop and whateva else he wants.
URL:https://downtowndayton.org/event/whateva-wednesdays/2026-08-19/
LOCATION:The Barrel House\, 417 E. Third St.\, Dayton\, OH\, 45402\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://downtowndayton.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/wu.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260819T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260819T203000
DTSTAMP:20260604T090831
CREATED:20250318T141159Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250318T141159Z
UID:10031621-1787164200-1787171400@downtowndayton.org
SUMMARY:Live Trivia
DESCRIPTION:We are excited to host live trivia every Wednesday at The Yellow Cab Tavern! Since there are a limited number of indoor tables\, so please reserve as soon as possible.\nPepper Sprout Productions will be doing 3 rounds of general trivia from 6:30 – 8:30! Win prizes and gift cards! Watch their page on the day of for a clue about the bonus round theme!\nYou can enjoy pizza from The Pizza Bandit and beverages from The Yellow Cab Tavern!Pizza Bandit’s standard carryout\, delivery\, and onsite dining will be available from 4-9pm!
URL:https://downtowndayton.org/event/live-trivia/2026-08-19/
LOCATION:Yellow Cab Tavern\, 700 E 4th St\, Dayton\, OH\, 45402\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://downtowndayton.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/yct.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260819T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260819T200000
DTSTAMP:20260604T090831
CREATED:20260528T143055Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260528T143055Z
UID:10056374-1787155200-1787169600@downtowndayton.org
SUMMARY:Kayak Rentals with Taiters Kayak
DESCRIPTION:Part of RiverScape Kayak Rentals series \nKayak Rentals with Taiters Kayak\nAGE: 10 and up | $15.00\, $25.00\, $60.00\n\nPaddle under the fountains with Taiters Kayak all summer long at RiverScape MetroPark! Kayakers launch from the bottom of the levee along the Great Miami Recreational Trail\, and the rental options include: $15.00/30 minutes\, $25.00/1 hour\, or $60.00/day pass (the 4-hour rental window). Taiters Kayak staff will provide participants with brief instructions prior to entering the water – including a safety tutorial – and will help participants get into their vessels. All participants will be required to wear a properly fitted life jacket. Swimming is prohibited in the Great Miami River\, but participants should come prepared to get wet. Participants will also not be permitted to go through the RiverScape River Run whitewater feature. No lifeguards are on duty\, and paddling is at all participants’ own risk. All participants will be required to sign a waiver before entering their vessel\, and all minors must have a parent/guardian present. Regular walk-up rental hours take place Wednesdays and Fridays\, from 5-9PM (6/3-7/31) and 4-8PM (8/5-9/11). Visit Facebook.com/TaitersKayak or TaitersKayak.com for more information. Weather Dependent. \nGet out and paddle on the Great Miami River with Taiters Kayak at RiverScape MetroPark!
URL:https://downtowndayton.org/event/kayak-rentals-with-taiters-kayak-3/2026-08-19/
LOCATION:RiverScape MetroPark\, 237 E Monument Ave\, Dayton\, OH\, 45402\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://downtowndayton.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/riverscape.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260819T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260819T140000
DTSTAMP:20260604T090831
CREATED:20260526T195601Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260526T195601Z
UID:10056308-1787140800-1787148000@downtowndayton.org
SUMMARY:CURIO at Courthouse Square
DESCRIPTION:Free entertainment in the heart of downtown\nThroughout the summer months\, fun\, out-of-the-box entertainment can be found on Courthouse Square\, with CURIO serving as the hub of community\, connection\, and collaboration! \nBig ideas can come in small packages\, and CURIO is the first step in a larger\, longer-term plan to revitalize Courthouse Square. This shipping container transformed into an event hub has been combined with fun outdoor seating and other touches to create downtown’s newest summer hotspot! \nFIND THE CALENDAR OF SCHEDULED ENTERTAINMENT HERE:\nhttps://downtowndayton.org/things-to-do/curio/#schedule \nBring your friends and coworkers for a midday break outside!\nCURIO features free lunchtime entertainment from noon to 2 p.m. on Tuesdays\, Wednesdays\, and Thursdays each week during the summer months. \nFood vendors also set up on Courthouse Square each weekday\, allowing downtown workers and others to grab lunch from a vendor or a downtown restaurant and take in the entertainment while enjoying the outdoors downtown. \nBe sure to “Like” CURIO at Courthouse Square on Facebook to get the latest updates on upcoming entertainment and more. You can also request to receive regular emails about what’s planned for CURIO. \nIf you are interested in performing on the Square or would like more information about CURIO\, email events@downtowndayton.org. \nCURIO at Courthouse Square is a program of the Downtown Dayton Partnership\, with support from Montgomery County.
URL:https://downtowndayton.org/event/curio-at-courthouse-square/2026-08-19/
LOCATION:Courthouse Square\, Third & Main Streets\, Dayton\, OH\, 45422\, USA
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://downtowndayton.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/curiocal-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260819
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260820
DTSTAMP:20260604T090831
CREATED:20260603T135940Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T135940Z
UID:10059284-1787097600-1787183999@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/2026-08-19/
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:20260819
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260820
DTSTAMP:20260604T090831
CREATED:20260603T135727Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T135727Z
UID:10059262-1787097600-1787183999@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/2026-08-19/
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:20260819
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260820
DTSTAMP:20260604T090831
CREATED:20260603T135057Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T135241Z
UID:10058694-1787097600-1787183999@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-2/2026-08-19/
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:20260819
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260820
DTSTAMP:20260604T090831
CREATED:20260603T125731Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T130344Z
UID:10056484-1787097600-1787183999@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-2/2026-08-19/
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;TZID=America/New_York:20260818T200000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260818T230000
DTSTAMP:20260604T090831
CREATED:20250318T140916Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250318T140916Z
UID:10031360-1787083200-1787094000@downtowndayton.org
SUMMARY:Karaoke with Zane
DESCRIPTION:Yellow Cab Tavern Karaoke is BACK every Tuesday at 8pm with MC Zane Gerlach!\nEntry is always free!\nWith a catalog of over 60\,000 songs\, we have your favorites to sing…and if we don’t\, we’ll do everything we can to get it for you!\nGet your friends and family together and we’ll see you on Tuesday nights at The Yellow Cab Tavern!
URL:https://downtowndayton.org/event/karaoke-with-zane/2026-08-18/
LOCATION:Yellow Cab Tavern\, 700 E 4th St\, Dayton\, OH\, 45402\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://downtowndayton.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/yck.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260818T190500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260818T190500
DTSTAMP:20260604T090831
CREATED:20260227T141839Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260227T141839Z
UID:10054898-1787079900-1787079900@downtowndayton.org
SUMMARY:Dayton Dragons vs. Quad Cities River Bandits
DESCRIPTION:Catch one of the hottest tickets in sports – see the Dayton Dragons play baseball at Day Air Ballpark! For tickets and more information\, visit www.daytondragons.com or call 228-2287.
URL:https://downtowndayton.org/event/dayton-dragons-vs-quad-cities-river-bandits/2026-08-18/
LOCATION:Day Air Ballpark\, 220 North Patterson Blvd.\, Dayton\, OH\, 45402
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://downtowndayton.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/dragons16x9.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260818T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260818T230000
DTSTAMP:20260604T090831
CREATED:20250528T120726Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250528T120726Z
UID:10036369-1787079600-1787094000@downtowndayton.org
SUMMARY:Karaoke
DESCRIPTION:Tuesdays – Karaoke with @raineyday.entertainment – $5 off full draft flights until 9 p.m.
URL:https://downtowndayton.org/event/karaoke-2/2026-08-18/
LOCATION:The Barrel House\, 417 E. Third St.\, Dayton\, OH\, 45402\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://downtowndayton.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/bhk.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260818T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260818T180000
DTSTAMP:20260604T090831
CREATED:20260603T132002Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T132012Z
UID:10056681-1787065200-1787076000@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-2/2026-08-18/
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:20260818T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260818T140000
DTSTAMP:20260604T090831
CREATED:20260526T195601Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260526T195601Z
UID:10056307-1787054400-1787061600@downtowndayton.org
SUMMARY:CURIO at Courthouse Square
DESCRIPTION:Free entertainment in the heart of downtown\nThroughout the summer months\, fun\, out-of-the-box entertainment can be found on Courthouse Square\, with CURIO serving as the hub of community\, connection\, and collaboration! \nBig ideas can come in small packages\, and CURIO is the first step in a larger\, longer-term plan to revitalize Courthouse Square. This shipping container transformed into an event hub has been combined with fun outdoor seating and other touches to create downtown’s newest summer hotspot! \nFIND THE CALENDAR OF SCHEDULED ENTERTAINMENT HERE:\nhttps://downtowndayton.org/things-to-do/curio/#schedule \nBring your friends and coworkers for a midday break outside!\nCURIO features free lunchtime entertainment from noon to 2 p.m. on Tuesdays\, Wednesdays\, and Thursdays each week during the summer months. \nFood vendors also set up on Courthouse Square each weekday\, allowing downtown workers and others to grab lunch from a vendor or a downtown restaurant and take in the entertainment while enjoying the outdoors downtown. \nBe sure to “Like” CURIO at Courthouse Square on Facebook to get the latest updates on upcoming entertainment and more. You can also request to receive regular emails about what’s planned for CURIO. \nIf you are interested in performing on the Square or would like more information about CURIO\, email events@downtowndayton.org. \nCURIO at Courthouse Square is a program of the Downtown Dayton Partnership\, with support from Montgomery County.
URL:https://downtowndayton.org/event/curio-at-courthouse-square/2026-08-18/
LOCATION:Courthouse Square\, Third & Main Streets\, Dayton\, OH\, 45422\, USA
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://downtowndayton.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/curiocal-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260817T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260817T190000
DTSTAMP:20260604T090831
CREATED:20260511T120150Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260511T120150Z
UID:10056146-1786989600-1786993200@downtowndayton.org
SUMMARY:Community Gardening at Cooper Park
DESCRIPTION:Hang with your neighbors at the Cooper Park Community Garden (behind the downtown library) as we weed\, admire the native flowers\, pick vegetables\, water\, and do other gardening tasks as needed throughout the season. All skill and ability levels are welcome! Contribute what you can and take what you need.
URL:https://downtowndayton.org/event/community-gardening-at-cooper-park/2026-08-17/
LOCATION:Cooper Park
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://downtowndayton.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/cooper.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260817T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260817T180000
DTSTAMP:20260604T090831
CREATED:20260603T132002Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T132012Z
UID:10056680-1786978800-1786989600@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-2/2026-08-17/
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:20260816
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260817
DTSTAMP:20260604T090831
CREATED:20260603T135940Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T135940Z
UID:10059283-1786838400-1786924799@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/2026-08-16/
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:20260816
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260817
DTSTAMP:20260604T090831
CREATED:20260603T135727Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T135727Z
UID:10059261-1786838400-1786924799@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/2026-08-16/
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:20260816
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260817
DTSTAMP:20260604T090831
CREATED:20260603T135057Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T135241Z
UID:10058693-1786838400-1786924799@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-2/2026-08-16/
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:20260816
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260817
DTSTAMP:20260604T090831
CREATED:20250528T121344Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250528T121344Z
UID:10037151-1786838400-1786924799@downtowndayton.org
SUMMARY:Vinyl Vinyl Sundays
DESCRIPTION:Sunday – Vinyl Vinyl Sunday – bring your records\, we’ll play ’em
URL:https://downtowndayton.org/event/vinyl-vinyl-sundays/2026-08-16/
LOCATION:The Barrel House\, 417 E. Third St.\, Dayton\, OH\, 45402\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://downtowndayton.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/bhvvs.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260815T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260815T190000
DTSTAMP:20260604T090831
CREATED:20260603T144227Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T144227Z
UID:10059362-1786820400-1786820400@downtowndayton.org
SUMMARY:McGuffey Lane
DESCRIPTION:August 15 @ 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\nTim Tye’s Midnight Sky Country/Americana Series \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGenre:\n\n\n\n\nCountry/Rock \n\n\n\n\n\n\nMcGuffey Lane is a country rock band from central Ohio. In 1972 founding members Steve George Reis (bass/ vocals) and Terry Efaw (steel guitar/ gut string guitar/ electric guitar) were a duo called “Scotch and Soda”. When they added Bobby Gene McNelley (vocalist/ guitarist) they renamed themselves McGuffey Lane after the street of Steve’s Athens Ohio home. As their popularity grew they added Dick Smith (drums/ vocals) and Stephen “Tebes” Douglass (keyboards/ harmonica/ vocals). In 1977 McGuffey Lane started playing at Zachariah’s Red Eye Saloon and soon became the house band. At that point they added John Schwab (vocalist/ guitarist) who was opening for them as the sixth and final member of the original McGuffey Lane. \nMcGuffey Lane played at Zachariah’s through 1980. In August of 1980 they released their first self-titled album on Paradise Island Records selling 40\,000 in the first three months. The album reached #1 in Columbus during the fall of 1980 which gained the attention of Atlantic Records. Atlantic released the album nationally on its Atco Label with sales of 175\,000. During the early 1980’s McGuffey Lane was a national act touring with Charlie Daniels\, the Allman Brothers\, The Judds and Marshall Tucker Band. In 1981 they released their second album “Aqua Dreams” followed by their third album “Let the Hard Times Roll” released in 1982. In early 1984 Tebes Douglass was killed in an automobile accident returning home from a show in Dayton. They released their fourth and final album for Atlantic “Day by Day” and dedicated it to Tebes. After the release of “Day by Day”\, Bobby Gene McNelley left the band to pursue a solo song writing career. \nIn 1985 McGuffey Lane went back to their Ohio roots playing clubs\, concert halls\, fairs and festivals. In 1986 they released “A McGuffey Lane Christmas”\, a fundraiser for the Central Ohio Lung Association. In 1990 McGuffey Lane disbanded after a tour through the state and a last night at the Newport Music Hall. In 1993 they did a “one time show” at the Newport and in 1995 they released “Greatest Hits Live and More”. At that point McGuffey Lane regrouped featuring John Schwab\, Terry Efaw and Casey McGowan from the 1980’s line up. They were joined by veteran Columbus area musicians including Molly Pauken (mandolin\, acoustic guitar\, vocals). In 1998 they released “Call Me Lucky” . It was during 1998 that current McGuffey Lane members joined the band. Randy Huff (drums/ vocals) joined in the summer of 1998 and Kevin Reed (harmonica/ vocals) joined at the end of 1998. \nIn 2001 McGuffey Lane organized the First Annual Zachariah’s Red Eye Saloon Reunion featuring themselves and other acts that performed during the Zach’s days. In 2002 they released all acoustic CD “Wood” which included popular concerts songs from the late 1970’s but never previously released. In 2003 the Zachariah’s Red Eye Saloon Reunion moved to Promo West Pavilion and has been held there (now Kemba LIVE!) every year since. Finally in 2006 after years of fighting with Atlantic over the rights to their first four albums recorded in the mid 1980’s\, Rhino Records released them in 2 albums sets. The first self-titled album and “Aqua Dreams” in one set and “Let the Hard Times Roll” and “Day by Day” in the second set. \nIn 2010 McGuffey Lane released their 10th CD “10” on Lick Records which was co-founded by John Schwab. In 2011 “Bartender” from the “10” CD was released as a single. It reached #50 on the national country charts (Music Row Magazine). In June 2017 McGuffey Lane released their 11th and latest CD “Legend of the Red Eye” on Lick Records. In a review of “Legend of the Red Eye” Dave Culbertson writes: “If you like the “country” side of The Lane…you should love this one. It is an interesting mixture of originals and masterfully-done covers of some of the country and country-pop classics from a variety of artists…all well done…many times\, better than the originals.” In November 2017 “Cowboys Like What Cowgirls Do” by Steve George Reis from the new “Legend of the Red Eye” was #1 on the Alternative Country Music chart. The 2023 Zachariah’s Red Eye Reunion was held on Saturday January 21st at Kemba LIVE in downtown Columbus Ohio to another capacity crowd. \nMcGuffey Lane’s history mirrors one of the songs from their 2002 “Wood” album. “I’ve been up and down and all around my head in the clouds and my feet on the ground. Don’t you worry baby don’t you worry about me. Cause I’ve survived everything that comes and goes. I still know which way that old north wind blows. After all these years I’m “Runnin’ Wild and Free”. McGuffey Lane is still going strong with the three original surviving members (Steve George Reis\, Terry Efaw and John Schwab) in the band. McGuffey Lane still performs about 20 concerts annually. The Journey Continues and “It’s A Good Day”. \nProjects Unlimited & Wyse Family Foundation Gem Series Opener: THE NEW OLD-FASHIONED
URL:https://downtowndayton.org/event/mcguffey-lane/
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/mcl.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260815T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260815T150000
DTSTAMP:20260604T090831
CREATED:20260331T171538Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T134126Z
UID:10055571-1786802400-1786806000@downtowndayton.org
SUMMARY:Guided Tours
DESCRIPTION:Join us for an inside look at the exhibition\, with fresh insights into the artist and their work. FREE and open to all. \nhttps://www.eventbrite.com/e/1981877243185?aff=oddtdtcreator
URL:https://downtowndayton.org/event/guided-tours-3/
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/2025/12/guided.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260815T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260815T110000
DTSTAMP:20260604T090831
CREATED:20260521T122944Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260521T122944Z
UID:10056234-1786788000-1786791600@downtowndayton.org
SUMMARY:Sculpt with Speakeasy
DESCRIPTION:Part of Fitness in the Park series \nSculpt with Speakeasy\n10:00am – 11:00am \nAGE: All ages | FREE\n\nSculpt is a low-impact\, high-intensity full body workout that combines elements of barre\, Pilates\, and various body weight exercises taught by M’Le of Speakeasy Yoga. Each class is set to an upbeat playlist and led by the rhythm to keep you inspired every step of the way. Whether youâre a seasoned fitness fanatic or just getting started\, all levels are welcome and will enjoy a well-rounded fitness experience! Remember to bring your own mat\, water bottle\, and towels. Weather Dependent. \nEnjoy fun\, effective and FREE outdoor workouts under the pavilion with Speakeasy Yoga instructors. No registration required. All ages welcome. Presented by Kettering Health.
URL:https://downtowndayton.org/event/sculpt-with-speakeasy/2026-08-15/
LOCATION:RiverScape MetroPark\, 237 E Monument Ave\, Dayton\, OH\, 45402\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://downtowndayton.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/655076345_1347137154112591_5102253212258081540_n.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260815
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260816
DTSTAMP:20260604T090831
CREATED:20260603T141236Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T141236Z
UID:10059345-1786752000-1786838399@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-2/2026-08-15/
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
END:VCALENDAR