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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260619
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260620
DTSTAMP:20260619T131849
CREATED:20260506T115918Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T125916Z
UID:10056022-1781827200-1781913599@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/2026-06-19/
LOCATION:The Contemporary Dayton\, 25 W. Fourth St.\, Dayton\, OH\, 45402\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://downtowndayton.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/threads.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260619
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260620
DTSTAMP:20260619T131849
CREATED:20260519T120859Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260519T120859Z
UID:10056223-1781827200-1781913599@downtowndayton.org
SUMMARY:Member’s Spotlight Exhibition: Simon Robins: Sociable
DESCRIPTION:June 5-27\, 2026 Opening Reception: June 5\, 6-8 pm The paintings in Simon Robins: Sociable\, contain imagery sourced from public domain and found photographs discovered through extensive research by the artist in digital archives. Cropping\, recoloring\, and recontextualizing these images\, Robins transforms fragments of anonymous histories into works that feel at once familiar and elusive. Robins’ practice is deeply informed by his work as a collections librarian and faculty member at University of Dayton\, where he regularly navigates institutional archives and historical image collections. By removing photographs from their original context\, his paintings invite viewers to reconsider how images shape collective memory and how archives reflect systems of power\, inclusion\, and omission. In these works\, Robins explores themes of social alienation\, belonging\, and the quiet tensions embedded within everyday interactions. His paintings evoke the visual language of post-war photography and design while raising timely questions about authorship\, historical bias\, and the lingering influence of institutional narratives. Through carefully composed and psychologically charged imagery\, Robins creates space for reflection on the ways people connect\, observe\, and exist within larger social structures. About the Artist: Originally from Portland\, Oregon and now based in Dayton\, Simon Robins has exhibited his work at the Dayton Society of Artists\, Rosewood Arts Center\, and The Contemporary Dayton. In 2025\, he received First Place in the Dayton Society of Artists Annual Members’ Exhibition and Second Place in The Contemporary Dayton’s Juried Members’ Exhibition. Robins earned a BA in History and Art History from Portland State University and a Master of Library and Information Studies from University of British Columbia. He currently works as a collections librarian and faculty member at the University of Dayton\, where his engagement with digital archives directly informs his artistic practice.
URL:https://downtowndayton.org/event/members-spotlight-exhibition-simon-robins-sociable/2026-06-19/
LOCATION:The Contemporary Dayton\, 25 W. Fourth St.\, Dayton\, OH\, 45402\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://downtowndayton.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/robbins.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260620
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260621
DTSTAMP:20260619T131849
CREATED:20260506T115918Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T125916Z
UID:10056023-1781913600-1781999999@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/2026-06-20/
LOCATION:The Contemporary Dayton\, 25 W. Fourth St.\, Dayton\, OH\, 45402\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://downtowndayton.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/threads.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260620
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260621
DTSTAMP:20260619T131849
CREATED:20260519T120859Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260519T120859Z
UID:10056224-1781913600-1781999999@downtowndayton.org
SUMMARY:Member’s Spotlight Exhibition: Simon Robins: Sociable
DESCRIPTION:June 5-27\, 2026 Opening Reception: June 5\, 6-8 pm The paintings in Simon Robins: Sociable\, contain imagery sourced from public domain and found photographs discovered through extensive research by the artist in digital archives. Cropping\, recoloring\, and recontextualizing these images\, Robins transforms fragments of anonymous histories into works that feel at once familiar and elusive. Robins’ practice is deeply informed by his work as a collections librarian and faculty member at University of Dayton\, where he regularly navigates institutional archives and historical image collections. By removing photographs from their original context\, his paintings invite viewers to reconsider how images shape collective memory and how archives reflect systems of power\, inclusion\, and omission. In these works\, Robins explores themes of social alienation\, belonging\, and the quiet tensions embedded within everyday interactions. His paintings evoke the visual language of post-war photography and design while raising timely questions about authorship\, historical bias\, and the lingering influence of institutional narratives. Through carefully composed and psychologically charged imagery\, Robins creates space for reflection on the ways people connect\, observe\, and exist within larger social structures. About the Artist: Originally from Portland\, Oregon and now based in Dayton\, Simon Robins has exhibited his work at the Dayton Society of Artists\, Rosewood Arts Center\, and The Contemporary Dayton. In 2025\, he received First Place in the Dayton Society of Artists Annual Members’ Exhibition and Second Place in The Contemporary Dayton’s Juried Members’ Exhibition. Robins earned a BA in History and Art History from Portland State University and a Master of Library and Information Studies from University of British Columbia. He currently works as a collections librarian and faculty member at the University of Dayton\, where his engagement with digital archives directly informs his artistic practice.
URL:https://downtowndayton.org/event/members-spotlight-exhibition-simon-robins-sociable/2026-06-20/
LOCATION:The Contemporary Dayton\, 25 W. Fourth St.\, Dayton\, OH\, 45402\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://downtowndayton.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/robbins.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260624
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260625
DTSTAMP:20260619T131849
CREATED:20260506T115918Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T125916Z
UID:10056024-1782259200-1782345599@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/2026-06-24/
LOCATION:The Contemporary Dayton\, 25 W. Fourth St.\, Dayton\, OH\, 45402\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://downtowndayton.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/threads.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260624
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260625
DTSTAMP:20260619T131849
CREATED:20260519T120859Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260519T120859Z
UID:10056225-1782259200-1782345599@downtowndayton.org
SUMMARY:Member’s Spotlight Exhibition: Simon Robins: Sociable
DESCRIPTION:June 5-27\, 2026 Opening Reception: June 5\, 6-8 pm The paintings in Simon Robins: Sociable\, contain imagery sourced from public domain and found photographs discovered through extensive research by the artist in digital archives. Cropping\, recoloring\, and recontextualizing these images\, Robins transforms fragments of anonymous histories into works that feel at once familiar and elusive. Robins’ practice is deeply informed by his work as a collections librarian and faculty member at University of Dayton\, where he regularly navigates institutional archives and historical image collections. By removing photographs from their original context\, his paintings invite viewers to reconsider how images shape collective memory and how archives reflect systems of power\, inclusion\, and omission. In these works\, Robins explores themes of social alienation\, belonging\, and the quiet tensions embedded within everyday interactions. His paintings evoke the visual language of post-war photography and design while raising timely questions about authorship\, historical bias\, and the lingering influence of institutional narratives. Through carefully composed and psychologically charged imagery\, Robins creates space for reflection on the ways people connect\, observe\, and exist within larger social structures. About the Artist: Originally from Portland\, Oregon and now based in Dayton\, Simon Robins has exhibited his work at the Dayton Society of Artists\, Rosewood Arts Center\, and The Contemporary Dayton. In 2025\, he received First Place in the Dayton Society of Artists Annual Members’ Exhibition and Second Place in The Contemporary Dayton’s Juried Members’ Exhibition. Robins earned a BA in History and Art History from Portland State University and a Master of Library and Information Studies from University of British Columbia. He currently works as a collections librarian and faculty member at the University of Dayton\, where his engagement with digital archives directly informs his artistic practice.
URL:https://downtowndayton.org/event/members-spotlight-exhibition-simon-robins-sociable/2026-06-24/
LOCATION:The Contemporary Dayton\, 25 W. Fourth St.\, Dayton\, OH\, 45402\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://downtowndayton.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/robbins.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260625
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260626
DTSTAMP:20260619T131849
CREATED:20260506T115918Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T125916Z
UID:10056025-1782345600-1782431999@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/2026-06-25/
LOCATION:The Contemporary Dayton\, 25 W. Fourth St.\, Dayton\, OH\, 45402\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://downtowndayton.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/threads.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260625
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260626
DTSTAMP:20260619T131849
CREATED:20260519T120859Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260519T120859Z
UID:10056226-1782345600-1782431999@downtowndayton.org
SUMMARY:Member’s Spotlight Exhibition: Simon Robins: Sociable
DESCRIPTION:June 5-27\, 2026 Opening Reception: June 5\, 6-8 pm The paintings in Simon Robins: Sociable\, contain imagery sourced from public domain and found photographs discovered through extensive research by the artist in digital archives. Cropping\, recoloring\, and recontextualizing these images\, Robins transforms fragments of anonymous histories into works that feel at once familiar and elusive. Robins’ practice is deeply informed by his work as a collections librarian and faculty member at University of Dayton\, where he regularly navigates institutional archives and historical image collections. By removing photographs from their original context\, his paintings invite viewers to reconsider how images shape collective memory and how archives reflect systems of power\, inclusion\, and omission. In these works\, Robins explores themes of social alienation\, belonging\, and the quiet tensions embedded within everyday interactions. His paintings evoke the visual language of post-war photography and design while raising timely questions about authorship\, historical bias\, and the lingering influence of institutional narratives. Through carefully composed and psychologically charged imagery\, Robins creates space for reflection on the ways people connect\, observe\, and exist within larger social structures. About the Artist: Originally from Portland\, Oregon and now based in Dayton\, Simon Robins has exhibited his work at the Dayton Society of Artists\, Rosewood Arts Center\, and The Contemporary Dayton. In 2025\, he received First Place in the Dayton Society of Artists Annual Members’ Exhibition and Second Place in The Contemporary Dayton’s Juried Members’ Exhibition. Robins earned a BA in History and Art History from Portland State University and a Master of Library and Information Studies from University of British Columbia. He currently works as a collections librarian and faculty member at the University of Dayton\, where his engagement with digital archives directly informs his artistic practice.
URL:https://downtowndayton.org/event/members-spotlight-exhibition-simon-robins-sociable/2026-06-25/
LOCATION:The Contemporary Dayton\, 25 W. Fourth St.\, Dayton\, OH\, 45402\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://downtowndayton.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/robbins.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260626
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260627
DTSTAMP:20260619T131849
CREATED:20260506T115918Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T125916Z
UID:10056026-1782432000-1782518399@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/2026-06-26/
LOCATION:The Contemporary Dayton\, 25 W. Fourth St.\, Dayton\, OH\, 45402\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://downtowndayton.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/threads.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260626
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260627
DTSTAMP:20260619T131849
CREATED:20260519T120859Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260519T120859Z
UID:10056227-1782432000-1782518399@downtowndayton.org
SUMMARY:Member’s Spotlight Exhibition: Simon Robins: Sociable
DESCRIPTION:June 5-27\, 2026 Opening Reception: June 5\, 6-8 pm The paintings in Simon Robins: Sociable\, contain imagery sourced from public domain and found photographs discovered through extensive research by the artist in digital archives. Cropping\, recoloring\, and recontextualizing these images\, Robins transforms fragments of anonymous histories into works that feel at once familiar and elusive. Robins’ practice is deeply informed by his work as a collections librarian and faculty member at University of Dayton\, where he regularly navigates institutional archives and historical image collections. By removing photographs from their original context\, his paintings invite viewers to reconsider how images shape collective memory and how archives reflect systems of power\, inclusion\, and omission. In these works\, Robins explores themes of social alienation\, belonging\, and the quiet tensions embedded within everyday interactions. His paintings evoke the visual language of post-war photography and design while raising timely questions about authorship\, historical bias\, and the lingering influence of institutional narratives. Through carefully composed and psychologically charged imagery\, Robins creates space for reflection on the ways people connect\, observe\, and exist within larger social structures. About the Artist: Originally from Portland\, Oregon and now based in Dayton\, Simon Robins has exhibited his work at the Dayton Society of Artists\, Rosewood Arts Center\, and The Contemporary Dayton. In 2025\, he received First Place in the Dayton Society of Artists Annual Members’ Exhibition and Second Place in The Contemporary Dayton’s Juried Members’ Exhibition. Robins earned a BA in History and Art History from Portland State University and a Master of Library and Information Studies from University of British Columbia. He currently works as a collections librarian and faculty member at the University of Dayton\, where his engagement with digital archives directly informs his artistic practice.
URL:https://downtowndayton.org/event/members-spotlight-exhibition-simon-robins-sociable/2026-06-26/
LOCATION:The Contemporary Dayton\, 25 W. Fourth St.\, Dayton\, OH\, 45402\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://downtowndayton.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/robbins.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260627
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260628
DTSTAMP:20260619T131849
CREATED:20260506T115918Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T125916Z
UID:10056027-1782518400-1782604799@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/2026-06-27/
LOCATION:The Contemporary Dayton\, 25 W. Fourth St.\, Dayton\, OH\, 45402\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://downtowndayton.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/threads.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260627
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260628
DTSTAMP:20260619T131849
CREATED:20260519T120859Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260519T120859Z
UID:10056228-1782518400-1782604799@downtowndayton.org
SUMMARY:Member’s Spotlight Exhibition: Simon Robins: Sociable
DESCRIPTION:June 5-27\, 2026 Opening Reception: June 5\, 6-8 pm The paintings in Simon Robins: Sociable\, contain imagery sourced from public domain and found photographs discovered through extensive research by the artist in digital archives. Cropping\, recoloring\, and recontextualizing these images\, Robins transforms fragments of anonymous histories into works that feel at once familiar and elusive. Robins’ practice is deeply informed by his work as a collections librarian and faculty member at University of Dayton\, where he regularly navigates institutional archives and historical image collections. By removing photographs from their original context\, his paintings invite viewers to reconsider how images shape collective memory and how archives reflect systems of power\, inclusion\, and omission. In these works\, Robins explores themes of social alienation\, belonging\, and the quiet tensions embedded within everyday interactions. His paintings evoke the visual language of post-war photography and design while raising timely questions about authorship\, historical bias\, and the lingering influence of institutional narratives. Through carefully composed and psychologically charged imagery\, Robins creates space for reflection on the ways people connect\, observe\, and exist within larger social structures. About the Artist: Originally from Portland\, Oregon and now based in Dayton\, Simon Robins has exhibited his work at the Dayton Society of Artists\, Rosewood Arts Center\, and The Contemporary Dayton. In 2025\, he received First Place in the Dayton Society of Artists Annual Members’ Exhibition and Second Place in The Contemporary Dayton’s Juried Members’ Exhibition. Robins earned a BA in History and Art History from Portland State University and a Master of Library and Information Studies from University of British Columbia. He currently works as a collections librarian and faculty member at the University of Dayton\, where his engagement with digital archives directly informs his artistic practice.
URL:https://downtowndayton.org/event/members-spotlight-exhibition-simon-robins-sociable/2026-06-27/
LOCATION:The Contemporary Dayton\, 25 W. Fourth St.\, Dayton\, OH\, 45402\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://downtowndayton.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/robbins.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260701
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260702
DTSTAMP:20260619T131849
CREATED:20260506T115918Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T125916Z
UID:10056028-1782864000-1782950399@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/2026-07-01/
LOCATION:The Contemporary Dayton\, 25 W. Fourth St.\, Dayton\, OH\, 45402\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://downtowndayton.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/threads.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260701
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260702
DTSTAMP:20260619T131849
CREATED:20260603T141146Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T141146Z
UID:10059301-1782864000-1782950399@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/2026-07-01/
LOCATION:The Contemporary Dayton\, 25 W. Fourth St.\, Dayton\, OH\, 45402\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://downtowndayton.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/johnson.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260702
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260703
DTSTAMP:20260619T131849
CREATED:20260506T115918Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T125916Z
UID:10056029-1782950400-1783036799@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/2026-07-02/
LOCATION:The Contemporary Dayton\, 25 W. Fourth St.\, Dayton\, OH\, 45402\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://downtowndayton.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/threads.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260702
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260703
DTSTAMP:20260619T131849
CREATED:20260603T141146Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T141146Z
UID:10059302-1782950400-1783036799@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/2026-07-02/
LOCATION:The Contemporary Dayton\, 25 W. Fourth St.\, Dayton\, OH\, 45402\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://downtowndayton.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/johnson.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260702T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260702T200000
DTSTAMP:20260619T131849
CREATED:20260406T173924Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T132537Z
UID:10055617-1783011600-1783022400@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/2026-07-02/
LOCATION:The Contemporary Dayton\, 25 W. Fourth St.\, Dayton\, OH\, 45402\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://downtowndayton.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/collage.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260703
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260704
DTSTAMP:20260619T131849
CREATED:20260506T115918Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T125916Z
UID:10056030-1783036800-1783123199@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/2026-07-03/
LOCATION:The Contemporary Dayton\, 25 W. Fourth St.\, Dayton\, OH\, 45402\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://downtowndayton.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/threads.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260703
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260704
DTSTAMP:20260619T131849
CREATED:20260603T141146Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T141146Z
UID:10059303-1783036800-1783123199@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/2026-07-03/
LOCATION:The Contemporary Dayton\, 25 W. Fourth St.\, Dayton\, OH\, 45402\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://downtowndayton.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/johnson.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260704
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260705
DTSTAMP:20260619T131849
CREATED:20260506T115918Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T125916Z
UID:10056031-1783123200-1783209599@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/2026-07-04/
LOCATION:The Contemporary Dayton\, 25 W. Fourth St.\, Dayton\, OH\, 45402\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://downtowndayton.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/threads.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260704
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260705
DTSTAMP:20260619T131849
CREATED:20260603T141146Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T141146Z
UID:10059304-1783123200-1783209599@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/2026-07-04/
LOCATION:The Contemporary Dayton\, 25 W. Fourth St.\, Dayton\, OH\, 45402\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://downtowndayton.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/johnson.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260708
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260709
DTSTAMP:20260619T131849
CREATED:20260506T115918Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T125916Z
UID:10056032-1783468800-1783555199@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/2026-07-08/
LOCATION:The Contemporary Dayton\, 25 W. Fourth St.\, Dayton\, OH\, 45402\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://downtowndayton.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/threads.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260708
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260709
DTSTAMP:20260619T131849
CREATED:20260603T141146Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T141146Z
UID:10059305-1783468800-1783555199@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/2026-07-08/
LOCATION:The Contemporary Dayton\, 25 W. Fourth St.\, Dayton\, OH\, 45402\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://downtowndayton.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/johnson.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260709
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260710
DTSTAMP:20260619T131849
CREATED:20260506T115918Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T125916Z
UID:10056033-1783555200-1783641599@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/2026-07-09/
LOCATION:The Contemporary Dayton\, 25 W. Fourth St.\, Dayton\, OH\, 45402\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://downtowndayton.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/threads.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260709
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260710
DTSTAMP:20260619T131849
CREATED:20260603T141146Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T141146Z
UID:10059306-1783555200-1783641599@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/2026-07-09/
LOCATION:The Contemporary Dayton\, 25 W. Fourth St.\, Dayton\, OH\, 45402\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://downtowndayton.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/johnson.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260710
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260711
DTSTAMP:20260619T131849
CREATED:20260506T115918Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T125916Z
UID:10056034-1783641600-1783727999@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/2026-07-10/
LOCATION:The Contemporary Dayton\, 25 W. Fourth St.\, Dayton\, OH\, 45402\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://downtowndayton.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/threads.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260710
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260711
DTSTAMP:20260619T131849
CREATED:20260603T141146Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T141146Z
UID:10059307-1783641600-1783727999@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/2026-07-10/
LOCATION:The Contemporary Dayton\, 25 W. Fourth St.\, Dayton\, OH\, 45402\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://downtowndayton.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/johnson.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260711
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260712
DTSTAMP:20260619T131849
CREATED:20260506T115918Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T125916Z
UID:10056035-1783728000-1783814399@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/2026-07-11/
LOCATION:The Contemporary Dayton\, 25 W. Fourth St.\, Dayton\, OH\, 45402\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://downtowndayton.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/threads.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260711
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260712
DTSTAMP:20260619T131849
CREATED:20260603T141146Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T141146Z
UID:10059308-1783728000-1783814399@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/2026-07-11/
LOCATION:The Contemporary Dayton\, 25 W. Fourth St.\, Dayton\, OH\, 45402\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://downtowndayton.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/johnson.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260715
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260716
DTSTAMP:20260619T131849
CREATED:20260506T115918Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T125916Z
UID:10056036-1784073600-1784159999@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/2026-07-15/
LOCATION:The Contemporary Dayton\, 25 W. Fourth St.\, Dayton\, OH\, 45402\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://downtowndayton.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/threads.jpg
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