Art Exhibits around Dayton

From pop-up exhibits to Dayton area art galleries and special exhibitions at The Dayton Art Institute.

Art Exhibits in Dayton

Dayton Printmakers Cooperative: Dayton/Kyoto Invitational

Dayton Printmakers Cooperative: Dayton/Kyoto Invitational

Sunday, December 14 2025

The Dayton/Kyoto Invitational is an international print exchange between the Dayton Printmaker’s Cooperative and Gen Studio Group in Kyoto, Japan, which has been taking place since 2003. The 2025 theme is "Water."

Engaged: Rings from around the World

Engaged: Rings from around the World

Sunday, December 14 2025

Throughout human history, people have loved putting things on their fingers. Often made with precious materials, they serve a wide range of purposes, from enhancing one’s appearance and indicating social status.

Strange Worlds: Photographs by Jay Hoops

Strange Worlds: Photographs by Jay Hoops

Sunday, December 14 2025

For commercial and fine art photographer Jay Hoops, exploration and experimentation drove her work using Polaroid format to create dreamy, atmospheric scenes. This exhibition is exclusive to the Dayton Art Institute.

The Triumph of Nature: Art Nouveau from the Chrysler Museum of Art

The Triumph of Nature: Art Nouveau from the Chrysler Museum of Art

Sunday, December 14 2025

From the rich holdings of the Chrysler Museum of Art, view 120 Art Nouveau treasures by Tiffany, Mucha, Gallé, Beardsley, and many others. The DAI is the exclusive Ohio venue for this traveling exhibit. Oct 18–Jan 11

Themes in Yoshitoshi’s 100 Aspects of the Moon

Themes in Yoshitoshi’s 100 Aspects of the Moon

Sunday, December 14 2025

One of the outstanding series in the history of Japanese woodblock prints, Tsukioka Yoshitoshi’s 100 Aspects of the Moon is the culmination of the artist’s career.

Eden Quispe X Denny Gerwin

Eden Quispe X Denny Gerwin

Monday, December 15 2025

Solo Exhibitions at Rosewood Arts Center

Plus One art exhibit at Springboro Performing Arts Center

Plus One art exhibit at Springboro Performing Arts Center

Monday, December 15 2025

“Plus One” showcases artists working in their signature mediums—plus one piece created outside their usual practice. Meet the artists 1 - 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7.

Member's Spotlight Exhibition: Lori Daugherty: Bold Whispers

Member's Spotlight Exhibition: Lori Daugherty: Bold Whispers

Wednesday, December 17 2025

Dayton based, self taught abstract artist, Lori Daugherty, enjoys exploring and experimenting with the elusive encaustic medium. She finds that the encaustic medium provides a wealth of depth, breath, and texture.

Xaviera Simmons: Figure Eleven

Xaviera Simmons: Figure Eleven

Wednesday, December 17 2025

The Contemporary Dayton is proud to present Xaviera Simmons: Figure Eleven, a major solo exhibition bringing together recent works in photography, painting, video, and the world premiere of a new body of bronze sculptures.

Open Studio Sessions

Open Studio Sessions

Thursday, December 18 2025

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.

Last Minute Holiday Artwork Sale

Last Minute Holiday Artwork Sale

Friday, December 19 2025

Finish your Holiday shopping with the gift of Art. Dozens of local artists will have artwork, jewelry and more available for you to complete your gift giving for the season.

Dayton Art Institute Special Interest Tour – Food Tour

Dayton Art Institute Special Interest Tour – Food Tour

Saturday, December 20 2025

DAI’s Special Interest Tours are community tours with specialized themes! Explore the museum and invoke your creative spirit following the tour with a quick, make-and-take art activity.

Saturday Community Tours at the Dayton Art Institute

Saturday Community Tours at the Dayton Art Institute

Saturday, December 20 2025

Explore the museum and learn more with guided tours of our museum galleries!

Closing Reception: Lori Daugherty: Bold Whispers

Closing Reception: Lori Daugherty: Bold Whispers

Saturday, December 27 2025

Enjoy this final opportunity to see new work by Lori Daugherty. Lori Daugherty: Bold Whispers brings together a series of intimate encaustic works in which color, wax, and heat converge to form small but potent moments.

DAI Dialogues Tour at the Dayton Art Institute

DAI Dialogues Tour at the Dayton Art Institute

Saturday, December 27 2025

Connect with your community in an enriching way through DAI Dialogues.

Call for Entries

Call for Entries

Saturday, January 03 2026

Works on Paper Juried Exhibition

Jason Cytacki, Haley Prestifilippo, and Yoshiko Shimano Exhibit Artwork at Sinclair Community College

Jason Cytacki, Haley Prestifilippo, and Yoshiko Shimano Exhibit Artwork at Sinclair Community College

Monday, January 05 2026

The Sinclair Community College Art Department is pleased to present “Knickknacks” by Jason Cytacki and Haley Prestifilippo along with “Lasting Memories” by Yoshiko Shimano in Sinclair's Art Galleries.

Member's Spotlight Exhibition: Dan Cleary: Five Views of Ohio

Member's Spotlight Exhibition: Dan Cleary: Five Views of Ohio

Wednesday, January 07 2026

Dan Cleary is a professional and fine art photographer based in Dayton, Ohio, who has been creating images for many years. He has an MFA from Cranbrook Academy of Art, and is known for his thoughtful, evocative photography.

Members' Appreciation Happy Hour

Members' Appreciation Happy Hour

Thursday, January 08 2026

As a special perk of membership, The Contemporary Dayton invites you to our Quarterly Members’ Happy Hour—an exclusive opportunity to unwind with fellow art enthusiasts in a vibrant, creative setting.

Collectibles shopping Spree show. Fairfield Commons Mall Beavercreek,oh

Collectibles shopping Spree show. Fairfield Commons Mall Beavercreek,oh

Saturday, January 10 2026

Get ready! Collectibles Shopping Spree Show! At the Fairfield Commons Mall in BeaverCreek, Oh. 1st floor near Buckle. Near BJ's,and Tokyo Grill main Entrance! Great dealers!

Guided Tours

Guided Tours

Saturday, January 10 2026

Join us for an inside look at the exhibition, with fresh insights into the artist and her work. FREE and open to all.

Photowalk

Photowalk

Saturday, January 10 2026

Explore downtown Dayton through your lens, using anything from a camera phone to a box camera, and anything in between. Join fellow artists and photography enthusiasts for a guided walk inspired by Xaviera Simmons.

Neurographic Water Color Experience

Neurographic Water Color Experience

Wednesday, January 14 2026

Join us for a relaxing and creative evening at the Neurographic Watercolor Experience, led by talented local artist Matthew Burgy.

Closing Reception: Xaviera Simmons: Figure Eleven

Closing Reception: Xaviera Simmons: Figure Eleven

Saturday, January 24 2026

Light Refreshments and a final chance to view the exhibition. 4-6 pm

In Small Measure

In Small Measure

Friday, February 13 2026

Join the Live Sale Event for $35 or come early to the $135-per-duo Preview Party for first access to a wall-to-wall installation of original 4×6 works created by artists from Dayton and across the country—$100 each.

Events Calendar

Featured Events

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