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
2026 Fine Art Faculty Exhibition Featuring Kevin Harris
Friday, September 11 2026
Sinclair Community College’s annual Fine Art Faculty Exhibition will usher in the beginning of the 2026-2027 academic year.
Fighters for Freedom: William H. Johnson Picturing Justice
Friday, September 11 2026
William 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.
Getting Technical: Alternative Photographic Processes
Friday, September 11 2026
This 2026 FotoFocus Biennial exhibition examines ways artists have used historical, non-traditional or experimental processes to make unusual and strange photographs - often through adjustments to chemistry.
HWD 2026
Friday, September 11 2026
20th Annual Height, Width, Depth (HWD) Juried Sculpture Exhibition
Looking for Japan: Early Japanese Photography
Friday, September 11 2026
The Meiji period (1868–1912) encompassed great change, as traditional institutions gave way to political and social upheavals, along with the Westernization of aspects of Japanese culture.
Member's Spotlight Exhibition: Deanna Newsom: Garden Parallax
Friday, September 11 2026
The Member’s Spotlight Exhibitions at The Contemporary Dayton celebrate the vibrant creativity of our local and regional artist community.
Threads of History: Quilts by Carolyn Mazloomi
Friday, September 11 2026
Threads of History: Quilts by Carolyn Mazloomi is a landmark solo exhibition by award-winning artist, historian, and curator Dr. Carolyn Mazloomi.
Art Encounters Saturday Art Hops
Saturday, September 12 2026
Art Encounters at Front Street is open every Saturday 11-4!! We are a co-op gallery featuring the artwork of 14 local artists. Art Hops are always free, family friendly and leashed pets are welcome
Dayton Annual Block Party
Saturday, September 12 2026
Join us for the free Dayton Block Party on Sept. 12 from 3–7 PM! Enjoy live music, 80+ local vendors, food trucks, kids’ activities and a Car Cruise-In from 4–6 PM at 313 Linden Ave., Dayton.
Fighters for Freedom Guided Tour
Saturday, September 12 2026
Step into powerful storytelling at the Dayton Art Institute with a special guided tour of Fighters for Freedom: William H. Johnson Picturing Justice. Registration is required.
People's Banner Workshop with Migiwa Orimo
Saturday, September 12 2026
Yellow Springs–based artist Migiwa Orimo will lead an activation of her ongoing People’s Banner Workshop, which provides free visual aids including banners, signs and props, for direct action, protest rallies & picket lines.
Saturday Morning Community Tour
Saturday, September 12 2026
This guided tour of the permanent galleries invites you to explore artworks through unexpected perspectives that connect art, culture and the world around us.
We're Doing It ALL Wrong® - 6th Annual Art Exhibition
Saturday, September 12 2026
The We're Doing It ALL Wrong® - 6th Annual art exhibiton Public Reception will be held on Saturday, August 8th from 2pm-4pm.
5 After 5 at the Museum
Thursday, September 17 2026
The Dayton Art Institute (DAI) invites you to join us for 5 After 5, a NEW discounted evening at the museum on select Thursdays in July, August and September from 5 to 8 PM.
Dayton Art Institute: Special Interest Tour – The Art of the Pitch- A Singles Tour
Saturday, September 19 2026
This singles event gets a creative twist! Instead of the usual introductions, your friends take the spotlight by “pitching” you to the group with handpicked artworks that capture your vibe, personality, or sense of humor.
Art Lunch at Rosewood Arts Center
Thursday, September 24 2026
Art Lunch at Rosewood Arts Center - every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month!
Ella Kraimer: Appearances
Friday, September 25 2026
Photographic staged self-portraits exploring fictional identities shaped through irony, humor, and cultural critique.
Stacy Kranitz: Ain't No Grave Gonna Hold My Body Down
Friday, September 25 2026
A complex portrait of Appalachia shaped by myth, exploitation, and resilience in over 75 photographs.
Artist Feedback Forum
Saturday, September 26 2026
To build community and foster the sharing of ideas, The Contemporary Dayton offers an Artist's Feedback Forum for Artist Members. Bring a finished work or a work of art in progress to receive constructive feedback.
Rosewood Gallery Book Club
Monday, September 28 2026
V.E. Schwab’s “The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue”
Storytelling & Collage Night
Thursday, October 01 2026
Presented in conjunction with Ella Kraimer's current exhibition, Appearances. No experience necessary to participate. FREE and open to all.
First Friday Art Hop and Saturday Open Studios at Front Street
Friday, October 02 2026
Explore 150+ artists, studios, vintage vendors, food trucks, and more at Front Street's First Friday Hart Hop and Saturday open studios
Business of Art
Saturday, October 03 2026
A Member Exclusive Event! Come to The Contemporary Dayton to learn the business side of fine art. Open to all current Members of The Contemporary Dayton. To become a Member, visit https://codayton.org/support/memberships/
Museums on Us at the Dayton Art Institute
Saturday, October 03 2026
The Dayton Art Institute continues its participation in the Bank of America Museums on Us® program. Bank of America and Merrill Lynch cardholders get free general admission during the first full weekend of each month.
Member's Spotlight Exhibition: Elham Bayati
Wednesday, October 07 2026
October's Member's Spotlight Exhibition features artist Elham Bayati and their recent work.
Guided Tours
Thursday, October 08 2026
Join us for a closer look at the exhibition, with fresh insights into the artists currently on view and their work. FREE and open to all.
