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

Bartosz Beda and Ellen Moore Osborne Exhibit Artwork at Sinclair Community College

Bartosz Beda and Ellen Moore Osborne Exhibit Artwork at Sinclair Community College

Friday, November 13 2026

The Sinclair Community College Art Department is pleased to present “Owing to the Absence: Selections” by Bartosz Beda along with “The Architecture of Memory” by Ellen Moore Osborne.

Ella Kraimer: Appearances

Ella Kraimer: Appearances

Friday, November 13 2026

Photographic staged self-portraits exploring fictional identities shaped through irony, humor, and cultural critique.

Kreative Korner: Annual Christmas Bazaar @ St. Leonard

Kreative Korner: Annual Christmas Bazaar @ St. Leonard

Friday, November 13 2026

St. Leonard Retirement Community will be holding its annual Christmas Bazaar on Friday and Saturday and the public is invited! The bazaar is a highly anticipated event for the residents and members of the surrounding commun

Looking for Japan: Early Japanese Photography

Looking for Japan: Early Japanese Photography

Friday, November 13 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: Michael Hicks: Fragments for Memory

Member's Spotlight Exhibition: Michael Hicks: Fragments for Memory

Friday, November 13 2026

The Contemporary Dayton's Member's Spotlight Exhibition for November is Michael Hicks. Opening Reception: November 4, 6-8 pm

Springboro Art Gallery features Brian Mathus

Springboro Art Gallery features Brian Mathus

Friday, November 13 2026

Brian Mathus, an abstract figurative artist, uses acrylic, oil and wood canvas. Meet the artist at a reception, 5 - 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13 in the gallery.

Stacy Kranitz: Ain't No Grave Gonna Hold My Body Down

Stacy Kranitz: Ain't No Grave Gonna Hold My Body Down

Friday, November 13 2026

A complex portrait of Appalachia shaped by myth, exploitation, and resilience in over 75 photographs.

Wall Power! Spectacular Quilts from the American Folk Art Museum

Wall Power! Spectacular Quilts from the American Folk Art Museum

Friday, November 13 2026

Quilts are America’s great art experiment: monumental compositions in color, pattern, geometry and representation, and traditionally, quilts are made mostly by women.

A Holiday Affair

A Holiday Affair

Saturday, November 14 2026

Explore a variety of handcrafted gift-giving items created by local vendors—just in time for holiday gifting! With 50 vendors onsite, you will be sure to find perfect items for your special people in your life!

Art For All Day - FREE ADMISSION at Dayton Art Institute

Art For All Day - FREE ADMISSION at Dayton Art Institute

Saturday, November 14 2026

During “Art For All” Days, the Dayton Art Institute offers free admission to all museum guests, including special and focus collections.

Frame of Mind Special Interest Tour

Frame of Mind Special Interest Tour

Saturday, November 14 2026

Explore the art beyond the artwork with Frame of Mind, a special interest tour at the Dayton Art Institute! Discover the fascinating art history behind the frames that surround and enhance works of art.

Good Book: Bible Stories from the Collection

Good Book: Bible Stories from the Collection

Saturday, November 14 2026

For hundreds of years, the Bible has been the most-printed and best-selling book in the world. It has served as a continual inspiration for visual art.

Guided Tours

Guided Tours

Saturday, November 14 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.

Saturday Morning Community Tour

Saturday Morning Community Tour

Saturday, November 14 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.

Collage Night

Collage Night

Thursday, November 19 2026

Come get creative in a relaxed gallery setting. No experience necessary. Free for Members of The Contemporary Dayton, $10 at the door for non-Members.

Art21 Screening: Human Nature

Art21 Screening: Human Nature

Friday, November 20 2026

A screening of the Art21 episode “Human Nature.” Hosted by The Contemporary Dayton & Art21 Screening Society. Attendance is limited. Free and open to all with registration. This event is presented in collaboration with Art2

"Wall Power!" Spectacular Quilts Special Exhibition Tour

"Wall Power!" Spectacular Quilts Special Exhibition Tour

Saturday, November 21 2026

Join us for a special community tour of "Wall Power!" Spectacular Quilts from the American Folk Art Museum at the Dayton Art Institute! Discover the artistry, creativity and stories woven into these stunning quilts.

Artist Feedback Forum

Artist Feedback Forum

Saturday, November 21 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.

James Terrell X Sally Blair

James Terrell X Sally Blair

Monday, November 23 2026

Exhibition at Rosewood Arts Center

Christkindl Market at Front Street

Christkindl Market at Front Street

Saturday, November 28 2026

Shop small and local this holiday season! Bring your friends and family to Front Street’s 8th Annual Christkindl Market to buy unique, one-of-a-kind gifts from local artists and artisans! Dress up for FREE selfies with Santa!

First Friday Art Hop and Saturday Open Studios at Front Street

First Friday Art Hop and Saturday Open Studios at Front Street

Friday, December 04 2026

Explore 150+ artists, studios, vintage vendors, food trucks, and more at Front Street's First Friday Hart Hop and Saturday open studios

A Rosewood Holiday Arts Festival

A Rosewood Holiday Arts Festival

Saturday, December 05 2026

The Rosewood Holiday Sale is back this December to help you get creative with your holiday shopping and discover all that Rosewood Arts Center has to offer.

Angel House Christmas Bazaar

Angel House Christmas Bazaar

Saturday, December 05 2026

Unique gifts by 35+ artisans. A la carte lunch. Cookie Walk-cookies sold by the pound. To benefit Angel House Children's Home and School in Tanzania.

Eaton Boosters Annual Holiday Craft Show & Music Festival

Eaton Boosters Annual Holiday Craft Show & Music Festival

Saturday, December 05 2026

3 gyms with over 75 vendors. Musical performances throughout the day. Concession, bake sale, raffle, silent auction.

Museums on Us at the Dayton Art Institute

Museums on Us at the Dayton Art Institute

Saturday, December 05 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.

Art Lunch at Rosewood Arts Center

Art Lunch at Rosewood Arts Center

Thursday, December 10 2026

Art Lunch at Rosewood Arts Center - every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month!

Art Start Preschool Story Time

Art Start Preschool Story Time

Thursday, December 10 2026

Art Start Preschool Story Time

Holiday Pottery Sale

Holiday Pottery Sale

Friday, December 11 2026

Join us for John Bryan Community Pottery’s Annual Holiday Sale! Now running all weekend long, our annual holiday sale hosts a vast array of styles from our diverse group of studio member potters

Events Calendar

Featured Events

Send Us A Note

While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information on Dayton Local, we cannot guarantee its completeness or absence of errors. Your use of this website signifies your acceptance of our terms & conditions. To report any inaccuracies or provide feedback, please send us a note. Thank you.