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
All the World’s a Stage
Sunday, July 12 2026
Across cultures, the performing arts—drama, dance, music—have entertained and educated, bringing people together in communal spaces to celebrate and question what it means to be human.
Fighters for Freedom: William H. Johnson Picturing Justice
Sunday, July 12 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.
Liz Quay, Jayne Struble, and Kathy McGhee Exhibit Artwork at Sinclair Community College
Monday, July 13 2026
The Sinclair Community College Art Department is pleased to present artwork by Liz Quay & Jayne Struble in the Burnell R. Roberts Triangle Gallery, along with artwork by Kathy McGhee in the Works on Paper Gallery.
Summer Art Camp - Dayton Art Institute (Grades 3-5)
Monday, July 13 2026
Introduce your children to the world of art through Summer Art Camps at the DAI. Campers explore the museum with fun gallery games, new interdisciplinary art lessons, creative art projects and more.
Niki Johnson: PIllars of Democracy
Wednesday, July 15 2026
Niki Johnson: Pillars of Democracy is an exhibition of four large-scale collaged portraits envisioning Lady Liberty, Justice, Freedom, and Forward progress, showcasing the central role of women in the democratic process.
Threads of History: Quilts by Carolyn Mazloomi
Wednesday, July 15 2026
Threads of History: Quilts by Carolyn Mazloomi is a landmark solo exhibition by award-winning artist, historian, and curator Dr. Carolyn Mazloomi.
Collage Night
Thursday, July 16 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.
Guided Tours
Thursday, July 16 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.
Art Encounters Saturday Art Hops
Saturday, July 18 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
Fighters for Freedom Guided Tour
Saturday, July 18 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.
Getting Technical: Alternative Photographic Processes
Saturday, July 18 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.
Saturday Morning Community Tour
Saturday, July 18 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.
Summer Art Camp - Dayton Art Institute (Grades 1-2)
Monday, July 20 2026
Introduce your children to the world of art! Campers explore the museum with fun gallery games, new interdisciplinary art lessons, creative art projects and more.
Art Lunch at Rosewood Arts Center
Thursday, July 23 2026
Art Lunch at Rosewood Arts Center - every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month!
35th Anniversary Open House
Saturday, July 25 2026
Come celebrate 35 years of The Contemporary Dayton with a relaxed open house for friends, artists, and neighbors.
Special Interest Tour – How’s the Weather? - Dayton Art Institute
Saturday, July 25 2026
DAI’s Special Interest Tours are community tours with specialized themes! Explore the museum and make new connections! Invoke your creative spirit following the tour with a quick, make-and-take art activity.
Art in Bloom: DAI Signature Event
Thursday, July 30 2026
Art in Bloom offers a unique blend of elegance, inspiration and summertime joy. Stroll among floral arrangements inspired by masterpieces from the DAI permanent collection. Tickets go on sale June 18.
Community Workshop with Niki Johnson
Saturday, August 01 2026
Designed for teens and adults, this interactive workshop invites participants to explore identity, voice, and civic engagement through art-making and conversation. Led by artist Niki Johnson.
Dayton Art Institute: Special Interest Tour – The Art of the Pitch- A Singles Tour
Saturday, August 01 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.
First Friday Art Hop and Saturday Open Studios at Front Street
Saturday, August 01 2026
Explore 150+ artists, studios, vintage vendors, food trucks, and more at Front Street's First Friday Hart Hop and Saturday open studios
Museums on Us at the Dayton Art Institute
Saturday, August 01 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.
Artist Feedback Forum
Saturday, August 15 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.
Etown Shakedown Music & Arts Festival
Saturday, August 15 2026
The Fourth Annual E-Town Shakedown Music & Arts Festival is a family-friendly celebration of live music, local art, food, and community!
Jefferson Township Day
Saturday, August 22 2026
Jefferson Township Day is back, and we're inviting our community to help make this year's celebration bigger than ever!
