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

Getting Technical: Alternative Photographic Processes

Getting Technical: Alternative Photographic Processes

Sunday, October 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.

Looking for Japan: Early Japanese Photography

Looking for Japan: Early Japanese Photography

Sunday, October 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.

FotoFocus Biennial

FotoFocus Biennial

Monday, October 12 2026

The Long View Exhibition at Rosewood Arts Center

INSPIRE

INSPIRE

Monday, October 12 2026

4th Annual Rosewood Faculty Exhibition

“Domestic Affair” by Katria Foster

“Domestic Affair” by Katria Foster

Monday, October 12 2026

The Sinclair Community College Art Department is pleased to present “Domestic Affair” by Katria Foster in the Burnell R. Roberts Triangle Gallery and “The Death of You and Me” by Emily Wiethorn in the Works on Paper Gallery.

Call for Holiday Giftables, Ornaments & Decor

Call for Holiday Giftables, Ornaments & Decor

Wednesday, October 14 2026

For the holiday season, we are currently seeking artist- and artisan-created items, ornaments, and décor for consignment.

Ella Kraimer: Appearances

Ella Kraimer: Appearances

Wednesday, October 14 2026

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

Member's Spotlight Exhibition: Elham Bayati: Where Memory Blooms

Member's Spotlight Exhibition: Elham Bayati: Where Memory Blooms

Wednesday, October 14 2026

October's Member's Spotlight Exhibition features artist Elham Bayati and her recent work.

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

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

Wednesday, October 14 2026

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

"Wall Power!" Spectacular Quilts Special Exhibition Tour

"Wall Power!" Spectacular Quilts Special Exhibition Tour

Saturday, October 17 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 Talk: Stacy Kranitz in conversation with author and professor Andrew Milward

Artist Talk: Stacy Kranitz in conversation with author and professor Andrew Milward

Saturday, October 17 2026

Join us for an in-person conversation with the artist Stacy Kranitz in conversation with author and professor Andrew Milward.

Harvest and Glow Festival

Harvest and Glow Festival

Saturday, October 17 2026

Parks and Recreation is launching a brand-new Harvest and Glow Festival on October 17th, 2026 from 2pm-9pm! Gather your family and friends and experience a day packed with fall traditions and community spirit!

Saturday Morning Community Tour

Saturday Morning Community Tour

Saturday, October 17 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.

Wall Power! Spectacular Quilts from the American Folk Art Museum

Wall Power! Spectacular Quilts from the American Folk Art Museum

Saturday, October 17 2026

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

UDOLLI Arts Open House

UDOLLI Arts Open House

Wednesday, October 21 2026

Discover UDOLLI at our Arts Open House! Enjoy an evening of creativity, community, and lifelong learning. Free and open to everyone, with light refreshments provided. Bring a friend and experience UDOLLI!

5 After 5 at the Museum

5 After 5 at the Museum

Thursday, October 22 2026

We invite you to join us for 5 After 5, a NEW discounted evening at the museum on select Thursdays from 5 to 8 PM. Enjoy museum admission for just $5 and spend your evening in the galleries!

Art Lunch at Rosewood Arts Center

Art Lunch at Rosewood Arts Center

Thursday, October 22 2026

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

Exhibition Speaker Series: "Looking for Japan"

Exhibition Speaker Series: "Looking for Japan"

Thursday, October 22 2026

Join curators Dr. Mariah Postlewait and Dr. Peter Doebler for a gallery talk on the Focus Exhibition "Looking for Japan: Early Japanese Photography." Get your ticket today and reserve your spot for this learning opportunity.

Pottery & Pints Fall Fundraiser

Pottery & Pints Fall Fundraiser

Friday, October 23 2026

Support Pottery education in our community at our Fall Fundraiser! Select from a variety of pottery for purchase, bid on silent auction items and enjoy a pint with friends! Free to attend.

Special Interest Tour: Spooky Tour

Special Interest Tour: Spooky Tour

Saturday, October 24 2026

Step into the shadows for the third annual Spooky Special Tour at the Dayton Art Institute! Explore the darker, stranger and more mysterious side of our collection. Find fascinating tales hidden within the artwork!

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 06 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.

First Friday Art Hop and Saturday Open Studios at Front Street

First Friday Art Hop and Saturday Open Studios at Front Street

Friday, November 06 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

Museums on Us at the Dayton Art Institute

Saturday, November 07 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 Start Preschool Story Time

Art Start Preschool Story Time

Thursday, November 12 2026

Art Start Preschool Story Time

Artist Talk: Ella Kraimer

Artist Talk: Ella Kraimer

Thursday, November 12 2026

Join us for an in-person conversation with the artist Ella Kraimer. Led by Interim Director and Chief Curator, Heather Jones.

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

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.

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