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
Wednesday, September 23 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
Wednesday, September 23 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
Wednesday, September 23 2026
The Member’s Spotlight Exhibitions at The Contemporary Dayton celebrate the vibrant creativity of our local and regional artist community.
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.
Art Encounters Saturday Art Hops
Saturday, September 26 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
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.
Saturday Morning Community Tour
Saturday, September 26 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 26 2026
The We're Doing It ALL Wrong® - 6th Annual art exhibiton Public Reception will be held on Saturday, August 8th from 2pm-4pm.
“Domestic Affair” by Katria Foster
Saturday, September 26 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.
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.
Plein Air at the Street Fair
Saturday, October 03 2026
Join us on October 3, 2026, for a day of Plein Air at the Street Fair with food trucks, vendor booths, & music. The adult plein air requires registration for participation. The children's plein air is Free!
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.
Dayton Studio Tour
Saturday, October 10 2026
The Contemporary Dayton is proud to present the 2026 Dayton Studio Tour, offering the community a unique opportunity to visit working studios, meet local artists, and experience the creative process firsthand.
Collage Night
Thursday, October 15 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.
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.
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.
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
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
