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 Sinclair Community College Graduating Fine Art Students’ Portfolio Exhibition

2026 Sinclair Community College Graduating Fine Art Students’ Portfolio Exhibition

Wednesday, May 06 2026

The Sinclair Community College Art Department is pleased to present works by the 2026 graduating class.

Celebrating America250 in Centerville & Washington Township exhibit

Celebrating America250 in Centerville & Washington Township exhibit

Wednesday, May 06 2026

A new exhibit at the Asahel Wright Museum, “Celebrating America 250 In Centerville and Washington Township,” is now OPEN. Discover how our community celebrations have changed over the years since our nation's founding.

Exploring Feminism

Exploring Feminism

Wednesday, May 06 2026

Presenting feminist artwork from the newly acquired Sara M. and Michelle Vance Waddell Collection, this three-part, rotating exhibition will demystify the origins, history and commitments of the feminist movement.

Jamea Richmond-Edwards: Leviathan

Jamea Richmond-Edwards: Leviathan

Wednesday, May 06 2026

The Contemporary Dayton is proud to present Leviathan, a film by interdisciplinary artist Jamea Richmond-Edwards. Known for her monumental paintings and mixed-media collages informed by mythology.

Jason REVOK: Mutually Exclusive

Jason REVOK: Mutually Exclusive

Wednesday, May 06 2026

The Contemporary Dayton is proud to present new paintings by Jason REVOK. Self-taught, REVOK is known for pushing creative boundaries that began in the street.

Kiln It

Kiln It

Wednesday, May 06 2026

The Art of the Cup Exhibition at the Rosewood Arts Center Community Gallery

Member's Spotlight Exhibition: Teresa Olavarria: Lichen

Member's Spotlight Exhibition: Teresa Olavarria: Lichen

Wednesday, May 06 2026

Dayton-based artist Teresa Olavarria translates these ephemeral organisms into enduring materials, using vitreous enamel on copper and patinated cast bronze to echo their textures and colors.

Nathaniel Foley x Mina Kim

Nathaniel Foley x Mina Kim

Wednesday, May 06 2026

Solo Exhibitions at Rosewood Arts Center

Paul Verdell: Tabernacle

Paul Verdell: Tabernacle

Wednesday, May 06 2026

The Contemporary Dayton is proud to present a new body of work by Paul Verdell. In these gestural paintings, Verdell continues his exploration of loose and instinctive mark making, working with paint and collaged elements.

Symbols of Hope: Eunshin Khang

Symbols of Hope: Eunshin Khang

Wednesday, May 06 2026

The paintings of Eunshin Khang invite dialogue. This may be dialogue with family and friends, dialogue across cultures or dialogue on a spiritual level, conversing with the life of faith.

Tony Foster, Exploring Time: A Painter’s Perspective

Tony Foster, Exploring Time: A Painter’s Perspective

Wednesday, May 06 2026

In a world where environmental change is often conveyed through striking images of global warming, Foster offers a different perspective, one that considers Earth’s continual evolution and the visible traces of time’s passage

Collaboration of Colors

Collaboration of Colors

Thursday, May 07 2026

View artwork from 4 pairings of artists who have collaborated in their own unique ways but all start with the common theme of color

A Conversation with Jason REVOK and Mike Giant

A Conversation with Jason REVOK and Mike Giant

Saturday, May 09 2026

An artist talk with artist Jason REVOK led by Dayton-based artist Mike Giant. FREE and open to all

Art Encounters Saturday Art Hops

Art Encounters Saturday Art Hops

Saturday, May 09 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

Saturday Morning Community Tour

Saturday Morning Community Tour

Saturday, May 09 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.

Art Lunch at Rosewood Arts Center

Art Lunch at Rosewood Arts Center

Thursday, May 14 2026

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

Collage Night

Collage Night

Thursday, May 14 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

Guided Tours

Thursday, May 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.

All the World’s a Stage

All the World’s a Stage

Saturday, May 16 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.

Botany Tour at the Dayton Art Institute

Botany Tour at the Dayton Art Institute

Saturday, May 16 2026

Join us at the DAI for our Special Interest Botany Tour. Explore the unique expressions of plants in art and then create your own plant-inspired cyanotype print to take home! Plant enthusiasts welcome!

Elisha Frontz, Roxanne Grooms, and Yuji Hiratsuka

Elisha Frontz, Roxanne Grooms, and Yuji Hiratsuka

Saturday, May 16 2026

The Sinclair Community College Art Department is pleased to present Elisha Frontz & Roxanne Grooms in the Burnell R. Roberts Triangle Gallery along with Yuji Hiratsuka in the Works on Paper Gallery.

Dayton Masonic Center Centennial Cornerstone Celebration & Open House with Culture Works

Dayton Masonic Center Centennial Cornerstone Celebration & Open House with Culture Works

Sunday, May 17 2026

The Dayton Masonic Center is celebrating 100 years since the laying of its cornerstone. Join us for a day of music, art, food, and enjoying this remarkable building!

Art Escape: Penthouse Escape

Art Escape: Penthouse Escape

Wednesday, May 20 2026

Art Escapes are designed to feel welcoming, social, and a little bit magical. A sunset gathering high above the city featuring European-inspired nibbles and wines, live music from Sandy & Michael Bashaw, and skyline views.

Artist Talk: Jamea Richmond-Edwards

Artist Talk: Jamea Richmond-Edwards

Thursday, May 21 2026

Join us for a chat with artist Jamea Richmond-Edwards as she shares her creative journey and art insights. Led by Curator, Heather Jones

Artist Feedback Forum

Artist Feedback Forum

Saturday, May 23 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.

Miami Valley Quilt Show

Miami Valley Quilt Show

Friday, May 29 2026

Over 200 quilts on display, Vendors, Raffle Quilt, Quilts of Valor, Community Quilts, Scrap City, Onsite Sharpening Service, and Refreshments.

Chrome & Carroll Cruise-In!

Chrome & Carroll Cruise-In!

Saturday, May 30 2026

Join us for a fun evening of cars, music, and community at the Chrome & Carroll Cruise-In! Bring your classic car, hot rod, truck, or daily driver and cruise in for a great cause. No registration required, just cruise in!

Special Interest Tour – How’s the Weather? - Dayton Art Institute

Special Interest Tour – How’s the Weather? - Dayton Art Institute

Saturday, May 30 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.

Events Calendar

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