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
5 After 5 at the Museum
Thursday, August 06 2026
The Dayton Art Institute (DAI) invites you to join us for 5 After 5, a NEW discounted evening at the museum on select Thursdays in July, August and September from 5 to 8 PM.
All the World’s a Stage
Thursday, August 06 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.
Collage Night
Thursday, August 06 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.
Fighters for Freedom: William H. Johnson Picturing Justice
Thursday, August 06 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.
Getting Technical: Alternative Photographic Processes
Thursday, August 06 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.
HWD 2026
Thursday, August 06 2026
20th Annual Height, Width, Depth (HWD) Juried Sculpture Exhibition
Liz Quay, Jayne Struble, and Kathy McGhee Exhibit Artwork at Sinclair Community College
Thursday, August 06 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.
Niki Johnson: PIllars of Democracy
Thursday, August 06 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
Thursday, August 06 2026
Threads of History: Quilts by Carolyn Mazloomi is a landmark solo exhibition by award-winning artist, historian, and curator Dr. Carolyn Mazloomi.
First Friday Art Hop and Saturday Open Studios at Front Street
Friday, August 07 2026
Explore 150+ artists, studios, vintage vendors, food trucks, and more at Front Street's First Friday Hart Hop and Saturday open studios
First Friday: August - Art in the City Edition
Friday, August 07 2026
Celebrate August! The arts and creativity take center stage this month at First Friday in Downtown Dayton.
Art Encounters Saturday Art Hops
Saturday, August 08 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, August 08 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.
Saturday Morning Community Tour
Saturday, August 08 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.
Village Artisans presents Art on the Lawn
Saturday, August 08 2026
2026 Annual Art on the Lawn 🎨 100+ original fine artists and fine crafters, Live music and food vendors
We're Doing It ALL Wrong® - 6th Annual Art Exhibition
Saturday, August 08 2026
The We're Doing It ALL Wrong® - 6th Annual art exhibiton Public Reception will be held on Saturday, August 8th from 2pm-4pm.
Art Lunch at Rosewood Arts Center
Thursday, August 13 2026
Art Lunch at Rosewood Arts Center - every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the 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.
Dayton Art Institute: Special Interest Tour – The Art of the Pitch- A Singles Tour
Saturday, August 15 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.
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!
Guided Tours
Saturday, August 15 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.
Special Interest Tour – How’s the Weather? - Dayton Art Institute
Saturday, August 15 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.
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!
2026 Fine Art Faculty Exhibition Featuring Kevin Harris
Monday, August 24 2026
Sinclair Community College’s annual Fine Art Faculty Exhibition will usher in the beginning of the 2026-2027 academic year.
Art For All Day - FREE ADMISSION at Dayton Art Institute
Saturday, August 29 2026
During “Art For All” Days, the Dayton Art Institute offers free admission to all museum guests, including special and focus collections.
Looking for Japan: Early Japanese Photography
Saturday, September 05 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.
