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
Threads of History: Quilts by Carolyn Mazloomi
Friday, June 12 2026
Threads of History: Quilts by Carolyn Mazloomi is a landmark solo exhibition by award-winning artist, historian, and curator Dr. Carolyn Mazloomi.
Gaston Day Festival
Saturday, June 13 2026
A Special Day of Charity & Remembrance Benefiting Children in need in the Dayton area. Gaston Day was Proclaimed By the Mayor of Dayton OH in 2023. Come enjoy live bands, food vendors, drill teams, guest speakers & games!
Guided Tours
Saturday, June 13 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.
Yellow Springs Street Fair
Saturday, June 13 2026
Street Fair in Yellow Springs! Over 200 visiting vendors. 65 local eateries + shops. Backyard Beats+Brews Fest feat. Yellow Springs Brewery. Kids Zone. LIVE music, and more. This is a PET-FREE festival.
Summer Art Camp - Dayton Art Institute (Grades 1-2)
Monday, June 22 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.
Fighters for Freedom: William H. Johnson Picturing Justice
Saturday, June 27 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.
Summer Art Camp - Dayton Art Institute (Grades 3-5)
Monday, June 29 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 01 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.
Members' Appreciation Happy Hour
Thursday, July 02 2026
As a special perk of membership, The Contemporary Dayton invites you to our Quarterly Members’ Happy Hour—an exclusive opportunity to unwind with fellow art enthusiasts in a vibrant, creative setting.
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.
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.
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.
