The Contemporary Dayton - Dayton
The Contemporary Dayton
25 W 4th Street
Dayton, OH, 45402
The Contemporary Dayton is a non-profit gallery and artist resource that provides art for the community and a community for artists. (Formerly Dayton Visual Arts Center / DVAC).
From gallery talks and exhibit openings to professional development workshops, The Contemporary Dayton provides opportunities to meet others who share an interest in art and to learn about and support contemporary visual art.
Upcoming Events: The Contemporary Dayton
Member's Spotlight Exhibition: Simon Robins: Sociable
6/20/2026
The paintings in Simon Robins: Sociable, contain imagery sourced from public domain and found photographs discovered through extensive research by the artist in digital archives.
Threads of History: Quilts by Carolyn Mazloomi
6/20/2026
Threads of History: Quilts by Carolyn Mazloomi is a landmark solo exhibition by award-winning artist, historian, and curator Dr. Carolyn Mazloomi.
Niki Johnson: PIllars of Democracy
7/01/2026
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.
Collage Night
7/02/2026
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.
Members' Appreciation Happy Hour
7/02/2026
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.
Artist Feedback Forum
7/11/2026
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.
Guided Tours
7/16/2026
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.
35th Anniversary Open House
7/25/2026
Come celebrate 35 years of The Contemporary Dayton with a relaxed open house for friends, artists, and neighbors.
Community Workshop with Niki Johnson
8/01/2026
Designed for teens and adults, this interactive workshop invites participants to explore identity, voice, and civic engagement through art-making and conversation. Led by artist Niki Johnson.
Witness Work: The Quilts of Dr. Carolyn Mazloomi by Dr. Sharbreon Plummer
9/10/2026
Dr. Plummer is an internationally published writer, public scholar, curator, and interdisciplinary artist from south Louisiana. She will provide insight into Carolyn Mazloomi's work and legacy.
People's Banner Workshop with Migiwa Orimo
9/12/2026
Yellow Springs–based artist Migiwa Orimo will lead an activation of her ongoing People’s Banner Workshop, which provides free visual aids including banners, signs and props, for direct action, protest rallies & picket lines.
Ella Kraimer: Appearances
9/25/2026
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
9/25/2026
A complex portrait of Appalachia shaped by myth, exploitation, and resilience in over 75 photographs.
Related news & company posts for The Contemporary Dayton
Call for Entry: Dayton Studio Tour
6/05/2026: Dayton, OH - The Contemporary Dayton invites artists and creatives working in all media to apply for the Dayton Studio Tour. This event offers the community a unique opportunity to visit working studios and meet artists.
Call for Entry: Member's Spotlight Exhibitions
6/05/2026: Dayton, OH - The Contemporary Dayton invites current members to apply for the 2026-2027 season of our Member’s Spotlight Exhibitions, an ongoing solo exhibition series celebrating the creativity and talent of our local & regional artists.
Call for Entry: In Small Measure
11/06/2025: Dayton, OH - In Small Measure is our inaugural fundraising exhibition where we ask participants to create a postcard sized work of art, donate it to us, and in exchange, it will be included in an exhibition on February 13-14, 2026.
