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
Collage Night
8/20/2026
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.
Threads of History: Quilts by Carolyn Mazloomi
8/20/2026
Threads of History: Quilts by Carolyn Mazloomi is a landmark solo exhibition by award-winning artist, historian, and curator Dr. Carolyn Mazloomi.
Realms of the Real Viewing by Art21
8/28/2026
A screening of the Art21 episode “Realms of the Real.” Hosted by The Contemporary Dayton & Art21 Screening Society. Max capacity is 10 people.
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.
Artist Feedback Forum
9/26/2026
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.
Storytelling & Collage Night
10/01/2026
Presented in conjunction with Ella Kraimer's current exhibition, Appearances. No experience necessary to participate. FREE and open to all.
Guided Tours
10/08/2026
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.
Artist Talk: Stacy Kranitz in conversation with author and professor Andrew Milward
10/17/2026
Join us for an in-person conversation with the artist Stacy Kranitz in conversation with author and professor Andrew Milward.
Artist Talk: Ella Kraimer
11/12/2026
Join us for an in-person conversation with the artist Ella Kraimer. Led by Interim Director and Chief Curator, Heather Jones.
Community Photography Critique Night
1/14/2027
To build community and foster the sharing of ideas, The Contemporary Dayton offers a Community Photography Critique Night for photographers of all levels.
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.
