Dayton Society of Artists upcoming events

CALL FOR ART: THE ART OF Q 2026 – LGBTQ+ ART EXHIBITION & FUNDRAISER (5 Aug 2026)

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 03:00:00 GMT

Call for Art: The Art of Q 2026 – LGBTQ+ Art Exhibition & Fundraiser

PLEASE NOTE: This exhibition is presented by the Greater Dayton LGBT Center and will be hosted at the Greater Dayton LGBT Center, 24 N. Jefferson Street, Dayton, OH 45402. The Dayton Society of Artists is pleased to support this exhibition by sharing this opportunity with our community. This is not a Dayton Society of Artists exhibition.

For exhibition-specific questions, artwork sales, or event details, please contact the Greater Dayton LGBT Center directly.

About the Exhibition

The Greater Dayton LGBT Center invites LGBTQ+ artists and allies to participate in The Art of Q 2026, a community exhibition and fundraiser celebrating the creativity and diversity of the LGBTQ+ community.

Artists working in all media are encouraged to submit artwork that reflects identity, resilience, community, personal experience, or any subject that represents their current creative practice.

This exhibition serves as a fundraiser benefiting the Greater Dayton LGBT Center and its ongoing mission to serve and support the LGBTQ+ community.

All submitted artwork will be accepted and exhibited, provided it meets the exhibition requirements outlined below.

ELIGIBILITY

Open to LGBTQ+ artists and allies.
Artists may submit up to six (6) works of art.
All media are welcome.

CALENDAR

Artwork Drop-Off
September 14–19, 2026
10:00 AM–3:00 PM

Drop-Off Location
Greater Dayton LGBT Center
136 North St. Clair Street
Dayton, OH 45402

Artwork Deadline
Saturday, September 19, 2026
All artwork must be delivered by 3:00 PM.

Exhibition Fundraiser
Saturday, September 26, 2026
7:00–10:00 PM

Greater Dayton LGBT Center
136 North St. Clair Street
Dayton, OH 45402

Additional event details will be provided by the Greater Dayton LGBT Center.

ENTRY FEE

FREE

SALES

Artists will receive 80% of the sale price of each artwork sold. The remaining 20% will be donated to the Greater Dayton LGBT Center in support of its programs and services.

REQUIREMENTS

Artists may submit up to six (6) artworks.
Artwork must be professionally presented and ready for exhibition.
Please label the back of each artwork with:
- Artist Name
- Artwork Title
- Medium
- Dimensions
- Price (or "Not for Sale")
Artists must complete and sign the exhibition entry form and honesty statement at the time of artwork drop-off.
By signing the honesty statement, artists certify that the submitted artwork is their original creation and does not infringe upon the copyrighted work of others.
The Greater Dayton LGBT Center reserves the right to decline artwork that differs significantly from the information provided, is not ready for exhibition, or does not meet the exhibition requirements.

AGREEMENT TO PARTICIPATE

By participating in this exhibition, artists acknowledge that they have read and agree to the exhibition guidelines. Submission of artwork confirms acceptance of the exhibition requirements and sales commission outlined above.

CONTACT

For questions regarding The Art of Q 2026, please contact the Greater Dayton LGBT Center directly.

Pencils and Prompts: Drawing Basics (23 Aug 2026)

Sun, 23 Aug 2026 16:45:00 GMT

Pencil and Prompts: Drawing Basics

Sharpen up your sketching skills with a local artist providing you insights and inspirations into the world of drawing. Basic drawing materials provided. Guests are welcome to bring their own graphite drawing materials if desired. No drawing experience necessary. Each session provides insights on a different theme or drawing technique. Experimentation is strongly encouraged.

Cost:
Non-Members - $35
Members - $20

Pre-registration required

Location:
Dayton Society of Artists, 48 High Street, Dayton 45403

Class Prompt:

Date & Time:

Sun. August 23, 12:45-2PM

About your Instructor:
Matthew Burgy is a multidisciplinary artist specializing in sculpture and painting, with years of experience organizing and leading art workshops. An active member of the local artist community, Matthew’s work explores movement, form, and expression through kinetic sculptures, jewelry, and paintings. Matthew continuously collaborates with organizations such as Culture Works to engage the community through his artistic process. He is a proud member of the Front Street artist community, where he creates, exhibits, and sells his work from his studio (#3345) on the third floor of Building 100’s BC entrance.

DSA Cancelation Policy

Sketcher Social Session: Advanced Drawing (23 Aug 2026)

Sun, 23 Aug 2026 17:30:00 GMT

Sketcher Social Session: Advanced Drawing

Join in the fun with fellow sketching enthusiasts for an in-depth experience with drawing. Each session provides basic graphite materials and bringing your own advanced dry mediums (charcoal, chalk, colored pencil, etc.) is encouraged. Each session also includes a time for friendly drawing critique and discussion moderated by a local artist of any work made during the session or of a recent drawing that you would like feedback on. Experimentation and imaginative exploration of topics discussed is strongly encouraged! Each month has a different theme and guests are encouraged to collaborate on future themes as desired.

Cost:
Non-Members - $40
Members - $25

Pre-registration Required

Location:
Dayton Society of Artists, 48 High Street, Dayton 45403

Date & Time:

Sun. August 23, 2:30-4:30PM

DSA Cancelation Policy

Artist Resources & Grant Information Workshop (27 Aug 2026)

Thu, 27 Aug 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Interested in applying for the 2026–2027 Montgomery County Artist Opportunity Grant? Join Culture Works for a free information workshop, open to the public, focused on the upcoming grant cycle while exploring additional resources available to artists in our community.

The Artist Opportunity Grant Program supports Montgomery County artists pursuing professional development opportunities and creating new work. For the 2026–2027 grant cycle, grants ranging from $500 to $5,000 are available to help artists deepen their practice, advance their careers, and introduce their work to new audiences. The Artist Opportunity Grant Program is funded by Montgomery County and administered by Culture Works.

Presentations will be given by Ren Evans of Culture Works, Debi Chess of the Dayton Metro Library, and Tamiko Stump, Executive Director of the Dayton Society of Artists. Ren Evans will provide an overview of the Artist Opportunity Grant application process, Debi Chess will introduce the resources available through the Center for Community Impact & Innovation, and Tamiko Stump will discuss how grants can support exhibition opportunities and other career-advancing projects for artists.

While the workshop will focus on the Artist Opportunity Grant, attendees are encouraged to bring questions about grant funding, exhibition opportunities, professional development, and other resources available to artists throughout Montgomery County. Plenty of time will be reserved for questions and answers.

Date & Time

Thursday, August 27, 2026

6:00–7:30 PM

Location

Center for Community Impact & Innovation (First Floor)

Dayton Metro Library – Main Library

215 E. Third Street

Dayton, OH 45402

Saturday Nude Figure Drawing Session (29 Aug 2026)

Sat, 29 Aug 2026 13:30:00 GMT

Saturday Nude Figure Drawing at DSA

Looking to sharpen your skills or try something new? Join us for Nude Figure Drawing on the 3rd Saturday of the month!

When: 9:30–11:30 AM
Cost: $10(member) $20(non-member)
What to Bring: Your own supplies (pencils, charcoal, paper, etc.)

Relax, draw, and connect with a community of creatives in a welcoming and judgment-free environment. Free street parking is available, or you can park in the lot across the street.

Whether you're a seasoned artist or just getting started, this is the perfect opportunity to flex those drawing muscles!

We can’t wait to see your work in action—see you there! ️

Cost:
Non-Members - $20
Members - $10

Space is Limited. Pre-register to secure your spot.

Location:
Dayton Society of Artists, 48 High Street, Dayton 45403

Date & Time:
Sat. August 29. 9:30-11:30AM

DSA Cancelation Policy

School of the DAI Alumni Retrospective: History Talk with Historian Kathleen Caffrey (30 Aug 2026)

Sun, 30 Aug 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Historian Talk: The School of the Dayton Art Institute

Presented by Kathleen Caffrey

Sunday, August 30, 2026 | 1:00–2:30 PM

Location: Dayton Society of Artists

Admission: Free and open to the public

Join local historian Kathleen Caffrey for an engaging presentation exploring the history and lasting legacy of the School of the Dayton Art Institute. Once a cornerstone of arts education in the Miami Valley, the school shaped generations of artists before closing in 1975. Through photographs, stories, and historical insights, Caffrey will examine the school's origins, its influence on the region's artistic community, and the many accomplished alumni who continue to impact the arts today.

This program is presented in conjunction with the DAI Alumni Show, on view at the Dayton Society of Artists August 14–September 5, 2026. Visitors are encouraged to explore the exhibition before or after the talk and celebrate the enduring legacy of the School of the Dayton Art Institute through the work of its alumni.

Artist Talk: Margie McCullough & Betsy Bennett (3 Sep 2026)

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Artist Talk: Margie McCullough & Betsy Bennett

Thursday, September 3, 2026 | 6:00–7:00 PM

Location: Dayton Society of Artists
48 High Street, Dayton, OH 45403

Admission: Free and open to the public.

Join artists Margie McCullough and Betsy Bennett for an artist talk presented in conjunction with their collaborative Project Space exhibition, Double Exposure.

"Double Exposure"

The “Double Exposure” exhibit is composed of artwork done by two artists in two different mediums, but with an emphasis on the unique results achieved through collaboration. The display features the framed work of fine art photographer Margie McCullough next to multi-media art quilt interpretations of those same images, created collaboratively by Margie and art quilter Betsy Bennett. The art quilts have been enhanced with found objects and unique hanging systems to highlight each image and present a three-dimensional experience. Two mediums, two artists, two friends who hope people enjoy their creations.

Following the talk, visitors are invited to explore Double Exposure and the Dayton Art Institute Alumni Retrospective, both on view through September 5, 2026.

School of the DAI Alumni Retrospective: Closing Reception (5 Sep 2026)

Sat, 05 Sep 2026 15:00:00 GMT

School of the DAI Alumni Retrospective

August 14 – September 5, 2026
Opening Reception: Friday, August 14, 6:00–8:00 PM
Closing Reception: Saturday, September 5, 12:00–3:00 PM

The Dayton Society of Artists is pleased to present School of the DAI Alumni Retrospective, a special exhibition celebrating the artists, history, and lasting influence of the School of the Dayton Art Institute.

For generations, the School of the Dayton Art Institute played an important role in fine arts education in the Dayton region, providing rigorous artistic training and helping shape the careers of artists who would go on to contribute to the cultural life of Dayton and beyond. Although the school closed in 1975, its influence continues through the artists who studied there, the work they created, and the artistic communities they helped build.

Bringing together work by more than 40 alumni, this retrospective offers a rare opportunity to experience the breadth of artistic practices that emerged from the school. Spanning generations, media, and individual approaches, the exhibition celebrates both the accomplishments of its alumni and the enduring legacy of arts education in Dayton.

The exhibition also highlights an important connection between the School of the Dayton Art Institute and the Dayton Society of Artists. Founded in 1938 by artists associated with the Dayton Art Institute, DSA shares a history rooted in the development of Dayton's visual arts community. Nearly nine decades later, the Dayton Society of Artists continues that tradition by providing artists with opportunities to exhibit, connect, and contribute to the cultural life of the region.

Participating Alumni Artists

Patrick W. Bargage, Joseph Barrish, Winnie Barnett Potter, Sue E. Bordenkircher, Dr. Bob Brandt Jr., Virginia (Lake) Burroughs, Bob Coates, Bing Davis, Jane A. Dunwoodie, John Emery, Ruth Schlotterbeck Fisher, Mark Freytag, John Fryant, Pamela Grizzall-Harrington, John Barlow Hudson, Pat Jessee Jordan, Tom Jordan, Jill Josupeit, David E. Kuns, Lilliam Lomden, Jim McCullough, Paul Melia, Terry Monk, Ray Must, Bob Naas, Jim Pugh, Victoria Rector, Brenda S. Richardson, Patricia Robinow, Roger Sayre, Hollye Shewbe-Inderrieden, Lori Shurte, David W. Shurte, Helen Stamas, Sue Sullivan, David Sweeney, Enid Tangeman, Tom Till, Rick Washington, Joan A. Weber, Louis A. Weber, and James Yoko.

School of the DAI Alumni Retrospective is on view August 14 through September 5, 2026, at the Dayton Society of Artists' High Street Gallery. The exhibition opens with a public reception on Friday, August 14, from 6:00–8:00 PM and concludes with a closing reception on Saturday, September 5, from 12:00–3:00 PM.

Instructed Nude Figure Drawing, Instructor: Greg Dearth (12 Sep 2026)

Sat, 12 Sep 2026 12:30:00 GMT

Instructed Nude Figure Drawing

Instructor: Greg Dearth

Join us for a focused and immersive experience in academic figure drawing. This instructed nude figure drawing session offers artists the opportunity to deepen their understanding of anatomy, proportion, gesture, and light through guided study from a live nude model.

Led by Greg Dearth, each session includes structured instruction, demonstrations, and individualized feedback. Artists will work through a range of timed poses designed to strengthen observational skills and refine technique in a serious, supportive studio environment.

Participants are asked to bring their own drawing materials. Suggested supplies are listed below, but artists are welcome to work in the dry medium of their choice. Please bring any drawing board, easel, or preferred paper needed for your practice.

Time will also be dedicated to thoughtful critique and discussion, allowing space for experimentation, technical growth, and meaningful artistic exchange.

Come ready to observe closely, draw confidently, and engage deeply in the enduring tradition of figure study.

Cost:

Members: $20

Non Members: $30

Pre-registration Required by August 11, 2026

Suggested Supply List

Supplies are not included. Please bring what you prefer to work with.

1 – 18" x 24" drawing pad

(Strathmore 400 Series recommended)

1 – 18" x 24" newsprint pad

A couple of HB drawing pencils

One 2B pencil

One or two medium charcoal pencils

1 kneaded eraser

Drawing board large enough to accommodate 18" x 24" pads

A couple of binder clips

Small utility knife for sharpening pencils

Small pad or piece of sandpaper

Location:
Dayton Society of Artists, 48 High Street, Dayton 45403

Date & Time:
Saturday, September 12. 930AM-12PM

About your Instructor:
Greg Dearth is a native of Dayton, Ohio and an Art graduate of Ohio University. As a nationally known illustrator his work has appeared in books, in museums, on products and in ads for many Fortune 500 companies. Over the years portrait painting and figure drawing has become his special focus. He has taught at Rosewood Art Center in Kettering and the Dayton Art Institute as well as various independent workshops. He has also Demonstrated and been guest speaker at the Cincinnati Art Club, Dayton Society of Artists, CCAD in Columbus and The Portfolio Center in Atlanta.

“Figure drawing" is challenging but can also be very artistically fulfilling. There may not be any rules in Art, but there are certain methods that can be taught to produce desired results. I hope everyone attending this workshop will both have some fun and take home some new skills to use in their future work!”

DSA Cancelation Policy

Dayton Society of Artists: Art Book Club (24 Sep 2026)

Thu, 24 Sep 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Dayton Society of Artists Book Club: Finding Dora Maar

Thursday, September 24, 2026
6:00–8:00 PM
Dayton Society of Artists
48 High Street, Dayton, OH 45403

Join the Dayton Society of Artists Book Club for a thoughtful conversation about Finding Dora Maar: An Artist, an Address Book, a Life by Brigitte Benkemoun.

Blending biography, art history, and detective story, Finding Dora Maar begins when a vintage address book once belonging to Dora Maar unexpectedly comes into Benkemoun’s possession. From there, the author sets out to reconstruct the life and remarkable circle of one of the twentieth century’s most compelling artists.

Often remembered as Pablo Picasso’s muse and the subject of The Weeping Woman, Dora Maar was also an accomplished photographer, painter, and important figure within the Surrealist movement. Through extensive research, Benkemoun explores Maar’s relationships with artists, writers, and intellectuals while bringing renewed attention to her own artistic achievements and legacy.

The discussion will be led by Kathleen Caffrey, Dayton Society of Artists Board Member and Historian, who will guide the group through a conversation about Dora Maar’s work, the Surrealist movement, and the unusual detective story behind Benkemoun’s book.

No need to read the book in advance. Whether you have finished the book, just started it, or simply want to join an engaging conversation about art and art history, everyone is welcome.

Free and open to the public.

Essential Artists, meet and greet (8 Oct 2026)

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Artist Talk: Dan Cleary (17 Oct 2026)

Sat, 17 Oct 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Artist Talk: Dan Cleary

Saturday October 17, 2026 | 1:00–2:00 PM

Location: Dayton Society of Artists

Admission: Free and open to the public

Join us for an artist talk with photographer Dan Cleary, presented as part of the FotoFocus 2026 Biennial and its theme, The Long View.

In Standing in Two Times: The Long View Through “Then and Now” Photography, Cleary will explore his Wright Brothers and Indianapolis 500 “Then and Now” series. In each project, he pairs historic photographs with contemporary images he created at the same locations, connecting past and present while preserving the memory of place and revealing the enduring influence of innovation, speed, and human ambition.

During the presentation, Cleary will discuss the research, travel, and creative process behind these series and share how he identifies historic locations and rephotographs them from a contemporary perspective. Through these layered images, he invites viewers to consider how photography can help us see familiar places differently and better understand how the past continues to shape the present.