Dayton Society of Artists upcoming events

At This Moment, Dayton Metro Library – Main Library, 2nd Floor Gallery (22 Feb 2026)

Sun, 22 Feb 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Call for Art: At This Moment

PLEASE NOTE THIS EXHIBITION WILL BE HOSTED THE MAIN LIBRARY, THE 2ND FLOOR GALLERY.

AT THIS MOMENT: As the United States reaches a 250-year milestone, "At This Moment" invites artists to reflect on the present—on lived experience, observation, and the realities of contemporary life. Rather than focusing on historical celebration, this exhibition centers the now, encouraging thoughtful, personal, and varied responses to the time we inhabit.

Artists are invited to explore themes such as identity, place, community, memory, belonging, change, continuity, and everyday experience. Works may respond to personal narratives, social environments, cultural influences, or quiet moments that define life today. Interpretations may be literal or abstract, intimate or expansive, reflective or questioning.

Presented in a public library setting, "At This Moment" emphasizes accessibility, dialogue, and reflection. The exhibition brings together diverse artistic voices and approaches, offering viewers an opportunity to pause, consider, and engage with the present as it is being lived.

ELIGIBILITY
Open to all artists 18 years and older.

JURYING WILL BE DONE BY THE DSA EXHIBITIONS COMMITTEE.

SUBMITTING ARTWORK
Please submit your work via website submission by Sunday, April 12. Please direct questions to: director@daytondsa.org

CALENDAR
Submission Deadline: Sunday, April 12
Notification of Acceptance: by April 19
Art Drop-Off: Saturday, May 2. 10am-12pm(at the Dayton Metro Library – Main Library, 2nd Floor Gallery) contract will be available to sign at drop-off.

Exhibition Runs: May 3-May 30, 2026

Art Pick-Up: Sunday, May 31 10am-12pm(at the Dayton Metro Library – Main Library, 2nd Floor Gallery)

ENTRY FEES
FREE

REQUIREMENTS
Image(s) submitted must be clear, focused on the work, and as professionally taken as possible. Acceptable images can be taken by a smartphone.
For tips on how to edit your photos using the Snapseed App, visit:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0g4a1Ge-Ds&t=321s
Contact the gallery director (director@daytondsa.org) to set up an appointment at the gallery to walk you through the photo-taking and application process.
Artists must be DSA members in good standing. 2D Artwork must be no larger than 60”(width)x 60”(height). LARGER WORKS ARE ENCOURAGED BUT NOT REQUIRED.
3D artwork must fit on a pedestal that has a footprint of 24” x 24” (or smaller) or sit on the floor. Artwork must be professionally presented. 2D work must be ready to hang with wiring on back.
Artwork must be labelled with name, title, medium, price, and e-mail.
Artwork may not be picked up before the close of the show.
Accepted work that differs significantly from submitted image or suffers from poor presentation will be disqualified.

LIABILITY & SALES
The Dayton Society of Artists (DSA) and Dayton Metro Library – Main Library, 2nd Floor Gallery are not responsible for insuring artwork submitted for or exhibited in the gallery. Artists are solely responsible for insuring their work during delivery, installation, the exhibition period, and pickup. The DSA and Dayton Metro Library – Main Library, 2nd Floor Gallery are not liable for loss or damage due to circumstances beyond its control. Please note that the gallery does not have constant climate control. No prices will be advertised at Dayton Metro Library – Main Library, 2nd Floor Gallery.

AGREEMENT TO PARTICIPATE
Submitting indicates that you agree with the conditions of entry and exhibit as outlined in these guidelines, and that you agree to make your work available and will ship/deliver it to the gallery should it be selected for exhibit. The DSA and Dayton Metro Library – Main Library, 2nd Floor Gallery may use submitted images and artwork in print and/or digital marketing materials.

CONTACT
For any questions regarding the exhibition or submission process, please contact the DSA at director@daytondsa.org.

Pop-Up Exhibiton. Call for Art: Honor Our LGBTQIA+ Elders (5 Apr 2026)

Sun, 05 Apr 2026 14:00:00 GMT

PLEASE NOTE THIS EXHIBITION WILL BE HOSTED AT THE MAIN LIBRARY, Pop-Up Exhibition by the Eichelberger Forum.

Call for Art: Honor Our LGBTQIA+ Elders

Pop-Up Exhibition

The Dayton Society of Artists, in collaboration with the Dayton Metro Library, PFLAG Dayton, and the Greater Dayton LGBT Center, invites artists ages 13 and older to participate in a special pop-up exhibition in celebration of Honor Our LGBTQIA+ Elders Day.

This year’s event is especially meaningful as it coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Greater Dayton LGBT Center. The exhibition accompanies a community celebration recognizing and honoring LGBTQIA+ Elders from the Greater Dayton area.

Artists are encouraged to reflect on themes of legacy, identity, resilience, connection, and intergenerational experience.

All submitted work will be accepted and exhibited. Awards will be juried.

ELIGIBILITY

Open to all artists 13 years and older.

SUBMITTING ARTWORK
Please submit your work via website submission by Sunday, May 10. Please direct questions to: director@daytondsa.org

CALENDAR
Submission Deadline: Sunday, May 10(11PM EST)

Art Drop-Off: Saturday, May 14. 2-4PM(at the Dayton Metro Library – Main Library, 1st floor by the Eichelberger Forum).

Exhibition Runs: May 14, 6-7:30PM(in conjunction with 2026 LGBTQIA+ Elders' Awards)

Art Pick-Up: Thursday, May 14 at 7:30PM(directly after the ceremony) or Friday, May 15 from 4-8PM at The Dayton Society of Artists(or by appointment). 48 High Street. Dayton, Ohio. 45403

ENTRY FEES
FREE

REQUIREMENTS
Image(s) submitted must be clear, focused on the work, and as professionally taken as possible. Acceptable images can be taken by a smartphone.
For tips on how to edit your photos using the Snapseed App, visit:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0g4a1Ge-Ds&t=321s
Contact the gallery director (director@daytondsa.org) to set up an appointment at the gallery to walk you through the photo-taking and application process.
Artists must be DSA members in good standing. 2D Artwork must be no larger than 60”(width)x 60”(height). LARGER WORKS ARE ENCOURAGED BUT NOT REQUIRED.
3D artwork must fit on a pedestal that has a footprint of 24” x 24” (or smaller) or sit on the floor. Artwork must be professionally presented. 2D work must be ready to hang with wiring on back.
Artwork must be labelled with name, title, medium, price, and e-mail.
Artwork may not be picked up before the close of the show.
Accepted work that differs significantly from submitted image or suffers from poor presentation will be disqualified.

LIABILITY & SALES
The Dayton Society of Artists (DSA) and Dayton Metro Library – Main Library, are not responsible for insuring artwork submitted for or exhibited in the exhibiton. Artists are solely responsible for insuring their work during delivery, installation, the exhibition period, and pickup. The DSA and Dayton Metro Library – Main Library, and all listed organizations are not liable for loss or damage due to circumstances beyond its control. Please note that the gallery does not have constant climate control. No prices will be advertised at Dayton Metro Library – Main Library.

AGREEMENT TO PARTICIPATE
Submitting indicates that you agree with the conditions of entry and exhibit as outlined in these guidelines, and that you agree to make your work available and will ship/deliver it to the gallery should it be selected for exhibit. The DSA and Dayton Metro Library – Main Library, and organiztions listed may use submitted images and artwork in print and/or digital marketing materials.

CONTACT
For any questions regarding the exhibition or submission process, please contact the DSA at director@daytondsa.org.

3rd Saturday Nude Figure Drawing Session (18 Apr 2026)

Sat, 18 Apr 2026 13:30:00 GMT

3rd 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. April 18. 9:30-11:30AM

DSA Cancelation Policy

Artist Talk: Jerry Allison and Sarah Shirk(Father/Daughter Duo) (24 Apr 2026)

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Artist Talk: Jerry Allison and Sarah Shirk

Friday, April 24, 2026 | 6:00–7:00 PM

Dayton Society of Artists

Free and open to the public

Date: April 24, 2026

Time: 6:00–7:00 PM

Location: Dayton Society of Artists

Admission: Free and open to the public

Join us for an artist talk with Jerry Allison and Sarah Shirk in conjunction with Life in Spectrum: Monochrome and Spectrum Photography, a collaborative father–daughter exhibition.

In Life in Spectrum, Allison and Shirk explore the idea that spectrums exist everywhere in life—whether personal, emotional, or visual. Through photography, the exhibition reflects on contrast and connection, using both the full range of color and the quiet presence of monochrome to examine how we experience the world.

During this talk, Jerry and Sarah will share insight into the development of the exhibition, their collaborative process, and the conceptual framework behind the work. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how the literal spectrum—ROY G BIV—and its absence can be used to explore broader ideas of identity, perception, and shared experience.

This conversation offers a closer look at the relationship between image-making and meaning, and the ways photography can reflect both division and unity.

Learn more about the exhibition:

https://sites.google.com/view/lifeinspectrum/home

Dayton Printmakers - Introduction to Letterpress Printing (25 Apr 2026)

Sat, 25 Apr 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Hopper Master Copy Workshop The Lee Shore (1928) – Edward Hopper (25 Apr 2026)

Sat, 25 Apr 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Hopper Master Copy Workshop: The Lee Shore (1928)

Join the Dayton Society of Artists for a master copy workshop focused on The Lee Shore by Edward Hopper. This session will explore Hopper’s use of composition, light, and atmosphere through a guided painting exercise, along with historical insights into the artist and the context surrounding the work.

Painted in 1928, The Lee Shore reflects Hopper’s ability to convey mood and psychological depth through restraint and simplicity. Participants will work from a reproduction of the painting while analyzing its structure, value relationships, and use of color to better understand how Hopper constructed meaning within the scene. Historical tidbits will be shared throughout the workshop, led by Dayton Society of Artists Historian, Kathleen Caffrey.

PLEASE BRING SKETCHBOOK AND PREFERRED MEDIUM. LIMITED SUPPLIES ARE AVAILABLE.

Date and Time

Saturday, April 25, 2026

1:00–3:00 PM

Location

Dayton Society of Artists

48 High Street

Dayton, OH 45403

Cost

Free for Members

$10 for Non-Members

About the Workshop

Participants will:

Work from a reproduction of The Lee Shore

This workshop is open to all experience levels.

Pencils and Prompts: Drawing Basics (26 Apr 2026)

Sun, 26 Apr 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 - $25

Pre-registration required

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

Class Prompt:

Date & Time:

Sun. April 26,12:45-2PM

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

Intro to Encaustic with Kate Santucci (26 Apr 2026)

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Intro to Encaustic with Kate Santucci

Curious about encaustic painting? Join us for an introduction to this dynamic and tactile medium, where pigment is fused with heated wax to create rich, layered surfaces.

In this hands-on workshop, participants will explore the basics of encaustic techniques, including layering, mark-making, and surface manipulation. Whether you’re new to the medium or looking to expand your practice, this session offers a supportive environment to experiment and learn.

THIS WORKSHOP WILL BE HELD AT FRONT STREET ART STUDIOS AND GALLERIES, DOOR B/C IN THE BASEMENT.

Cost:

Non-Members - $100

Members - $80

Pre-registration Required

Location:

Project Pit at Front Street

(Enter through Door B/C, located in the basement)

Date & Time:

Sun. April 26, 2:00–4:00 PM

About your Instructor:

Kate Huser Santucci is a Dayton-based artist working in encaustic and mixed media. She earned her BFA in Visual Art with a concentration in sculpture from Wright State University in 1994, and her background in sculpture continues to inform her approach to material and surface.

She has pursued advanced study in encaustic painting through a residency with artist Patricia Seggebruch and was a 2020 recipient of a Montgomery County Arts and Cultural District and Culture Works Artist Opportunity Grant, which supported further training with artist Alicia Tormey. She has also been awarded a 2025 residency at Chateau D’Orquevaux in France.

Her work has been exhibited at the Springfield Museum of Art, The Edward A. Dixon Gallery, the Dayton Society of Artists, Studios on High in Columbus, and in the Canadian Encaustic Conference exhibition Waxing Poetic, where she was a featured speaker. Public works include a mural in downtown Dayton and a commissioned series for the Southeast Branch of the Dayton Metro Library. Her work is held in private collections across the United States.

Working with beeswax, damar resin, and pigment, Santucci creates layered, luminous surfaces that explore themes drawn from the natural world and human perception, examining how we seek meaning in patterns and marks.

DSA Cancelation Policy

Sketcher Social Session: Advanced Drawing (26 Apr 2026)

Sun, 26 Apr 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 - $30

Pre-registration Required

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

Date & Time:

Sun. April 26, 2:30-4:30PM

DSA Cancelation Policy

Future is Now X (26 Apr 2026)

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 20:00:00 GMT

FUTURE IS NOW EXPERIENCE – DAYTON EDITION

Sunday, April 26 | 5–11 PM

Hosted at the Dayton Society of Artists

The Dayton Society of Artists is pleased to host the next edition of the Future Is Now Experience on Sunday, April 26 from 5–11 PM.

For over six years, Future Is Now has brought together live artists and DJs in collaborative, high-energy environments, with most editions taking place in Brooklyn. We are excited to continue building this experience in Dayton, connecting creative communities across cities.

This immersive event features live art and live DJs in a dynamic, creative setting. The program is open to the public, and all ages are welcome.

Unable to attend in person? The event will also be live streamed at:

https://futureisnowx.com

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

Francis Trick-Artist Talk in Conversation with Curtis Bowman of Culture Works (30 Apr 2026)

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Artist Talk: Francis Trick in Conversation with Curtis Bowman

Date: April 30, 2026

Time: 6:00 – 7:00 PM

Location: Dayton Metro Library, 215 E. Third St., Dayton, OH

Second Floor, Community Space

Join us for an artist talk with Francis Trick in conversation with Curtis Bowman of Culture Works, presented in conjunction with Exploring Color and Light.

In this discussion, Trick will share insight into his process, materials, and approach to abstraction, while Bowman guides a conversation around artistic development, experimentation, and the role of light and color in shaping visual experience.

About the Exhibition: Exploring Color and Light

In Exploring Color and Light, Francis Trick presents a series of abstract acrylic pour paintings that investigate movement, luminosity, and the expressive power of color.

Working with fluid acrylic techniques, Trick builds layered compositions using interference, iridescent, metallic, and color-shift paints. The work is intuitive and process-driven, inviting viewers to engage with shifting surfaces, depth, and light as they move through the gallery.

These paintings emphasize the interaction between color and illumination—revealing new visual experiences depending on angle, distance, and changing light conditions.

About the Artist

Francis (Frank) J. Trick is a visual artist whose creative practice began in childhood and continued alongside a professional career in retail sales. Over the years, he explored a range of artistic outlets, including jewelry making and painting statuary, earning several awards.

After retiring in 2023, Trick returned to art with a renewed focus, developing a dedicated practice in acrylic painting—particularly liquid pouring techniques. He creates custom mixtures for each piece, emphasizing experimentation and material exploration.

Now an active member of several local galleries, Trick continues to share his work and enthusiasm for the creative process with the community.

Instructed Nude Figure Drawing, Instructor: Greg Dearth (2 May 2026)

Sat, 02 May 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 April 25, 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, May 2. 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

Electroforming Jewelry Workshop with Verdigris and Vein(Seamus Martin) (16 May 2026)

Sat, 16 May 2026 21:00:00 GMT

ELECTROFORMING JEWELRY WITH VERDIGRIS AND VEIN(SEAMUS MARTIN)

Join us for an introductory workshop in copper electroforming led by Seamus Martin of Verdigris and Vein.

Participants will first view a live demonstration of the electroforming process to gain a basic understanding of how a small piece of jewelry is created using this method. Following the demonstration, participants will be guided in creating their own piece.

Date: Saturday, May 16, 2026

Time: 6:00–8:00 PM

Each participant’s work will be electroformed after the workshop and will be ready for pickup the following week.

Pickup Times:

Friday, May 22, 4:00–8:00 PM

Saturday, May 23, 12:00–5:00 PM

REGISTRATION IS OPEN UNTIL MAY 9. Please register in advance to secure your spot.

Location:

The Dayton Society of Artists

48 High Street

Dayton, Ohio. 45403

Cost:

Non-Members - $110

Members - $90

Pre-registration Required

About your Instructor:

Seamus Martin of Verdigris and Vein works in copper electroforming, mixed media assemblage, and unconventional sculpture using bone, nature-found materials, recycled elements, and repurposed objects. He was awarded the Ohio Arts Council’s Artists with Disabilities Access Program (ADAP Grant) for FY 2026.

DSA Cancelation Policy

Dayton Society of Artists: Art Book Club (28 May 2026)

Thu, 28 May 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Dayton Society of Artists Book Club

Featuring Camille Pissarro: The Audacity of Impressionism by Anka Muhlstein

The Dayton Society of Artists continues its Book Club series, bringing artists, historians, and community members together for thoughtful conversation and shared learning.

Our next selection, Camille Pissarro: The Audacity of Impressionism by Anka Muhlstein, offers an intimate and engaging portrait of one of the most influential yet often underrecognized figures in modern art. A central force in the development of Impressionism, Camille Pissarro maintained close relationships with artists including Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, Mary Cassatt, Paul Cézanne, Paul Gauguin, and Vincent van Gogh, helping to shape a generation of artists and the direction of modern painting.

Muhlstein’s book explores not only Pissarro’s artistic legacy but also the complexities of his identity. Born in the Caribbean and of Jewish descent, Pissarro navigated a life shaped by both belonging and difference. Through his letters and work, the book reveals an artist deeply committed to independence, collaboration, and creative freedom.

This discussion will be led by Kathleen Caffrey, Dayton Society of Artists board member and Historian. With her deep knowledge of regional history and commitment to preserving artistic and cultural legacies, Kathleen will guide participants through a meaningful and engaging conversation connecting the themes of the book to art, identity, and community.

Whether you are an artist, an art history enthusiast, or simply enjoy engaging dialogue, we invite you to join us for this ongoing DSA program.

Free and open to the public.