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calls for art

Upcoming Calls for Art

    • 1 Jan 2026
    • 6:00 PM
    • 6 Mar 2026
    • 8:00 PM
    • DSA Gallery
    • 9
    Register

    Call for Art: PART OF A WHOLE: 1/2

    PART OF A WHOLE: 1/2 is the first in a two-part Dayton Society of Artists annual members’ exhibition. The call for art is open to DSA members in good standing and is open to all mediums, techniques, and styles. This year, members may submit one piece that is guaranteed to be included in the exhibition with a $10 entry fee. The juror for the prizes is Tess Little, and all artworks will be judged in person.Awarded prizes include: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, Honorable Mention, as well as three members receiving free entry to the annual  juried show (no artists may win more than one prize).Limited to the first the first 30 submissions.

    ABOUT THE JUROR
    Tess Little is a sculptor who lives and works in Fairborn, Ohio. Making sculpture is Tess' passion. Tess works in clay, bronze, welded steel, recycled and found metal and concrete.

    She creates both large-scale sculpture for public places and smaller artwork for the private home. She has also facilitated several large permanent community art projects in the Dayton, Ohio area. She has exhibited her artwork in both one person and group shows in the Midwest region for many years and has artwork in many private collections. She is a retired sculpture professor from Sinclair Community College, Dayton, Ohio and is active in the local art community. Since retirement, Tess is actively working as an artist and celebrates being able to create and exhibit her sculpture full time. 

    Tess received her Master of Fine Arts from Cranbrook Academy of Art, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. 

    SUBMITTING ARTWORK
    Please submit your work via website submission by Friday, March 6. Don’t like to submit online? Make an appointment with the director at director@daytondsa.org, and we can enter it together. You may also leave your work at the gallery afterward. Appointments must be made before Friday, March 6 by emailing director@daytondsa.org.

    CALENDAR
    Art Drop-Off: Saturday, March 7, 12–5 PM
    Exhibition Runs: March 13-April 3, 2026
    Opening Reception: Friday, March 13, 6–8 PM
    Closing Reception: Friday, April 3, 6–8 PM
    Art Pick-Up: Friday, April 3, 8–9 PM and Saturday, April 4, 12–5 PM

    ENTRY FEES
    $10 for 1 piece via website entry.
    Become a member at daytondsa.org/becomeamember

    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
    Artists must be DSA members in good standing. 2D Artwork must be no larger than 36”(width)x 48”(height)
    (including all framing, etc). 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. No Sawtooth hangers. DSA is open to other installation methods, but they must be pre-approved.
    Artwork must have been created in the past 5 years.
    Artwork must be labelled with name, title, medium, price, and e-mail.
    Artwork must not have been exhibited before at the DSA or virtually through the DSA.
    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
    Artists are solely responsible for insuring their work during delivery, installation, the exhibition period, and pickup. The DSA is not liable for loss or damage due to circumstances beyond its control. Please note that the gallery does not have constant climate control. The DSA will take a 10% commission on all artwork sales; artists should price work accordingly or designate work as Not for Sale. Donations in addition to sales are always appreciated and help support future programming.

    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 may use submitted images and artwork in print and/or digital marketing materials.

    • 19 Feb 2026
    • 10:00 AM
    • 1 Apr 2026
    • 3:00 PM
    • Convention Center-for juried art show(Art in the City)
    • 114
    Register


     

    Call for Art: Art in the City

    PLEASE NOTE THIS EXHIBITION WILL BE HOSTED AT THE CONVENTION CENTER.

    Art in the City 2026

    Juried Call for Art

    Presented by the Dayton Society of Artists & Downtown Dayton Partnership



    The Dayton Society of Artists (DSA) and the Downtown Dayton Partnership (DDP) are pleased to present Art in the City 2026, a juried exhibition celebrating the vibrancy of downtown Dayton and the artists who bring it to life.

    Mission

    Art in the City aims to spotlight downtown Dayton’s businesses while showcasing the incredible artistic talent in and around our community, with a special focus on supporting and celebrating emerging artists.

    Goal

    Twelve (12) artists will be selected to create an original artwork inspired by an assigned downtown Dayton business. The completed works will be exhibited at the Dayton Convention Center, the official venue for Art in the City 2026, on:

    Saturday, August 1, 2026 | 1–7 PM

    Participating businesses will be announced soon. Selected artists will be paired with one business following acceptance. While collaboration is encouraged, artistic direction remains with the artist.

    Eligibility

    This call is open to all practicing artists living within 35 miles of Dayton, Ohio.

    Artist Commitment

    * Selected artists will receive an 18” x 18” canvas (provided by DDP).

    * Artists will be paired with a downtown business in early spring.

    * Artists are responsible for contacting their assigned business and initiating collaboration.

    * Final artistic decisions remain with the artist.

    * Artists are required to be present with their artwork for the full duration of the event on Saturday, August 1, 2026 (1–7 PM).

    * Artists will receive a stipend for participation.

    * Artists will be provided the opportunity to have a vending table at the event to sell additional work (details provided upon acceptance).

    * Artwork will remain on display at the Dayton Convention Center during the public voting period (August 1–August 15, 2026).


    Submission Requirements

    Applications must be submitted through the Dayton Society of Artists website.

    Applicants must include:

    * Contact information

    * Artist statement

    * Indication of experience level

    * 3 images of completed artwork

    * Website and/or social media link (if available)


    Selection Criteria

    Selections will be made jointly by the Dayton Society of Artists and the Downtown Dayton Partnership based on:

    * Technical skill

    * Creativity and originality

    * Ability to thoughtfully interpret and complement the assigned business


    Calendar

    Application Deadline: April 1, 2026. 
Notification of Acceptance: By April 15, 2026 (via email) Artist & Business Pairing: Spring 2026 Artwork Check-In (Online): June 3, 2026

    Artwork Drop-Off at DSA:

    * Friday, June 26, 2026 | 4–8 PM

    * Saturday, June 27, 2026 | 12–5 PM

    Event Date: Saturday, August 1, 2026 | 1–7 PM

    Public Voting: August 1 – August 15, 2026

    Artwork Pick-Up at DSA:

    * Friday, August 21, 2026 | 4–8 PM

    * Saturday, August 22, 2026 | 12–5 PM

    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.

    LIABILITY & SALES
    The Dayton Society of Artists (DSA) and Downtown Dayton Partnership 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 Downtown Dayton Partnership 
    are not liable for loss or damage due to circumstances beyond its control. Please note that the space does not have constant climate control.

    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 Downtown Dayton Partnership 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.

    • 20 Feb 2026
    • 6:00 PM
    • 3 Apr 2026
    • 8:00 PM
    • DSA Gallery
    • 28
    Register

    Call for Art: PART OF A WHOLE: 2/2

    PART OF A WHOLE: 2/2 is the second in a two-part Dayton Society of Artists annual members’ exhibition. The call for art is open to DSA members in good standing and is open to all mediums, techniques, and styles. This year, members may submit one piece that is guaranteed to be included in the exhibition with a $10 entry fee. The juror for the prizes is Tess Little, and all artworks will be judged in person.Awarded prizes include: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, Honorable Mention, as well as three members receiving free entry to the annual  juried show (no artists may win more than one prize).
    Limited to the first 30 artist submissions.


    ABOUT THE JUROR
    Tess Little is a sculptor who lives and works in Fairborn, Ohio. Making sculpture is Tess' passion. Tess works in clay, bronze, welded steel, recycled and found metal and concrete.

    She creates both large-scale sculpture for public places and smaller artwork for the private home. She has also facilitated several large permanent community art projects in the Dayton, Ohio area. She has exhibited her artwork in both one person and group shows in the Midwest region for many years and has artwork in many private collections. She is a retired sculpture professor from Sinclair Community College, Dayton, Ohio and is active in the local art community. Since retirement, Tess is actively working as an artist and celebrates being able to create and exhibit her sculpture full time. 

    Tess received her Master of Fine Arts from Cranbrook Academy of Art, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. 

    SUBMITTING ARTWORK
    Please submit your work via website submission by Friday, April 3. Don’t like to submit online? Make an appointment with the director at director@daytondsa.org, and we can enter it together. You may also leave your work at the gallery afterward. Appointments must be made before Friday, April 3 by emailing director@daytondsa.org.

    CALENDAR
    Art Drop-Off: Saturday, April 4, 12–5 PM
    Exhibition Runs: April 10-May 1, 2026
    Opening Reception: Friday, April 10, 6–8 PM
    Closing Reception: Friday, May 1, 6–8 PM
    Art Pick-Up: Friday, May 1, 8–9 PM and Saturday, May 2, 12–5 PM

    ENTRY FEES
    $10 for 1 piece via website entry.
    Become a member at daytondsa.org/becomeamember

    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
    Artists must be DSA members in good standing. 2D Artwork must be no larger than 36”(width)x 48”(height)
    (including all framing, etc). 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. No Sawtooth hangers. DSA is open to other installation methods, but they must be pre-approved.
    Artwork must have been created in the past 5 years.
    Artwork must be labelled with name, title, medium, price, and e-mail.
    Artwork must not have been exhibited before at the DSA or virtually through the DSA.
    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
    Artists are solely responsible for insuring their work during delivery, installation, the exhibition period, and pickup. The DSA is not liable for loss or damage due to circumstances beyond its control. Please note that the gallery does not have constant climate control. The DSA will take a 10% commission on all artwork sales; artists should price work accordingly or designate work as Not for Sale. Donations in addition to sales are always appreciated and help support future programming.

    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 may use submitted images and artwork in print and/or digital marketing materials.

    • 22 Feb 2026
    • 10:00 AM
    • 12 Apr 2026
    • 3:00 PM
    • Dayton Metro Library – Main Library, 2nd Floor Gallery
    • 118
    Register

    Call for Art: At This Moment

    PLEASE NOTE THIS EXHIBITION WILL BE HOSTED AT DAYTON METRO LIBRARY MAIN BRANCH, 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.

    • 22 Feb 2026
    • 6:00 PM
    • 5 Apr 2026
    • 11:00 PM
    • DSA Gallery
    • 23
    Register

    Call for Art: FUTURE OF FEMALE

    FUTURE OF FEMALE The Dayton Society of Artists (DSA) is pleased to present The Future of Female, an exhibition focused on the ideals, hopes, and experiences of women identifying artists. The call for art is open to any women identifying artists who are 18 years or older. All art in any medium, style, and technique will be considered. Art must be original.

    $600 in prizes will be awarded; the juror is Aleah Chapin. 


    ABOUT THE JUROR

    Aleah Chapin (b. 1986 Whidbey Island, WA) is a painter whose direct portrayals of the human form have expanded the conversation around western culture's representations of the body in art. She has exhibited throughout the world, including Flowers Gallery(New York, London, Hong Kong), The Belvedere Museum (Vienna), and the National Portrait Gallery (London). Chapin has attended residencies at the Leipzig InternationalArt Program (Leipzig, Germany) and MacDowell (Peterborough, NH). She is a recipient of the Willard L. Metcalf Promising Young Painters Award from the American Academy of Arts and Letters (New York), the Elizabeth Greenshields Foundation Grant (Canada),a Postgraduate Fellowship from the New York Academy of Art, and the BP PortraitAward at the National Portrait Gallery (London). She holds an MFA from the New York Academy of Art (New York) and a BFA from Cornish College of the Arts (Seattle).Chapin's work has been published extensively, including New American Paintings,Juxtapoz, Art Maze Magazine, London Sunday Times, the Seattle Times and the BBC.

    SUBMITTING ARTWORK
    Please submit your work via website submission by Sunday, April 5, 2026. Direct question to:   director@daytondsa.org.

    CALENDAR

    Art Drop-Off: Saturday, May 2, 12–5 PM (or by appointment)

    Entries do by:  April 5, 2026 by 11pm(EST)

    Emailed Juried Results By: April 13, 2026

    Exhibition Runs: May 8-July 3, 2026

    Opening Reception: Friday, May 8, 6–8 PM
    Closing Reception: Friday, July 3, 6–8 PM
    Art Pick-Up: Friday, July 3, 8–9 PM or Sunday July 5,12-3pm(or by appointment)

    ENTRY FEES
    -Non-members - $15 each piece for up to three pieces.
    -Members - $12 each piece for up to three pieces.
    -Pay online by card when you submit your work.
     Become a member at daytondsa.org/becomeamember

    PLEASE BUY A TICKET FOR EACH ENTRY(3 MAXIMUM)

    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
    -Artists must be DSA members in good standing. 2D Artwork must be no larger than 48”(width)x 48”(height)
    (including all framing, etc). 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. No Sawtooth hangers. DSA is open to other installation methods, but they must be pre-approved.
    -Artwork must have been created in the past 5 years.
    -Artwork must be labelled with name, title, medium, price, and e-mail.
    -Artwork must not have been exhibited before at the DSA or virtually through the DSA.
    -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.

    ART DELIVERY: 

    -Artists maintain responsibility for insuring fine artwork during shipment and/or travel (including U.S. mail delivery) to the DSA. The DSA will acknowledge receipt of work when physically received by appropriate DSA personnel. 
    -All work selected for the exhibition must arrive ready to install. Works not gallery-ready, or not exhibiting good craftsmanship, may be omitted from the exhibit. Accepted work that differs significantly from the submitted images, or suffers from poor presentation, will be disqualified. 
    -Works must be hand delivered or shipped. Exhibited work will remain on display for the duration of the exhibition. Works not claimed within 30 days of the end of the exhibit will become the property of the DSA. 
    -Shipped Works: Shipped works must be sent in reusable packaging. Artists are responsible for return shipping costs and should include a return label with the shipped artwork or emailed to the director by the close of the show. Works will be returned in the same manner as received by FEDEX/UPS/USPS. Artwork must be received on or before Saturday May 2 and will be shipped out the week of July 5.

    -Shipping Address: The Dayton Society of Artists, 48 High Street, Dayton, Ohio. 45403.
    -In-Person Delivery: Works will be returned in the same manner as received. 

    LIABILITY & SALES
    Artists are solely responsible for insuring their work during delivery, installation, the exhibition period, and pickup. The DSA is not liable for loss or damage due to circumstances beyond its control. Please note that the gallery does not have constant climate control. The DSA will take a 10% commission(members) and 30%(non-members) on all artwork sales; artists should price work accordingly or designate work as Not for Sale. Donations in addition to sales are always appreciated and help support future programming.

    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 may use submitted images and artwork in print and/or digital marketing materials.

Thank you to our Sponsors:
                             

info@daytondsa.org  |  48 High Street, Dayton, OH 45403  |  937.228.4532
Gallery Hours During Exhibits: Fridays 4–8 PM • Saturdays 12–5 PM • Also by appointment


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