Community Calendar

The Contemporary Dayton is proud to present Xaviera Simmons: Figure Eleven, a major solo exhibition bringing together recent works in photography, painting, video, and the world premiere of a new body of bronze sculptures by one of the most bold and visionary artists of our time.

Simmons’ practice is deeply rooted in art history, both through deliberate assertion and continuous engagement, drawing on references that span from antiquity and the American landscape to contemporary media. Her work unfolds through a cinematic sensibility, where narrative, movement, and stillness intersect. This is evident in her photographic series such as American Book Covers and Sundown, in her monumental text paintings, and now in this new body of bronze sculptures.

Performance, choreography, and the sensual are integral to Simmons’ artistic language. In this recent sculptural work, these elements coalesce into forms that feel both classical and contemporary. As with much of her practice, Figure Eleven situates art history within an ongoing continuum, like a film that resists final resolution.

The sculptures recall the Venus of Willendorf and Venus de Milo while simultaneously reflecting the multiplicity of contemporary bodies and motifs. Their power lies in their capacity to collapse and reconcile distinct historical and cultural narratives. The figures embody a poised stillness that resonates with the language of movement and performance. Figure Eleven, both the exhibition’s title and the newest figurative sculpture, appears as if drawn from a film still, a moment suspended between gesture and permanence.

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 at The Contemporary Dayton, Dayton, Ohio’s contemporary art center.

Submission Deadline (Postmark): Feb 1, 2026

In-Person Drop-Off Deadline: Feb 4, 2026

Exhibition Dates: Feb 13-14, 2026

Enjoy light Refreshments and a final chance to view the exhibition Xaviera Simmons: Figure Eleven.

Xaviera Simmons is a multidisciplinary artist whose work spans photography, performance, video, sound, sculpture, and installation. Her practice, rooted in exploring memory, history, and shifting ideas of landscape, moves cyclically across mediums to reflect an ongoing dialogue between past and future. A Bard College and Whitney ISP alumna, Simmons has exhibited widely in major institutions including MoMA, SFMOMA, ICA Boston, and The Studio Museum in Harlem, with works held in prominent museum and private collections worldwide. She has received numerous honors, including the Foundation for Contemporary Arts Grant and Harvard’s inaugural Solomon Fellowship.

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 at The Contemporary Dayton, Dayton, Ohio’s contemporary art center.

Submission Deadline (Postmark): Feb 1, 2026

In-Person Drop-Off Deadline: Feb 4, 2026

Exhibition Dates: Feb 13-14, 2026

It’s my favorite day of the month! Bring yourself, bring your project, bring a friend, or make some new ones. Come hang out for an afternoon of introverting public hosted by me, Savage Stitcher (Angie) and The Barrel House. Cheers!!!

Join us for a one-time screening of this special concert documentary - celebrating John Prine - featuring Lyle Lovett, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Brandi Carlile, Bonnie Raitt and many more! "This concert film was shot in October, 2022, over two nights at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN. More than 70 artists gathered with family, the Nashville community, and music fans to remember and pay tribute to the life and songs of John Prine.

Prine, widely celebrated as one of history's greatest songwriters, captivated millions of fans and earned the admiration of icons such as Bonnie Raitt, Brandi Carlile, Tyler Childers, Lucinda Williams, Dwight Yoakam, Jason Isbell, and Bob Weir, amongst many others."

Sunday, Jan. 25 at 5:00. Tickets are $12.50 each.

You're invited Dayton Dinner Theater's famous interactive movie experience with the classic, comedy murder mystery Clue!

Themed Food : Mystery snacks and appetizers, Creative themed Pizza by Dayton's own Flying Pizza, Fancy Salad, and mystery dessert

Themed Drinks TBA: Maybe some bourbon for the Colonel, Green, Plum, or white wine??

Themed Attire: Pick your favorite character and be ready to be sus (as the young people say). Cute maids will not be put to work

Themed Music for Name that Tune: Something about being clueless, someone doing you wrong, or perhaps a good old death son

HOW TO GO?

Jan 25, 2026, 5:45 PM – 9:10 PM

Dayton, 905 E 3rd St, Dayton, OH 45402, USA

Doors open at 5:45 - Food and live music is available from 6-7 pm - Movie starts at 7 pm. A short intermission for dessert and trivia will start at 8 pm - Movie ends around 9:15 pm.

Alcoholic drinks available for purchase

Tickets $36 - Get tickets here: https://www.daytondinnertheater.com/events/clue-40th-anniversary-interactive-movie-mystery-party

Table reservations only for parties of 6 or more, otherwise we have open seating. For table reservations or other questions, please email Daytondinnertheater@gmail.com

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 at The Contemporary Dayton, Dayton, Ohio’s contemporary art center.

Submission Deadline (Postmark): Feb 1, 2026

In-Person Drop-Off Deadline: Feb 4, 2026

Exhibition Dates: Feb 13-14, 2026

Join us every Monday for our service industry thank you party. Come by to meet people and make friends over great drinks, food and pool at Belmont Billiards.

Rosewood Arts Center is offering Introduction to Enameling Techniques this winter! This course provides students with a basic understanding of enameling through creation of small enamel pieces. Students learn various techniques, such as graphite drawing, water color, and separation enamel. Each class session will introduce different enamel techniques.

This class will be hosted at Rosewood Arts Center on Monday evenings from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. The class will start on Monday, January 26 and run through February 23. Please call our front desk at 938-296-0294 to enroll.