Community Calendar

Are you looking for a fun and unique autumn activity? Then come to our Pumpkin Blow! With help from our professional glass artists, you can blow your own pumpkin from hot molten glass. Everyone must be 5 years or older to participate. It's scheduled in 30 minute increments per person and reservations are required. Pumpkins will be ready for pick up in 7 days but shipping is also available. Experience the wonder that is glassblown art this fall season with your loved ones!

In her work, Eden Quispe creates interior scenes using inherited quilting techniques, embroidery, printing, and collage. Quispe expresses the precarious balance of her multiple roles as a mother, artist and teacher with symbols and materials;  her daughter’s baby clothes, grandfather's ties, and inherited fabric from her family and husband's Peruvian culture are painted and sewn upon and cut to become walls, tables, and chairs. These object memories are sewn together and printed on to create her patchwork paintings.

Denny Gerwin’s ceramic sculptures and vessels reference the female form, acknowledging artifacts created up to 30,000 years ago and illustrating universal human interest in precarious subject matter. Recognizing himself as the “other” in the equation, and noting that this is a rare position for him to sit in, the artist is grateful for lessons learned in vulnerability. More recent works in this series show clinched fists, an aberration from traditional depictions of Venus and an apt departure given the threat to women's power.

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.

Let the rhythms lift your feet and your spirits! Join us on first Fridays to dance, socialize, or just sit and listen to some of the best bands and callers in the region. No experience is necessary, all ages are welcome and you don’t need to bring a partner. The caller teaches all dances before they start. Live music at every dance. 
7:00 PM – Free lesson, all encouraged to come early
7:30 – 10:30 PM – Contra dancing

What is contra dancing?  Taken from: caldancecoop.org/resources/what-is-contra-dancing/ which has more details and videos
Contra dance differs from Square dance in that Contra dance is done in lines rather than in a 4-couple square.   Many of the terms are the same in both Contra and Square dancing, so if you remember any of the terms from old school days or previous occasions, you’re already halfway there.   Now and then, a Contra dance caller may even call a Square dance or two during the evening’s dance.

Footwork in Contra dancing is very simple.   Generally it’s just a walking step to the music.

NO DANCE IN DECEMBER

At Dayton Vintage Dance, we socially dance many types of historical and modern dances. Our emphasis is typically on having fun with partnered social dances, but we also do set dances, circle dances, line dances, and solo dances as well.

Our normal mode of operation is as a one-room schoolhouse. This allows novice dancers to be paired with experienced dancers which helps novice dancers learn dances much more quickly than if they were to be paired with other novices and encourages experienced dancers to focus on clear communication and flexibility in dance.  Occasionally the classes are broken into groups if specialized topics are being taught that aren't suitable for all.

All levels and styles of dancers are welcome.

Our lessons are regularly attended by dancers ranging in skill from novice to workshop instructor.

Schedule: 

Every Friday except for select holidays

Sign-in: 7:45PM - 8:00PM

Lesson: 8:00PM - 9:00PM

Open Dance: 9:00PM-10:00PM

Students are welcome to enter through the front door or the back door. The lessons and dance will be in the main ballroom. Go straight down the hallway through either door and you can't miss it.

Looking for new and fun holiday traditions? Then try our Ornament Blow! With help from our professional glassblowers, you can make your own ornament from hot molten glass! Everyone ages five years and older can participate, making this a perfect family activity. Since this event requires your participation, it gives you an enjoyable and memorable introduction to this unique and fascinating art form. Experience the wonder that is glassblowing this holiday season with your loved ones!

Scheduled in 15 minute increments per person and reservations are required. Excludes Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. Ready for pickup in 7 days and shipping is available.

Are you looking for a fun and unique autumn activity? Then come to our Pumpkin Blow! With help from our professional glass artists, you can blow your own pumpkin from hot molten glass. Everyone must be 5 years or older to participate. It's scheduled in 30 minute increments per person and reservations are required. Pumpkins will be ready for pick up in 7 days but shipping is also available. Experience the wonder that is glassblown art this fall season with your loved ones!

In her work, Eden Quispe creates interior scenes using inherited quilting techniques, embroidery, printing, and collage. Quispe expresses the precarious balance of her multiple roles as a mother, artist and teacher with symbols and materials;  her daughter’s baby clothes, grandfather's ties, and inherited fabric from her family and husband's Peruvian culture are painted and sewn upon and cut to become walls, tables, and chairs. These object memories are sewn together and printed on to create her patchwork paintings.

Denny Gerwin’s ceramic sculptures and vessels reference the female form, acknowledging artifacts created up to 30,000 years ago and illustrating universal human interest in precarious subject matter. Recognizing himself as the “other” in the equation, and noting that this is a rare position for him to sit in, the artist is grateful for lessons learned in vulnerability. More recent works in this series show clinched fists, an aberration from traditional depictions of Venus and an apt departure given the threat to women's power.

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.

Let’s get cozy in the kitchen this holiday season! We will make fresh baked cookies and homemade hot cocoa to get into the spirit. We’ll finish with an activity to make and take home hot cocoa mix.