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.

Meet beloved cartoonists Jim Borgman and Jerry Scott. Enjoy an interview, some drawing, and Q&A with the artists. Book signing will follow. Bring your own books. There will not be a sale. In partnership with the Great Lakes Chapter of the National Cartoonists Society.

Together Jim Borgman and Jerry Scott create the hugely popular comic strip "Zits", which appears in the Dayton Daily and many other newspapers around the country. Scott also writes "Baby Blues", another popular comic strip that appears in the Dayton Daily News. Each has won the prestigious Reuben Award for Cartoonist of the Year, and Borgman received the 1991 Pulitzer Prize for Editorial Cartooning at the Cincinnati Enquirer.

J [REDACTED] and friends bring us five hours Dayton's finest funky disco records for our listening and dancing pleasure. Disco attire encouraged.
21+
FREE

*50/50 raffle
*Cabbage Rolls
*Grandma's Attic
* Silent Auction Items
* Tyke's table (for kids to buy gifts)
* vendors
-bake goods
-craft items
-leather & wood worked items
*Entertainment Books - on Sale

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!

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.

*50/50 raffle
*Cabbage Rolls
*Grandma's Attic
*Silent Auction items
*Tykes (Gifts for children to buy for others)
*Vendors
-bake goods
-craft items
-leather & wood working items
*Entertainment Books - on Sale

*50/50 raffle
*Cabbage Rolls
*Grandma's Attic
*Silent Auction items
*Tykes (Gifts for children to buy for others)
*Vendors
-bake goods
-craft items
-leather & wood working items
*Entertainment Books - on Sale

Please join us for an intimate evening of original music and carefully crafted covers from Sam King, the suspects, and friends. Dinner and snacks will be available with donation at the door.

Special guests include, but not limited to Khrys Blank, Sharon Lane, Vicki Brown, Diane Peters, Scott Houchens, and Midwestern Mrs.
Doors: 4pm
Show: 5pm