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

Dan Cleary: Five Views of Ohio features work from the Dayton-based photographer’s ongoing Ohio Landscape series, in which he turns his lens toward the places that shape daily life across the region. For years, he has traveled throughout Ohio’s cities, rivers, and countryside, capturing scenes that reveal the quiet rhythms of a landscape both familiar and constantly shifting. In these five photographs, Cleary explores his connection to home through light, water, and motion—moving from the still surface of a backwater stream to the rush of a downtown river or streetcar.

Let us bring our heartbeats to the ground in this slow flow class, where gentle movement and rest meet.

Pamper yourself in this 1.5-hour experience while we find our mindful breath and celebrate our body in movement. Gentle movement will slowly transition into restorative poses that will be aided in the use of props.

This evening is a sweet reminder of how important and easy it can be to take care of yourself.

Please bring your own mat and anything else that will make you feel comfy and cozy.

Hot tea, coffee and water is provided.

Open Mic nights on 2nd And 4th Wednesday
Poetry/Spoken Word Night on 1st & 3rd Wednesday
Beginning At 7

Mike Wade Trio joins us Wednesday, January 7th from 7-10pm for an exhilarating performance of jazz favorites alongside our Wednesday weekly whiskey specials! Every Wednesday we offer 25% off standard whiskey, bourbon, and scotch pours & cocktails!

Please remember, we do not accept reservations. Guests are seated on a first come, first serve basis. We require guests dress appropriately - meaning business casual through evening elegance or period appropriate attire, if you wish (jeans are acceptable but must be well-kempt) For more information about our dress code, click here. We are 25 & up and require valid ID for entry!

Don't forget, the password is required for entry and can be found on our website!

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

Foster an early love of art with Art Start Preschool Storytime at the Kettering Health Art Gallery, in partnership with the Dayton Metro Library! Parents and children ages three through six are invited to enjoy one to four stories followed by a hands-on craft led by a Rosewood instructor. Join us every 2nd Thursday of the month from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at Rosewood Arts Center. Free and open to the public!

We invite you, whether you’re a musician, poet, comedian, or just a lover of live talent, this is your night to shine—or just sit back, sip something cold, and enjoy the show. Kyle and Rob are bringing their signature energy and laid-back charm, setting the perfect stage for an evening packed with creativity and community.