The Dayton Visual Arts Center is a group of artists and art lovers who believe that a vital visuals arts community is essential to the life of the community. From gallery talks and exhibit openings to professional development workshops, DVAC provides opportunities to meet others who share an interest in art and to learn about and support contemporary visual art.
Since 1991, DVAC has been a leading proponent of contemporary art in the region. Our gallery in downtown Dayton presents a full schedule of innovative exhibitions each year. The annual art auction has grown to become one of the largest auctions of contemporary art in Ohio. ARTtoBUY, which includes the very popular holiday gift gallery, connects artists with the public for the purchase of reasonably priced fine art and fine craft. Through Art Source, we consult with art collectors, assisting them in finding art by regional artists. And we have fun together, presenting a series of Artist Palate parties in the homes and studios of artists and art collectors.
Location
The Dayton Visual Arts Center (DVAC) is one of the region's leading contemporary gallery spaces and artists' organizations. We are located at
118 N. Jefferson Street. Look for our orange-tiled entry way!
Gallery Hours
11 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday-Saturday
Open until 9 p.m. on Thursdays
Closed on Sundays
Visitor Services
DVAC's gallery space is fully accessible to everyone and offers parking at metered spaces or in area garages and lots. We are near theatres, restaurants, hotels and the historic Oregon District.
Directions
From northbound I-75, exit at Third Street; proceed east to Jefferson Street (6th traffic light); turn left; go 1-1/2 blocks north. DVAC is on the right.
From southbound I-75, exit at First Street and proceed east to St. Clair
(7th traffic light), turn right; go one block south to Second Street; turn right; go 1/2 block north. DVAC is on the right.
From Route 35, exit at Main/Jefferson Street; proceed north on Jefferson through five traffic lights; go 1/2 block north. DVAC is on the right.
History
The Dayton Visual Arts Center was founded in 1991 by a coalition of Dayton-area artists, art supporters, and visual arts professionals who saw a need for more interaction between the public and regional artists. DVAC's founders established an organization that allows the community to see and experience the wealth and diversity of visual art being created in the area and to get to know these artists.
In its 16-year history, DVAC has presented a schedule of exhibitions that has explored the variety and diversity of the visual arts in communities from Dayton, Ohio and internationally.
Pasts Exhibitions
Sponsors
The Dayton Visual Arts Center is a membership-based organization, supported by about 800 members. We also receive operating support from the Ohio Arts Council and Culture Works and special project support from the Montgomery County Arts and Cultural District. Throughout the year, dozens of Dayton-area businesses provide both financial and in-kind support for exhibitions, programs, and the auction.
We acknowledge the generosity of the following companies, individuals and organizations during the past 12 months:
Board of Trustees
Angela Machowsky, President
Marcia Muller, Vice President
Ira Thomsen, Treasurer
Anne Johnson, Secretary
Christopher R. Conard, Legal Counsel
Cindy Koenig, Membership Chair
Ed Valles, Artist Palate Chair
Edd McGatha, Programs/Exhibitions Chair
J.D. Claffey, Facilities Chair
Elizabeth Blattner
George Bussinger
Glen Clark
Angela Clements
Tess Cort
