Dayton Art Fair

FEBRUARY 15 & 16, 2025

We are thrilled to announce the launch of the Dayton Art Fair, a fresh reimagining of The Co’s beloved annual fundraiser, formerly known as the Annual Art Auction. This inspiring, community-driven event will be held in February 15 & 16, 2025 at the iconic Dayton Arcade and promises to bring together art lovers, collectors, and the wider community in a vibrant celebration of local talent and contemporary art.

Building on the 30-year legacy of supporting artists, The Co’s Dayton Art Fair marks a new beginning, uniting Dayton’s creative community in a powerful statement of hope, resilience, and progress. This bold new platform elevates artists by offering them a space to showcase and sell their work directly, while fostering a deeper connection between artists and art enthusiasts in Dayton and beyond.

DAYTON ART FAIR HOURS

Saturday, February 15: 11 AM – 6 PM

Sunday, February 16: 11 AM – 4 PM

A New Vision for Artist Empowerment and Community Unity

At the heart of the Dayton Art Fair is a vision to empower artists and inspire the community. Gone are the days of depending solely on artist donations for auction items; this innovative fair allows artists to maintain full ownership of their works while benefiting from enhanced visibility and financial support. By creating a platform for artists to engage directly with buyers and supporters, The Co is ensuring that their talents are recognized, valued, and rewarded.

The Dayton Art Fair is more than an event – it is a testament to the belief that art has the power to unify and uplift. As the leading community arts organization known for fostering collaboration and innovation, The Co is partnering with local galleries, artist collectives, and businesses for the Dayton Art Fair to create a unique platform that celebrates and amplifies local talent. Their commitment to uniting Dayton’s creative community drives meaningful cultural growth and strengthens the region’s vibrant arts scene. Through the fair’s open and inclusive environment, The Co seeks to break down barriers between artists and the public, making contemporary art more accessible and approachable. This shift in focus comes as The Co continues its mission to support emerging and established artists while fostering a vibrant and diverse arts community in Dayton.

Community Partners

The community partners involved in The Co Dayton Art Fair make this event truly unique by representing a rich cross-section of Dayton’s creative spirit and cultural heritage. Each partner brings a distinctive voice, fostering an environment where innovation and change thrive:

Black Palette Art Gallery – “CREATIVELY IN THE BLACK” | Fine Art Exhibitions, Sales, Commissions, Education, Consulting, & Events
Culture Works – Dayton’s united art fund dedicated to supporting and promoting the arts and culture in the Dayton, Ohio region
Dayton Printmakers Cooperative – A collaborative space dedicated to the art of printmaking, offering resources and community to artists at all levels.
Dayton Society of Artists – A historic nonprofit organization supporting local artists through exhibitions, workshops, and education programs.
Ed Dixon Gallery – A contemporary gallery showcasing cutting-edge art and fostering emerging talent in Dayton’s vibrant art scene.
Friends of The Dayton Arcade – A passionate group committed to the preservation and revitalization of Dayton’s iconic Arcade, fostering artistic and cultural events in this historic space.
GATHER by Ghostlight – A cozy and creative coffeehouse fostering community engagement through art, culture, and conversation.
6888 Incubator – Minority/veteran/woman-owned and operated, The Arcade’s creative hub for food entrepreneurs, offering resources and support to grow innovative projects.
Sugarcreek Photography Gallery – A dedicated space for fine art photography, featuring regional and national artists.
Table 33 – A farm-to-table restaurant that celebrates creativity in food and supports local artists and makers.

These partnerships not only showcase the diversity and talent within the Dayton community but also work together to drive meaningful change, creating an inspiring event where collaboration, creativity, and innovation come together to shape the future of Dayton’s artistic landscape. Through these partners, The Co Dayton Art Fair becomes a space where artists and the community at large are empowered to push boundaries, challenge the status quo, and celebrate new ways of thinking.

What to Expect at the Dayton Art Fair

The Dayton Art Fair will feature curated selections of artwork by a dynamic roster of local and regional artists, highlighting the creativity, vision, and diversity of the Dayton art scene. Visitors can expect to see Artist Booths and Partner Pop-ups filled with paintings, sculptures, prints and mixed-media works that push the boundaries of contemporary art. Sections of the Fair will also include:

$50 and Under Mini-Fair – A fair within the Fair dedicated to affordable art for home, office, or gifting—all items $50 and under
“FlatStock” / Matted photographs, prints, and hand-screen printed items
The Love Shack / Heart-themed sweets, savories and giftables

Additionally, the event will include live demonstrations, performances, and interactive opportunities to engage with artists and their creative processes.

The weekend-long event will also feature workshops, live music, food vendors, and activities for families, making it a true celebration for everyone. Vital to The Co’s mission of inclusivity, The Co is currently seeking sponsorship to enable FREE Admission all weekend and FREE RTA bus transportation to families who may not otherwise have access to the event, ensuring that art is accessible to all.

An Event with a Purpose

More than just a fundraising event, the Dayton Art Fair represents The Co’s unwavering commitment to the city of Dayton and its artistic community. By placing artists at the forefront of the event, The Co is creating a platform that celebrates creativity and contributes to the economic empowerment of local and regional artists. The proceeds generated from the event will go directly to supporting The Co’s ongoing exhibitions, educational programs, and artist development initiatives, ensuring that the arts remain a vital part of Dayton’s cultural landscape.