Lino Tagliapietra (Italian, born 1934), Coronado (detail), 1998, blown glass. Museum purchase with funds provided by the James F. Dicke Family, 1999.57
LEADERSHIP TEAM
OFFICERS
Chair
Stacey Lawson
Chief Human Resource Officer, Premier Health
Vice-Chair
Mark Shaker
President, Shaker Strategic Solutions
Treasurer
Linda Black-Kurek
President, Liberty Health Care Corporation
Secretary
Amy Lei
Vice President. Fuyao Glass America
TRUSTEES
Lisa Coker, Principal and CEO
Infinite Management Solutions
Mark Conway
Partner, Thompson Hine
Gregory Changa Freeman
Community Representative
Renate Frydman, PhD
Community Representative
Kellie Heironimus
Customer Growth Leader, AES Ohio
Kevin Hill
Facilities Team Lead/ Architect WPAFB
Dr. Jeffrey Mikutis
Community Representative
Jeff Pizza
Community Representative
Kris Rossi, PhD
Senior Strategy Director
Design Bridge and Partners
Andrew Schwartz
Secretary, Corporate Counsel, and Chief Procurement Officer
Lion Group, Inc.
Karen Spina
Community Representative
Sally Struthers PhD
Professor Emeritus, Sinclair College
Debbie Watts Robinson
CEO, Miami Valley Housing
Opportunities, Inc.
Jeffrey Woeste Partner, Flagel Huber Flagel
Danyelle Wright
VP, Employment & Labor Law and CDO
The E.W. Scripps Company
EX OFFICIO
Daniel Davis (Immediate Past Chair)
James F. Dicke, II
A. J. Kessler
The Honorable Jeffrey Mims
Commissioner Judy Dodge
Asia Williams
Ariel Walker Strategic Implementation Director
Janice Goodrich Executive Liaison to Board & Leadership Team
Jerry N. Smith, PhD Head Curator & Curatorial Affairs Director
Shannon Peck-Bartle, PhD Director of Education & Community Engagement
Mike Griest External Affairs Director
BOLD YEAR. BRIGHT FUTURE
Dear Dedicated Members,
Thank you for your support in 2024! It was a year filled with great joy and hardship. We celebrated the opening of three incredible Special Exhibitions — The Artistic Life of Aka Pereyma, Riveting: Women Artists from the Sara and Michelle Vance-Waddell Collection and Merry Grinchmas: Art of Dr. Seuss’ Holiday Classic & B(Art)! America’s Funniest Animated Family with a wonderful selection of Focus Exhibitions, which included The Quiet World of Edward Hopper, James Pate: Technocubism and many more— there really was something for everyone.
DAI’s Education programs were back in full force providing unique and artful experiences for students of all ages. 2024 marked our first full year participating in the Black Boy Brilliance Program, as part of our partnership with Preschool Promise and African American Visual Artists Guild. The Black Boy Brilliance Program, aimed at supporting and uplifting Black boys, particularly in the context of early childhood education and beyond, takes black men into the classroom to teach about many different topics, connect with students and act as a role model to support a continued interest in education. In addition to reading books to the children, our educator completes an art activity with the students. The Black Boy Brillance educator position was partially funded by the Ohio Arts Council. In addition, thanks to AES Ohio Foundation, the DAI was able to renovate the Lange Family Experiencenter classroom, providing an up-to-date space for learning and art making. We also introduced a new immersive technology initiative to the Experiencenter to insure we remain current and relevant. In this report you’ll have the opportunity read all about the impact our educational programs and community partnerships had in 2024.
Last year, the DAI continued our fundraising efforts in the form of our signature events: Art Ball, Oktoberfest and Bourbon & Bubbles. In addition to raising funds for the museum, our signature events are a great opportunity to connect with the community. While our annual Oktoberfest celebration faced some unexpected challenges due to Hurricane Helene, which brought heavy rain over the weekend and impacted attendance, resulting in an estimated $400,000 in lost revenue, the outpour of support we received by our members, sponsor, donors and friends of the museum during such a dreary weekend was an inspiration to us all–and encouraged us to make 2025’s Oktoberfest better than ever. Other events at the museum included our annual Bob Ross Jazz & Beyond Series, our Art For All Days, which open the museum doors to all in the community free of charge, Community Specialty Tours and so much more.
We continued to care for the collection through conservation and brought numerous new works to the collection through donations and purchases. We continued our IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility) work through exhibitions, programming and improvements, such as a new Universal Changing Table installation in the Family Restroom, which was partially funded by Montgomery County Board of Developmental Disabilities Services.
It was a memorable year, and we have even more planned for 2025 so stay tuned. We have had to tighten our belt to recover from Oktoberfest however, you will not notice any changes to exhibitions and programming except for the addition of a new Signature Event. Learn more about this new mission-based event in the Community Report.
As always, thank you for being a member of your Dayton Art Institute; we simply could not bring these services to you and the community without your support. Please consider upgrading your membership and making a gift to the Annual Fund. Consider the gift of membership for a special birthday, wedding, retirement, graduation or just to tell someone you care. It truly is a gift that lasts an entire year.
With warm regards,
Michael R. Roediger, MSLD, CFRE, Director & President
Guests posing at Bourbon & Bubbles
Beer Stein holding contest, Oktoberfest 2024
DAI Associate Board Members attending Art Ball 2024
Guests enjoying silent disco, Art Ball 2024
2024 | COLLECTION & EXHIBITIONS
Christopher Ries (American, born 1952), Celebration (detail), 1998, cut and polished optical glass. Museum purchase with funds provided by the James F. Dicke Family, 1999.31
2024 SPECIAL EXHIBITIONS
The Artistic Life of Aka Pereyma
February 12–May 12
Attendance 11,073
Riveting: Women Artists from the Sara M. and Michelle Vance Waddell Collection
June 22–September 8
Attendance 11,595
Merry Grinchmas: Art of Dr. Seuss’ Holiday Classic & (B)ART! America’s Funniest Animated Family
October 26, 2024–January 19, 2025
Attendance 11,493
FOCUS EXHIBITIONS
James Pate, Techno-Cubism: The Art of Line Painting
February 3–April 28, Gallery 119
Hand-Colored Photographs
March 23–September 22, 2025 Gallery 118
Captivating Clay: Contemporary Japanese Ceramics from the Horvitz Collection
April 13–September 22, Gallery 106
The Quiet World of Edward Hopper
June 15–September 8, Gallery 119
Those Who Care
July 13–October 27, Gallery 117
Devil’s Promenade (FotoFocus 2024 entry )
October 5–January 5, 2025, Gallery 118 and 119
Making Faces: 18 Essential Kabuki Plays
October 12–March 30, 2025, Gallery 105
The Need for Beauty
November 30–May 18, 2025, Gallery 117
Gallery wall The Artistic Life of Aka Pereyma
JPS opening Reception for Riveting
Guest viewing Cels from (B)ART! America’s Funniest Animated Family
The Quiet World of Edward Hopper
James Pate speaking at his opening reception of Techno-Cubism Gallery wall Making Faces: 18 Essential Kabuki Plays
ACQUISITIONS
440 items added to the Collection
These items include:
• 422 photographs, including 200 polaroids and prints by Jay Hoops and other photographic objects. Gift of Gary Beeber and Betsy Nichols Collection, 2024.65.1–247;
• 5 paintings – including Christopher Benson (American, born 1960), Quilt Maker’s Daughter , oil on canvas. Gift of the artist, 2024.24;
• 1scratchboard work – James Pate (American, born 1970), Love Force , scratch boards. Museum purchase, 2024.19;
• 10 prints; 1 drawing; 2 sculptures; and 1 item of furniture – Edward Colonna (American, born in Germany, 1862–1948), Cabinet (Bibliothèque Victor Hugo) , 1900, Ceylonese lemonwood and leaded stained glass. Gift of Janet and Gary Calderwood, 2024.64
ART CONSERVATION
• Joan Mitchell, Untitled , about 1961, oil on canvas. Gift of Mr. Max Pincus in honor of Mr. and Mrs. Elton F. MacDonald, 1964.25 (Conservation supported by the Joan Mitchell Foundation, New York)
• Sébastien Bourdon (French, 1616–1671), The Holy Family with Sts. Elizabeth and Infant John the Baptist , about 1660–1665, oil on canvas. Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Elton F. MacDonald, 1959.46 (Conservation supported by Susan Ayers and new frame supported by the James F. Dicke Family)
• Torii Tadamasa (Japanese, 1904–1970), 18 Kabuki Plays , 1951–1953, woodblock prints, ink, color and mica on paper. Transfer from Library to Museum Collection, 2023.346.1–.18
• Artist(s) unknown (Japan, Muromachi period, 1392–1573, or Momoyama period, 1573–1615), Mountainous Landscape , second half of 16th century, ink on paper. Gift of Mr. David Rike, Mrs. Virginia Rike Haswell and Mrs. Susanne Rike Kircher, 1967.32 (Conservation supported by Holly and Fred McConnaughey)
Jay Hoops (American, 1919–2004), Untitled, not dated, polaroid. Gift of the Gary Beeber and Betsy Nichol Collection, 2024.65.2
Before conservation
After conservation
Christopher Benson (American, born 1960), Quilt Maker’s Daughter, oil on canvas. Gift of the artist, 2024.24
Joan Mitchell (American, 1925–1992), Untitled, about 1961, oil on canvas, Gift of Mr. Max Pincus in honor of Mr. and Mrs. Elton F. MacDonald, 1964.25.
GALLERY UPDATES AND RENOVATIONS
In April, the Art of Japan galleries (Galleries 105–107) were reinstalled, with refinished floors, new wall paint and refurbished casework. The reinstallation coincided with the long-term Focus Exhibition, Captivating Clay: Contemporary Japanese Ceramics from the Horwitz Collection
In July, the Rotunda Mezzanine (Gallery 223) was reinstalled and now features works by James Pate, Alfredo Ramos Martinez, Pat Steir and others.
ADDITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
March 11 – Setting of the sculptures in the Velsey Garden.
April 4 – Opening Reception for TechnoCubism: The Art of Line Painting with Artist James Pate.
April 13 – Talk on the art of Aka Pereyma by Christina Pereyma O’Neil.
July 19 – Lenders, Sara M. and Michelle Vance Waddell, and numerous artists from the exhibition attend the opening of Riveting
July–December – Update to Art Storage, with new mobile racking system installed (Supported by Estate Gift of S. Bradley Gillaugh).
September – Temporary mural painting by DAI prep staff, Nanci Payne and Luke Bergeron, for exhibition (B)ART!
October 17 – Reception and talk by photographers Lara Shipley and Antone Dolezal, in which they discussed the ideas behind their artworks.
October 23–24 – Lender Bill Heeter attended the opening for Merry Grinchmas and (B)ART! and engaged with members.
Lender Bill Heeter
Antone Dolezal
Rotunda Mezzanine
Updated Japan galleries
Velsey Gardens
Art Storage, with new mobile racking system
Temporary mural painting by DAI prep staff
2024 | FINANCIAL REPORT
Steven Weinberg (American, born 1954), Untitled (detail), 1988, cast glass. Museum purchase, 2014.77
Operating Support Graph Categories
2024 | EDUCATION IMPACT
Greg Price (American, born 1983), Untitled (detail), 2016, shaped glass. Gift of the James F. Dicke Family, 2023.332
LITTLE ARTISTS, BIG IMPACT!
Children say the darndest things! Their creativity and unexpectedness make the Preschool Promise classroom visits for the Passport to Kindergarten program so fun and inspiring. This year, the Dayton Art Institute worked directly with 189 students in 18 classrooms at 11 schools supporting early learning literacy through arts-based reading and hands-on experiences to explore relationships between color, emotion and community. Student emotion was on full display as the excited preschoolers mixed their own colors to create their unique shape communities to be displayed at the DAI!
and written words, through the creation of something tangible by engaging their senses with art-making and through conversations centered on their own funds of knowledge, all while igniting a passion for art and literature.
“My new favorite color is purple… it’s a mix of me and my dad, and blueberries!"
Sitting down at a student table at Dixie Elementary, I was immediately drawn into conversations between students as they shared their favorite colors, their parents’ favorite colors and the new colors they were creating. One student, Ashton, shared that her favorite color was pink, and her dad’s favorite color was blue. After mixing pink and blue, she exclaimed in excitement, “My new favorite color is purple… it’s a mix of me and my dad, and blueberries! Blueberries are kind of purple and I really like blueberries!” Another student at the table shared their mom’s favorite color, green, and stated, “Green is kind of like blue.” In fact, the student was right. As they learned in the story Mixed: A Colorful Story, green is a secondary color made when you mix blue and yellow. Although this lighthearted conversation between students doesn’t seem noteworthy, it is a perfect example of ways art and literacy programming, such as the Passport to Kindergarten program through the DAI, can create meaningful space for conversation allowing, young children to experiment, explore and connect reading to lived experiences. Art can provide unique opportunities for young students to comprehend something abstract, like language
Student passion was on full display on Saturday, January 18th, when 341 Passport to Kindergarten visitors explored the DAI galleries and the student artwork on display. Sharon, whose son participated in the program, shared, “We just love seeing how proud he is! It’s a big deal to have your artwork on display at the DAI, and he insisted we read the story together again before we came! We can’t wait to come back to see all the other artwork.” I can’t wait to see our community's youngest learners pulling their parents through the DAI galleries and sharing their knowledge on color and color mixing!
Shannon
Peck-Bartle, PhD Director of Education and Community Engagement
EVERY TOUR TELLS A STORY
Reimagining DAI’s Art + Core Connections (ACC) tours has been one of the most rewarding jobs I have been tasked with. The goal was to create tours that not only connect to what students are learning in the classroom but also encourage an environment within the museum for fun and exploration. This fits with my personal mission, as I have always wanted to make art welcoming and inspiring for everyone. I believe this is at the heart of our new school tour program. The DAI ACC tour experiences empower students who may not have ever been in an art museum or taken an art class to feel confident in their abilities to explore art.
of “the man with the cool mustache!” Laurent’s ACC experience created a lasting memory connected to learning and art. His experience is just one example from the over 1400 students who visited the museum in 2024.
"Laurent’s
ACC experience created a lasting
memory connected to learning and art."
On every tour, I see students' faces light up when they discover things in the museum that pique their interest or that they recognize from school. I’ll never forget Laurent, a 4th grade English Language Learning (ELL) student, walking around the entire museum in character, twisting his “mustache” to imitate a portrait of a Frenchman. He said he would always remember talking about texture from our Elements of Art tour because it reminded him
BLACK BOY BRILLIANCE
I’ve always said if I hadn’t pursued a career in the arts, I would’ve loved to become an educator. The opportunity to blend the roles of artist and educator through the Dayton Art Institute, as the facilitator of the Black Boy Brilliance Program, provides an experience where I can tap into my childhood dream! My 120 students in the Black Boy Brillance Program, a lively group of preschool-aged boys and girls, are always buzzing with high energy, curiosity and a desire to learn. The art-based activities we do together are inspired by social emotional learning paradigms to nurture life skills and a robust list of books they read in class each month.
Seeing teachers enjoy themselves adds a beautiful, uplifting dimension to the entire tour experience. It’s a pleasure to see students and teachers getting excited together when they can connect on a topic they have explored in class. Ending a tour and hearing a teacher say, “Wow, I had a wonderful time. My students did too,” makes me want to do a celebratory dance. Our mission is to transform children’s lives through art and education. With our reimagined ACC tours, we are bringing this vision to life.
Alexandra Torres
Museum
Educator,
Gallery Specialist
Each child blossoms in their own way. One boy, shy and reserved at first, now proudly shared his drawings with me, highlighting ways art can build confidence. Another student, full of such warm and sweet energy, channels her enthusiasm into pushing boundaries of the materials we work with. She’s even grown to call me by a nickname, “Boss!”
"Each child blossoms in their own way."
As the only Black male in the room 95% of the time, I feel the weight and privilege of my role. My fatherly instincts guide my tone—gentle yet firm—while my travels and experiences infuse our sessions with stories of cultures and creativity from around the world. We paint, we draw, we experiment with new mediums and let our minds run wild with endless possibilities. It is truly a joy for myself, the children and the staff!
For me, these moments are transformative. Watching their faces light up shows me art is more than a career—it’s a bridge, connecting hearts and planting seeds of self-confidence. I leave each session inspired to pour more of myself into both my art and teaching, knowing that my presence in this space isn’t just about creating—it’s about being, belonging and showing these children the brilliance they already hold within.
Jamaal Durr Museum Artist Educator
HANDS OFF THE ART–HANDS-ON EDUCATION.
"Touching allows us to gather information by making direct contact. It provides vital feedback to our brains about texture, shape, weight and more."
"Don't touch". Safe distance is an essential boundary for the existence and well-being of our museum and the treasures we are entrusted with. However, the need for us to impose this boundary indicates that there is a desire within us to touch. Our senses work together to help gain a richer understanding of our environment. Touching allows us to gather information by making direct contact. It provides vital feedback to our brains about texture, shape, weight and more. Touching feeds our curiosity about what we see, encourages our imagination and enhances our attention and focus. In the Education Department, we seek to create pathways for all our guests, young and old, to experience the museum and engage with art in the most meaningful and impactful ways possible. We know kinesthetic learning is a vital pathway for this to come to fruition, so in 2024, Education and Curatorial worked together to approach ideas centering around tactile learning.
Traditionally, the Lange Family Experiencenter (LFE) is a space within the museum reserved for this application and this year's exhibition is no exception. The LFE features new Draw Alive technology in which guests artistically design themed artworks and scan them in a kiosk where they come to life through an AI projection. Guests are also invited to write hopes and dreams for Dayton and tie them together, creating a community rainbow of positivity and encouragement. There are oversized blocks for building, storybooks for reading, chairs for rocking and a portrait wall complete with mirrors so guests themselves become part of the exhibition. In this space, movement, touch and interactivity lead the way for engagement at the museum.
In Merry Grinchmas: Art of Dr. Seuss' Holiday Classic , we developed a sensory wall specifically made to be touched and inspired by the visuals we are familiar with from the iconic subject matter. Everything from Grinchy green fur to shiny ornaments, crunchy snowballs and the Grinch's bumpy teeth allowed guests to truly interact with what they see on the gallery walls through themes of both implied and actual texture. Comfy, oversized bean bag chairs and books invited our guests to sit and explore the exhibit audibly through different versions of the story of the Grinch. Drawing prompts inspired by the lyrics and tune of "You're a Mean One" allowed guests to add their own artistic interpretations of familiar descriptions of Mr. Grinch and include them in the display of artworks. Participation in these hands-on features far exceeded our expectations, with over 300 community artworks shared in the interactive space. Our guests inspire us to continue pushing boundaries toward a DAI that welcomes diverse learning styles and reimagines how we approach museum education.
Angie Riner Museum Education Manager
A CHANGE SPARKS GROWTH
If there’s one thing I’ve learned during my time working in museums, it’s that change is the only constant. Whether it’s a renovation, new exhibition or a new accessions to the collection, things are always shifting and moving, which makes this field such an exciting one to work in! I’ve been with the DAI for four years and have personally experienced several changes to my career path in my short time here.
my role further expanded when Community Liaison was added to my title.
“Having grown up in Dayton, I understand how important it is for learners, particularly children, to have access to museums and learning resources."
My story with the DAI begins amid the tail-end of Covid shutdowns in May of 2021. Like most people during the height of the pandemic, I found myself with extra time on my hands and not much I could do with it. This led me to explore something I’d been curious about for a long time but had never tried—acrylic painting. While I'm no Monet, Warhol or Picasso, I was surprised at how naturally it came for me to layer and mix colors while creating textures with the dab or stroke of my brush. I was hooked!
While I’ve worked in museums for my entire adult life, this spark of curiosity lit a path toward a bright future at the DAI. Working here has allowed me to develop as a young professional, grow as an artist and give back to my community. Having grown up in Dayton, I understand how important it is for learners, particularly children, to have access to museums and learning resources. As Education Coordinator, my responsibility is to assist organizations, schools and the community in accessing the educational resources and programs we have available. But in 2024,
In addition to booking field trips and group visits, my responsibilities now include a more active role in promoting DAI educational programs in community spaces at events like Pride Rocks and Art in the City. On-site, I'm responsible for coordinating the display of student art shows such as the District Congressional Art Competition and the Max May Holocaust Memorial Exhibition. I also had the opportunity to participate in this year’s Association of Art Museum Directors Diversity Panel, where I was able to speak to other museum professionals about my experience as an African American working in the museum field.
I’m grateful for the changes I was able to experience in 2024. If it's true that "the more things change, the more they stay the same," I look forward to 2025, which includes growth and opportunity for the DAI and the community.
Bryan Smith
Museum Education Coordinator and Community Liason
2024 | EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Jazz & Beyond, Art Ball, Summer Film Series, Lunch on The Lawn, Oktoberfest, Bourbon & Bubbles and Holiday Trivia
Fulvio Bianconi (Italian, 1915–1996), Fazzoletto (Handkerchief) Vase (detail), 1948, blown glass with zanfirco and retricello canes. Museum purchase with funds provided by the James F. Dicke Family, 1998.35
2024 | COMMUNITY SUPPORT
Paul Schwieder (Canadian, born 1962), The Nesting (detail), 2000, blown and cut glass, gold leaf. On loan from Macy and Roger Reynolds, L28.2024.4
STRATEGIC PARTNER HIGHLIGHTS
PRESCHOOL PROMISE
Black Boy Brilliance
An innovative and impactful collaboration, connecting art and early learning school readiness is our Black Boy Brilliance program. In partnership with Preschool Promise and the African American Visual Artists Guild, the program integrates a Black male artist educator into select Preschool Promise early learning education sites. The initiative creatively blends artsbased learning to support literacy readiness and supports social and emotional growth by advancing cultural and socialization strengths that are often evident but not maximized in the classroom. Beyond language and literacy, young learners engage with learning through critical reflection, cooperative and collaborative activities, problem and project-based approaches, and culturally relevant content.
PASSPORT TO KINDERGARTEN
Funded with generous support from the PNC Foundation, the Passport to Kindergarten program connects our youngest learners to the museum. DAI staff work with classroom educators to highlight the foundations of arts integration, and the role arts play in supporting pre-literacy and other core curricular areas. Students create a masterpiece in their classroom and then visit the DAI to see their work on display with their families. Participating families also receive a family membership so they can visit the museum free of charge. Given the transformative power of intergenerational learning experiences, these programs help reflect community identity, bridge differences, cultivate individual agency, advance wellness and well-being, imagine new ideas and approaches and promote critical thinking and lifelong learning.
In addition to these two initiatives, the DAI became home to a Preschool Promise Little Library. Located in the Velsey Garden, families can choose a preschool-appropriate book to enjoy on the museum grounds and take home to keep!
“Through our ongoing pARTnership with the Dayton Art Institute, Preschool Promise is proud to bring the joy and power of art into preschool classrooms. In 2024, we deepened our collaboration through both our Passport to Kindergarten Program and the inspiring launch of Black Boy Brilliance, where artist Jamaal Durr shares creativity, culture and representation with our young learners and their teachers.” – Latoria Marcellus, Senior Director Education Strategy
DAYTON METRO LIBRARY
A dynamic partnership with Dayton Metro Libraries (DML) continues to develop, starting first by providing free museum memberships that library users can “check out” to visit the DAI. In 2024, 104 families visited the DAI with a library membership, representing all 17 DML branches. Memberships are available to borrow from any of the 17 DML locations. Each membership admits up to 2 adults and up to 4 children to the DAI – including access to the collection galleries and all museum exhibitions.
New in 2024, an in-gallery library resource “book wall” now connects museum visitors to library resources to explore more about museum Special Exhibition topics. Librarians at DML have created related booklists helping patrons extend their DAI experience with further reading of recommended DML materials. https://www. daytonmetrolibrary.org/art-reads/
This partnership reflects a mutual commitment to collaboration among partners, and above all, delivers a higher level of service and lifelong learning opportunities for the community.
“Dayton Metro Library is proud to partner with the Dayton Art Institute. Through these projects, we break down barriers to access and create connections together. DAI generously provides 68 membership cards for circulation to DML patrons, resulting in nearly 600 checkouts in 2024. Our Art Reads partnership has drawn connections to and expanded on the themes of DAI Special Exhibitions by connecting DAI patrons with DML materials. This partnership is a great example of DML and DAI aligning efforts to increase impact and demonstrate value to our community.” – Allison Knight, Youth Services and Programming Director.
Your generosity keeps our mission & vision thriving.
2024 DONORS
GRANTS/FOUNDATIONS
AES Ohio Foundation
Charles D. Berry Foundation
Charles F. Kettering Foundation
Culture Works
E. Rhodes and Leona B.
Carpenter Foundation
Elizabeth Berry Gray Endowment Fund
Gosiger Foundation
Joan Mitchell Foundation
Kuhns Brothers Co. Foundation
ORGANIZATIONS
ACCO Brands
Adams-Robinson
Enterprises, Inc.
African American Visual Artists Guild
altafiber
Artifex Financial Group
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
Professional RealtyThe Sharp Group
Bethany Village
Bladecutter's, Inc. Lawn & Landscaping
Blakeney Memorial Fund
Bob Ross Auto Group
Bonbright Distributors CareSource
Cavalier Distributing
Citizens for Turner
Coolidge Wall
Crown Equipment Corporation
Dayton Art Solutions
Dayton Children's Hospital
Dayton Freight Lines, Inc.
Donald M. & Dorothea
Hunt Spindler
Endowment Fund
Enterprise Roofing & Sheet Metal
Estate of Richard Britton
Faust, Fulker & Schlemmer, LLP
Fifth Third Bank
FotoFocus
Fully Promoted of Centerville
Fuyao Glass America, Inc.
GE Aerospace
Gosiger, Inc.
Heidelberg Distributing Company
Heidi Sprowls Dental
Henny Penny Corporation
HORAN
Houser Asphalt & Concrete
James Free Jewelers
James Investment Research, Inc.
Kettering Health
KeyBank
LaDeDa Le Salon
THANK YOU!
Linda Black-Kurek Family Foundation
Mathile Family Foundation
Roberts Foundation
Shaw Foundation
The Berry Family Foundation
The Kettering Fund
The Stephen J. Wolfe Private Foundation
The Troy Foundation
The Virginia W. Kettering Foundation
Lexus of Dayton
LWC Incorporated
ManCo Property Services
Messer Construction Co.
Montgomery County
Arts & Cultural
District (MCACD)
Montgomery County Commissioners
Morris Furniture Company
NRG
Ohio Arts Council
Perfection Group
Pickrel Schaeffer & Ebeling Co., LPA
PNC
Porter Wright Morris & Arthur
Premier Health
Rainbow Elder Care of Greater Dayton
Reminger Co., LPA
RGBSI Aerospace & Defense, LLC
RNDC General, LLC
RTA Miami Valley
Rubi Girls
Rumpke Consolidated Co., Inc.
Sebaly Shillito + Dyer
Sinclair Community College
SoBran, Inc.
Surdyk, Dowd & Turner Co., LPA
Taft/
The E.W. Scripps Company
The Hale Group at Morgan Stanley
The Modern College of Design
Thompson Hine, LLP
Thrivent
Trane
University of Dayton
Unlisted, Inc.
US Bank
Wells Fargo Ohio
Regional Commercial
Banking Group
White Allen Family of Dealerships
WilmerHale
Winans Coffee & Chocolate
Winsupply, Inc.
Margery Anderson
Carly & Brock Anderson
Susan Ayers & Paul Fisher
Esther & David Battle
Shirley & John Berry
Barbara & Thomas Bettcher
Sidney Bieser
Linda Black-Kurek & James Kurek
Karin-Leigh Spicer & Edward Blake
Robert Brandt
Carolyn Brethen
Susan & Chuck Bridgman
Mark Conway
Dawn Conway
Elizabeth & Rayman Coy
Allyson & John Danis
Janet & James Dicke
Katherine & James Dicke
Pat & Dave Diven
Donna & Robert Duplain
Margaret & Daniel French
Janet Graul
Denise & Richard Hale
Lisa Hanauer & Sue Spiegel
Elizabeth Hardy & Rick Omlor
Lucille & Gerald Helker
Deborah Hill
Julia & William Hobart
Norma Landis & Rick Hoffman
Kate & Steve Hone
Allison Janney
Dorothy & Thomas Kemp
Dirk Kreutzer & H. Todd Kreutzer
Kathleen Kerber
Susanne King
Mary Ann Legler-Weiler
Linda Lombard & Paul Marshall
Wanda Lukens
DONOR HIGHLIGHT
Exceptional Exhibitions
Retired and married later in life, Jerry and Patty Tatar quickly found a shared passion for the Dayton Art Institute and its exceptional exhibitions. Together, they made a priority of supporting Special Exhibitions annually, with an interest leaning to the classics and masterworks. Part of their sponsorship includes a number of admission tickets to distribute.
“DAI is putting a lot of life into the place, a real vitality.”
“When we tell people about the DAI and the new exhibits, it’s wonderful to have these tickets to encourage them to visit,” says Patty. “People are so thankful that we have shared this opportunity, and we are happy to help make those connections.”
The Tatars appreciate the infusion of new exhibits, experiences and ideas each season. “DAI is putting a lot of life into the place, a real vitality,” adds Jerry. “It’s a lot of what makes Dayton the place it is. It’s up to the community to support organizations like this, and be involved. We’re glad to be a part of that.”
Carol & Jim Marker
Rosalind Mascall
Lydia & J. Duncan Mason
Lou & Steven Mason
Penni & Thomas Meyer
Susan & Jeffrey Mikutis
Elise Monnin
Larry Mullins
Ritva Williamson &
Milton Nathan
Catherine Nudelman & Felice Gordon
Christina & Robert O'Neal
Sharon & Matthew Price
Jennifer & Patrck Prikkel
Susan Stewart Riordan & Michael Riordan
Michael Roediger
Lucy & John Sanders
Ken Schwaber
Jane & Richard Schwartz
Martha & Mark Shaker
June & Richard Smyth
David Strohscher
Sally Struthers & Ned Young
Patty & Jerry Tatar
Cynthia & William Uhl
Annette Uhl Poth
Michelle & Sara Vance Waddell
Donald & Virginia Carga
Ramona & Todd Vikan
Darlene & Gordon Walbroehl
Marilyn Watkins
Carol & Robert Weiland
Theodor Weinberg
Mary Rita & Norman Weissman
Tami & James Whalen
Judith Williams
Toni & William Winger
Danyelle & Terance Wright
Margie Yowell
Kim & Pete Zorniger
VOLUNTEER HIGHLIGHT
DIGGING
INTO THE DATA
After a successful career as a data analyst and IT liaison with Dayton Daily News and Met Life, Nancy Davis dug in as a volunteer with DAI. Here, she works her way through DAI’s nearly 150,000 active and lapsed data records and “cleans up” the all-important salutations, given names, preferred names, phone numbers, street addresses, emails and all other fields that help keep communications accurate and professional. Data entry, spreadsheet development and proofreading are also among her weekly to-dos. Her passion for precision and attention to detail are
invaluable, and she calls her skills and specialties, “playing in the database.”
“I love digging into the data and figuring out puzzles with my fingers,” she quips
Like many volunteers, Nancy started out with events (Oktoberfest), and she has stayed engaged and active for 10 years, as a museum member as well. You will often see her at Jazz and Beyond concert series and other DAI events .
GOOD NEIGHBORS
“Dayton is a multi-faceted community, and the DAI is a reflection of that,” observes Magistrate Brandon McClain. “DAI has taken intentional steps to be inviting and inclusive and be a good neighbor in the community; it makes it easy to support the museum because it is so communityoriented. Where the museum succeeds, the community succeeds.”
And support he does. Brandon and his wife Tinisha are now four-year members of the DAI Associate Board, helping plan and produce signature events and programs year-round. Beyond a roster of events, the family – including children
FEELING WELCOME AT DAI
DAI event guests have most likely met volunteer Debbie Goldberg. A beaming, welcoming presence at Jazz and Beyond, library book sales and other DAI gatherings, Debbie radiates positivity and encouragement. With a mission to ensure that everyone who comes to the DAI feels they have a place, her 20 years of service has left an indelible mark on the museum. Her dedication to the DAI is unmatched.
“Every day, I think about how I have the ability to change someone’s day with a smile and a friendly word,” she reflects. “Everyone should feel welcome, and be reminded they are the reason we’re here.”
Gabriel and Tyler – are also frequent museum explorers.
“There are new discoveries every time we visit, and we really see it as an extension of our home when we’re here,” Brandon adds. In fact, the DAI was the first place Gabriel, born just after the COVID pandemic, visited outside of her own home!
Brandon’s passion for community and being a good neighbor himself has also led DAI to tap him for part of its new Career and Tech workforce development education program, representing pathways to public service in the Human Services and Public Services module.
VOLUNTEERS
Sergio Agrelo
Warren Anderson
Fabienne Bee
Eloise Bennett
Abigail Bergsman-Carpenter
Nyx Berry
Charlene Chattams
Christopher Colt
Jerry Connally
Claudia Cornett
Debora Curington
Nancy Davis
Donna Duplain
Robert Duplain
Mary Dysert
Janet Estep
Sue Falter
Angela Fernandes
Kate Fleitz
Craig Gilbert
Debbie Goldberg
Joyce Griffith
Katherine Harvey
Nathanial Hatfield
Bonnie Hobbs
Susan Hodapp
Rick Hoffman
Robert Jacks
Lee Kasper
Timothy Keen
Janine Kinnison
Scott Knebel
Chuck Knickerbocker
D' Lambert
Norma Landis
Elizabeth Lawani
Mary Ann Lococo
Joan Manzo
Deborah Matthews
Carol Milota
Thomas Monnig
Jackie Morgan
Violette-Anne Onfroy-Curley
Kevin Rehfus
Amy Rehfus
Gina Rice
Darlene Routhier
Janice Saunders
Chris Seger
Stephen Shaw
Don Shields
Susan Slaughter
Jerry Slaughter
Jeffrey Starr
Kenneth Stephens
Deborah Sturm
Rick Tangeman
Delsia Taylor
Aaron Thoman
Brian Todd
Amber Todd
Joanne Townsend
Warkoneta Tucker
Jane Voisard
Mike Weaver
Katie Wedell
Wendy Wheeler-Fife
Wayne Witherell
Guanlin Wu
IDEA: Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility
The Dayton Art Institute aspires to develop, promote and sustain an organizational culture and reputation in the communities that we serve as an organization that values, nurtures and leverages inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility in all that we do.
INCLUSION
Being intentional in creating an environment where we affirm, acknowledge, leverage and respect others’ differences by authentically bringing others into processes, policies, activities and decision-making forums to maximize each person’s contributions
DIVERSITY
The mosaic of people who bring a variety of backgrounds, styles, perspectives, values and beliefs as ASSETS in creating a culture of excellence.
EQUITY
Creating a level playing field in structures, processes, policies and practices to ensure fair treatment, access and opportunity for all people.
ACCESSIBILITY
Creating equitable access for all people along the continuum of human ability and experience.
UNIVERSAL CHANGING TABLE
Accessible Art Experiences
In 2024, DAI installed a height-adjustable universal changing table in the Lower-Level South Gallery. This addition ensures that people with disabilities and the aging population have a safe, hygienic and dignified space to address their restroom needs while enjoying everything the museum has to offer.
This project was made possible through a partnership with the Montgomery County Board of Developmental Disabilities Services and Changing Spaces Ohio, who advocate for accessible restrooms. By adding a universal changing table, DAI has reaffirmed its commitment to creating spaces that welcome all in our community.
ART FOR ALL Removing Cost as a Barrier
Following up on the positive reception around “Community Days”, DAI refined its planning and produced three freeadmission days in 2024 –– rebranded as “Art for All Days” –– that aligned with short-run Special and Focus Exhibition schedules. In this way, DAI provided an elevated visitor experience with additional opportunities to explore art and ideas beyond the long-term collections galleries.
DAI exceeded its goal of a 10 percent increase, experiencing more than a 40 percent bump in 2024 (2,732 visitors in 2024, vs. 1,926 in 2023). The June 2024 date alone reached an almost unprecedented 1,800 visitors. For comparison, typical visitation on the highest weekly attendance day –– Saturday –– ranges around 150–175. DAI was gratified to welcome exceptionally large crowds, reaffirming its initiative to remove cost as a barrier on select dates when possible, and to continue to reach out to new audiences for the public benefit. DAI continues to seek new funders who support this program that creates transformative and diverse experiences, strengthens community connections and inspires imagination.
INDIVIDUAL JPS
Landmark Conversations
Amanda Burke’s first experience at DAI was tagging along with her older brother for a homework assignment, and she was immediately impressed with the grandeur of the building and the evocative Allegory of the Four Seasons (Bartolomeo Manfredi, 1610). The painting remains her favorite until this day, even as she has branched out to experience the DAI in other ways.
“DAI is more than a living cultural landmark in Dayton, and I’m grateful to be part of the next chapter.”
Now a workplace solutions consultant, she is a Jefferson Patterson Society donor, member of the Associate Board and a true champion of Dayton’s Art Institute, where culture and community intersect. “People around me know I’m passionate about this space and I sing its praises all the time. Then, if I meet someone who hasn’t yet visited before, they need to go tomorrow!”
“DAI is more than a living cultural landmark in Dayton, and I’m grateful to be part of the next chapter,” Amanda says.
Relevant and responsive programming helps drive her attachment. “You can really sense the space that encourages conversations, and it’s great to see fresh, new faces at different events. That shows DAI reflects the community it serves,” Amanda says.
CORPORATE MEMBER HIGHLIGHT
Building Community
When she came to the area to start a dental practice, Heidi F. Sprowls, DDS was drawn to the magnificent museum building.
It is such a beautiful place, and I knew being surrounded by the artwork and at the events were where I wanted to be," she reflects. Her first experience was attending DAI’s memorable Princess Diana fashion exhibition in 2006, and Heidi has been a steady presence ever since, building community.
She and her daughter Chloe, now an art history major at Bryn Mawr College, share a bond, immersing themselves in the art and environment. Heidi was also inspired to invest in a Corporate JPS Collector’s Circle Membership to extend the experience for her staff; and they have enjoyed Oktoberfest, Art Ball and exhibition previews.
“I grew up exposed to museums and art all over, and I believe in the power museums have to connect to something meaningful that truly touches us,” she adds.
MEMBER HIGHLIGHT
Making Memories with Membership
DAI is a timeless treasure in Dayton’s backyard, Shana McElroy-Sellers gushes. Summer art camps, hands-on activities in the Lange Family Experiencenter, even dancing outdoors on the lawn – the three McElroy kids are making memories at the Dayton Art Institute.
“Before I had children, I saw the museum through the lens of an adult experience, and it’s only now that I see how kid-friendly it really is,” she explains. “As members, we can have a quick visit or a long visit, and we appreciate that flexibility, where the experience is always there for us."
The McElroys have been DAI members for nearly four years now. And, as she and husband Ryan volunteer at Oktoberfest as
members of the Associate Board, the kids and grandparents stop by on Sunday afternoons, so the kids can see what their parents have been up to all weekend and have some highenergy fun in the Familyfest children’s tent.
“The activities spark their imagination, and we see their creativity grow and grow,” she notes, adding, that Ryan –– fascinated by the stately historic DAI building –– has passed on that sense of wonder and curiosity to the children.
The Museum Store and member discount have also been a deep reservoir of inspiration for gift-giving, offering just the right one-ofa-kind keepsake or kits for hands-on learning and adventure, Shana adds.
July 24, 2025
Enhance Your Experience.
Access collection highlights, self-guided tours, audio content, “behind-the-scene” information, and more with our digital guide on Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and culture app.
