Art in the City

Art in the City is designed to illuminate local artists and the local art scene through 25 one-person "spotlight" exhibitions based on the theme of "Paint. Perform. Party." in 25 downtown Dayton business, arts and community venues. Works will be on view August 4-18, 2017. The public will be invited to view shows and vote for their favorite work of art. Votes will be tallied and the program will culminate with a prize award and announcement Friday, August 18. Selected artists will be exhibited and promoted by a partnership between the Dayton Visual Arts Center and the Downtown Dayton Partnership as part of the 2nd annual citywide initiative to propel Dayton's distinction as a city of creatives.

Art in the City is open to artists ages 16 and up who reside within a 50-mile radius of downtown Dayton. Emerging artists (exhibiting less than 3 years) are particularly encouraged. 2D, 3D, time-based media and installation are eligible. Each artist or group may submit only one entry; however, artists may submit one solo entry and one group entry. Each entry may have up to 4 pieces of artwork. One entry will be selected from submissions for display. Entry drop-off to DVAC must be the week of July 12-15, 2017. DVAC seeks to present work of the highest level of craftsmanship, originality and contemporary design. All work must be structurally sound, safe, non-toxic and fit for its intended use.

Selected artists commit to at least a 3-hour demo or appearance during the Art in the City opening event, August 5-8 p.m. Selected artists may offer their entry for sale during Art in the City, but must maintain the public display for the duration of the exhibition. DVAC's standard commission split is 60% of the retail price to the artist. The winning entry will receive a cash prize of $250 from public voting. During the two-week exhibition period, the public will be encouraged to visit each display and vote for their favorite through paper ballots (available August 4 only) or an online voting system available the entire two-week timeframe.