Dayton Visual Arts Center 2017 Holiday Gift Gallery

Now in its 26th year, the Dayton Visual Arts Center's Holiday Gift Gallery is a fine art and fine craft professional gallery show and sale. The exhibition opens with a ticketed preview party, Holiday on Ice (November 16), and runs through December 23. It includes targeted marketing for Black Friday (November 24), Small Business Saturday (November 25), and Cyber Monday (November 26), attracting thousands of visitors from throughout Southwest Ohio.

The gallery is presented in DVAC's downtown, loft-like contemporary gallery space with work displayed on custom-designed modular wood and industrial hardware cubbies, shelves, and pedestals with direct and natural lighting. DVAC seeks to exhibit work of the highest level of craftsmanship, originality, and contemporary style. All work must be structurally sound, safe, non-toxic, and fit for its intended use. Up to 50 artists will be invited to participate. Last year, 63 artists were selected with 950 works sold and gross sales of $41,000. The sales commission split is 60:40 in the artist's favor, with DVAC managing all cash, check, and credit card sales.

Submissions must include 3-5 images of representative work. Artists must be the maker, designer, creator, and producer of the work. The entry fee is $10 for non-members; current DVAC members receive a waiver code for free entry. Any artist may participate; non-member exhibitors will be asked to become a DVAC member by the opening of the show. Membership starts at $25 for students, $45 for individuals, and $75 for family/duo. Awards include up to five Invitational Artist Awards and one Best of Show Award, with recipients invited to return the following year with no jury process and no application fee. Acceptance notification will be sent July 30, with drop-off appointments scheduled for October 26 and 28.