EXHIBITS
The Dayton Society of Artists: History, David Smith, and Past & Present Board Members
Exhibit on Display February 2 - February 27, 2026
Main Library, The 2nd Floor Gallery
About the Exhibit:
The Dayton Society of Artists, founded in 1938, has supported and advocated for artists in the Dayton area for more than 80 years. David Smith, a past president of The Dayton Society of Artists, is the central figure of this exhibit. His work represents a vital bridge between past and present. In addition to his artistic contributions and leadership, Smith played a key role in the organization’s growth, including involvement in the purchase of 48 High Street, the Society’s current location.
This exhibit focuses on the present, featuring artwork by current and recent board members, and is concurrently presented alongside a permanent collection on exhibition at The Dayton Society of Artists Gallery. For more information about the Society, visit daytondsa.org.
Pictured here: 48 High Street by David Smith, undated, ink medium.
Natural Beauty by Art From The Heart
Exhibit display now through February 28, 2026
Northwest Branch, Gallery Space
About the Exhibit:
Art From The Heart began as a course through Sinclair Community College’s Lifelong Learning program and was taught by Betty Bolton and Sean Perkins for many years. In 2017, the program was incorporated by the City of Dayton Recreation Department at Princeton Center. Members include retired educators and medical, factory, licensed cosmetology, and social services personnel whose work includes painting, drawing, sculpture, silk screen design, and print/wood stamping. Currently, Art From The Heart consists of 11 members. A gallery launch and reception for the artists will be held at the Northwest Branch on Thursday, February 12, from 6 - 8 pm.
Westwood Rising Experience: Our Neighborhood. Our Future.
Exhibit display now through February 28, 2026
West Branch
About the Exhibit:
An interactive installation presenting the community’s vision for the future of the Westwood neighborhood. This exhibit will consist of panels with descriptions that pertain to comments and input of neighborhood members and will be on display throughout the library through Thursday, February 5, until Saturday, February 28. There will also be workshops, vision sessions, and community conversations that will accompany the exhibit so the community can expand their knowledge of the neighborhood and encourage input.
Join us for the Grand Opening on Saturday, February 7, 3 - 5pm in the West Branch, Quiet Reading Room.
This event is supported by the Westwood Neighborhood Association, City of Dayton, Miami University, the Collaboratory, The Perfect City, and Dayton Metro Library
Becoming: 70 Years of Growth, Expression, and Possibility
Exhibit display March 1 - March 21, 2026
Main Library, 2nd Floor Gallery
About the Exhibit:
Becoming celebrates the artists of United Rehabilitation Services (URS) and the ways creativity serves as a powerful form of communication, identity, and connection.
For 70 years, URS has supported children and adults with developmental and acquired disabilities as they grow, explore independence, and express who they are. Their artwork reflects a journey of becoming, not as a fixed destination, but as an ongoing process shaped by experience, curiosity, collaboration, and self-expression.
The artists’ work spans a wide range of abilities, styles, and mediums. Some pieces were created individually, while others were created collaboratively, highlighting the importance of community, shared effort, and collective voice. Scale is intentionally varied, ranging from intimate works to large-format installations, mirroring the diversity of expression and perspective within the disability community.
Presented during Disabilities Awareness Month, Becoming invites viewers to look beyond labels and assumptions to see creativity, agency, and possibility. Each piece tells a story, not of limitation, but of growth, imagination, and presence.