Art Ball 2026
This annual black-tie event is attended by community and corporate leaders, top museum supporters and community patrons, and raises critical funds towards the museum’s mission of bringing art to all.
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Artball
June 13, 2026 • 6-11:30 PM
For 69 years, Art Ball has been the Miami Valley’s premier social event. This annual black-tie soiree is attended by more than 650 community and corporate leaders, top museum supporters and community patrons, and raises critical funds towards the museum’s mission of bringing art to all.
Hosted by the DAI’s Associate Board, a volunteer group of 32 duos committed to sustaining the museum and the art Dayton treasures. This year’s Art Ball will be chaired by Myla Cardona-Jones and Alan Cardona, and co-chaired by Emilee and Chris Ambrose.
This Years Event
Event Schedule & Activities
The evening begins with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, followed by an elegant sit-down dinner from Kohler Catering. After dinner, Art Ball patrons may enjoy live music, dancing and the ability to take advantage of some of the museum’s most special places: The Hale Cloister and Museum Rotunda, as well as the Moonlight Lounge on Lima Hill, which has a spectacular view of downtown Dayton. Throughout the evening, open bars are available, along with specialty bubbles, martinis and bourbon selections.
- 6 PM: Event Begins
- 6-8 PM: Cocktail & VIP Receptions
- 8-9 PM: Formal Dinner
- 9-11:30 PM: Music & Dancing
- 11:30 PM: Event Ends
Buy Tickets
Tickets available at the link below starting April 15 (members) and April 17 (non-members). Event held rain or shine. No refunds and no rain checks for any reason. Participants must be at least 21 years old and must produce a valid photo identification upon checking into the event. No exceptions will be made.
Become a Sponsor
Sponsorship plays a vital role in making Art Ball possible and impactful. Sponsors directly support art experiences, education and opportunities that bring our community together while gaining meaningful visibility for your organization and aligning your brand with a cause that matters. Together, we can ensure art is available and accessible to all, all year long. Thank you!
[BUTTON TO SPONSOR SALES LINK] Still Needed
Volunteer
Volunteers are the heart of our events, and your time, energy and passion make a meaningful difference at every level. By volunteering, you help create a welcoming, well-organized and memorable experience for everyone involved while supporting key fundraisers that bring our mission to life. Together, we can make an impact that lasts far beyond event day. Thank you!
Volunteer Sign Up
Win Big with our Grand Draw Raffle!
Art Ball includes a Grand Draw Raffle as part of its fundraising efforts, with only 600 tickets sold for $100 each. Winners are drawn and announced during Art Ball, but winners need not be present or have an event ticket to win. Purchase 3 or more raffle tickets and receive one free Oktoberfest Preview Party Ticket ($100 Value).
The Grand Draw Raffle features prizes valued from $2,500 to $11,250.
Prizes Include:
Mykonos Escape: Sunset Sailing, Wine Country Charm & Villa Luxury
Sailing Excursion, Wine Tasting & Lunch, and 5-Night Stay in a Private Villa for 4.
Retail Value: $11,250
Frederique Constant Stainless Steel 39mm, Highlife Automatic COSC Date, Blue Dial, Stainless Steel Bracelet with Extra Blue Rubber Strap & Case
Retail Value $2,500
Mikimoto Cultured Akoya Pearl and Diamond Drop Earrings featuring 6mm akoya pearls set in 18k white gold and with 0.14 total carats of diamonds.
Retail value $2,950
Directions & Parking
This event takes place at Dayton Art Institute, located at 456 Belmonte Park North, Dayton, OH 45405. Enter the main museum entrance upon arrival and follow valet parking directions. Valet is complimentary for all guests.
Event History
For 68 years, Art Ball has been the Miami Valley’s premier social event, always held the second Saturday of June. Art Ball has its origins in the Junior League of Dayton, part of an international women's organization that aims to improve communities through volunteerism and leadership training. Shortly after its founding in 1919, the League began an annual holiday charity ball, selecting different local nonprofits as beneficiaries each year.
In the mid-1950s, Sally Henn Riffle, JLD president and membership secretary for DAI, was looking for a way to attract more patrons and community members to the museum. She suggested that the JLD select the Dayton Art Institute as its sole holiday ball beneficiary and create a transition plan to hand over the event to the museum as Art Ball.
Out of this plan, the DAI Associate Board was born to help manage and host the event for years to come, overseeing key event logistics and ensuring its success as a signature museum fundraiser. The first Art Ball was held on Dec. 7, 1957; it transitioned from a holiday affair to a spring soiree in 1963 before moving to June in 1965.
With an average attendance of 725, Art Ball is DAI’s second-largest signature event and has raised more than $4 million to sustain museum operations, grow educational programming and acquire new art. Since 2004, Art Ball chairs have selected a piece from the museum’s collection to showcase at the event, bringing greater awareness to the treasures living right here in our community.
[LEARN MORE ABOUT ASSOCIATE BOARD BUTTON] Link to page when created
Event Policies
Event held rain or shine. No refunds and no rain checks for any reason. Participants must be at least 21 years old, and must produce a valid photo identification upon checking into the event. No exceptions will be made.
Please refrain from cosmetics, hair products and clothing that contain glitter in any form. Sequins are permitted. Glitter is incredibly dangerous to art objects.
We are a non-smoking museum. All tobacco products are only permitted outside in designated smoking areas.
A coat check is available at this event, as well as safe storage for large bags and umbrellas.
FAQs
How many people attend?
Art Ball averages 650 attendees.
What is the dress code?
Art Ball is a black-tie function; formalwear (tuxedos, evening gowns, etc.) is required.
What accessibility accommodations are available?
The Dayton Art Institute is committed to being a museum for all. Event entrances and exits are fully accessible, and the museum provides wheelchairs and walkers free of charge. See more info on museum accessibility here.
Is my ticket purchase tax-deductible?
A portion of your purchase may be considered tax-deductible; consult your tax professional for guidance. Deductibility amounts are included in ticket purchase receipts.
I bought a ticket, but my guest information has changed. What do I do?
Please contact the signature events coordinator, Audrey Starr, at astarr@daytonart.org or 937-223-5277 x211.
Will there be non-alcoholic drink options?
Yes, bars feature water, soda and non-alcoholic beer options, as well as a mocktail at the Martini Bar.
I still have questions. Who can I contact?
Please reach out to the signature events coordinator, Audrey Starr, at astarr@daytonart.org or 937-223-5277 x211.
Learn More About Signature Events
The DAI hosts five signature events and four mini events each year, offering exciting ways to support the museum while enjoying unforgettable experiences.