Dayton Art Institute Art Ball 2025, Presented by the SharpGroup—Berkshire Hathaway Homeservices Professional Realty & UnlistedHomes.com, Will Take Place on June 14

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MEDIA RELEASE: For Immediate Release
CONTACT: Erin Wood, Marketing Communications Manager
937-271-1341 (cell) | ewood@daytonart.org

High-resolution media images available online:
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Dayton’s premier black-tie gala makes a glamorous return, celebrating its 68th anniversary with an opulent tribute to the Roaring '20s.

(DAYTON, OHIO) – April 15, 2025 – The Dayton Art Institute (DAI) has announced details for its 2025 Art Ball fundraiser, taking place Saturday, June 14. Presented by The SharpGroup – Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Professional Realty & UnlistedHomes.com, the iconic black-tie gala is a beloved Dayton tradition that brings the community together for an unforgettable evening of art, elegance and entertainment. 

Celebrating its 68th anniversary, Art Ball has become one of Dayton’s most prominent and enduring fundraising events. “It’s deeply woven into the cultural identity that makes both Dayton and the DAI truly unique,” said Michael R. Roediger, Director and President of the Dayton Art Institute. “We are lucky to have a world-renowned museum and art collection in our community. As one of the DAI’s primary annual fundraising events, Art Ball plays a crucial role in supporting our operating budget and covering the everyday costs of preserving the museum’s beauty and legacy. Attendees not only enjoy an unforgettable evening but also take pride in supporting one of Dayton’s most cherished institutions.”

Art Ball begins at 7 p.m. with entertainment, interactive museum activities and performances, cocktails, specialty martinis and gourmet hors d’oeuvres, followed by an elegant, seated dinner in the museum’s Harry A. Shaw Gothic Cloister, Great Hall and Lower Court. Following dinner, guests may enjoy live music provided by All In, open bars, select bourbons, the Moonlight Lounge off the museum’s Lower Court, which has a spectacular nighttime view of downtown Dayton, and much more. A special VIP reception begins at 6 p.m., offering early access, high-end beverages, premium hors d’oeuvres and a more intimate experience for guests with upgraded tickets.

Art Ball 2025 upholds the cherished tradition of drawing inspiration from a masterpiece within the DAI’s permanent collection. The vision for this year's Art Ball was influenced by a selection of photographs by Jane Reece, an acclaimed photographer of the early 20th century who is often recognized as one of Dayton's most prominent artists. The 2025 Art Ball chairs, Brianna Gabriel and Dori Gabriel, selected four of Reece's dynamic and evocative works: Spaces, Angles, Interpretive Dance I and Interpretive Dance II.

Reece became the first woman portraitist admitted to the Photographers Association of America and received the organization’s top award in 1907. She is recognized for her strong artistic vision and leadership in photography during a changing time in the medium's history.

The selected photographs, all taken in 1922 and gifted to the museum by the artist, are known to be some of Reece's most striking works. In this series, Recce overlaid negatives she took of dancer Harry Losée with stencils to create bold, geometric lighting patterns. During this time in her life, Reece achieved both national and international acclaim for her work, receiving international recognition and awards.

Reece's use of bold geometric shapes and movement in the selected works was the direct influence behind the 68th Art Ball theme "The Dance of Light & Shadow."

“As Dayton natives and a mother-daughter duo, we wanted to choose an artist who was also a Dayton woman to inspire this year’s Art Ball,” said Art Ball chairs Brianna Gabriel and Dori Gabriel. “Jane Reece was a powerhouse in her field whose art shone a spotlight on Dayton art, and we want to be sure everyone knows her. Photography is a passion of ours and has never been the inspiration artwork for Art Ball, so we were really drawn to that medium as well.”

Art Ball traces its roots back to Dayton’s Holiday Ball, first held as a fundraiser for the art museum on December 7, 1957. Organized by the Junior League of Dayton, the event was held at the DAI, with proceeds benefitting the museum. The proceeds from the dinner dance were marked for the permanent purchasing funds of the museum. Some of the early gifts made possible by the fund include the acquisition of etchings by Giorgio Morandi and Paul Klee.

Over the years, the event has evolved into a signature celebration of art and community known as Art Ball. In 1965, the DAI’s newly formed Associate Board, a group of community volunteers, took over planning and organizing the gala. The event continues to honor its legacy while reinventing itself year after year, as the Art Ball chairs strive to bring the community a new twist while preserving the favorite event elements that the community cherishes.

“We are thrilled to be chairing the 68th Art Ball,” said Brianna Gabriel and Dori Gabriel. “Serving on the Associate Board has been an incredibly meaningful experience and something we’ve really enjoyed doing together. In addition to the great food and drinks, amazing entertainment and beautiful setting that guests know and love about Art Ball, we have been very intentional in crafting this year’s event to offer lots of tangible experiences and interactive activities for guests, so it will really be an immersive evening. We can’t wait to celebrate and support art with everyone.”

Artworks acquired by the museum thanks to Art Ball funds raised by the Associate Board include Superman by Andy Warhol, Free Sample, Take One by De Scott Evans, Night Scene by Carl Rudolph Krafft and Allegory of Summer and Winter by Giovanni Battista Pittoni. In recent years, the funds have been earmarked for operating the historic building and conserving the artwork. In 2006, the proceeds were used for the conservation of Joy of the Waters, a bronze statue given to the DAI in 1919 by Julia Shaw Patterson Carnell, the museum’s primary benefactress. More information about Art Ball can be found on the DAI’s website: www.daytonartinstitute.org/artball. 

Reservations are required for Art Ball, and attendance is limited. Tickets were available for purchase online as of April 16 for DAI members and April 19 for non-members. For more information about reservations or to be added to the waitlist, contact Signature Events Coordinator at astarr@daytonart.org. 

Art Ball is made possible by the generous support of Presenting Sponsors The SharpGroup – Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Professional Realty & UnlistedHomes.com; Benefactor Sponsor and VIP Reception Sponsor Bladecutter’s Inc. Lawn and Landscaping; Patron Sponsors altafiber, Design Homes & Development Company, Dr. Roz Total Health & Wellness, Frost Brown Todd LLP, LWC Incorporated, Manning Inc., Messer Construction, Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP, Thompson Hine LLP and Wells Fargo Advisors; Supporting Sponsor James Free Jewelers, The Courtyard at Centerville Senior Living and The Flower Shoppe; and Additional Support from BLC Entertainment, Clash Dayton, Knack Video + Photo, Kohler Catering, Mark’s Camera Bag, Prime Time Party & Event Rental, Promotional Spring, and Tri-State Parking. Bourbon Bar presented by Luxco. Martini Bar presented by William Grant & Sons. 

Art Ball also includes the Grand Draw Raffle in its fundraising efforts. Only 600 tickets will be sold for $100 each, with the chance to win prize packages valued at $2,500 and up: a five-night stay for two in a 4-star hotel in Reykjavik, Iceland, complete with a Northern Lights stargazing tour, Golden Circle tour and Blue Lagoon visit with mud mask; and beautiful jewelry provided by James Free Jewelers – An 18k White Gold Pastel Pendant, featuring 28 Round Diamonds and An 18k Yellow Gold and Sterling Silver Pendant featuring 43 Round Diamonds. Ticket holders need not be present at Art Ball to win. Those purchasing three or more raffle tickets receive one free Oktoberfest Preview Party ticket (valued at $95). Grand Draw Raffle tickets may be purchased online now. For more information about the Grand Draw Raffle and to purchase tickets online, go to www.daytonartinstitute.org/artball.

For more information about planning a visit, including current museum hours and updates, go to www.daytonartinstitute.org/visit or call 937-223-4ART (4278). Connect with the Dayton Art Institute on Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube and Pinterest for additional information, behind-the-scenes photos and videos and exclusive offers.

ABOUT DAYTON ART INSTITUTE
MISSION: Through art, we create transformative and diverse experiences, strengthen community connections and inspire imagination.

VISION: Through art, we will be a community leader recognized as a welcoming, thought-provoking and collaborative place that nurtures inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility.

The Dayton Art Institute (DAI) is the Miami Valley’s premier fine art museum, offering a full range of programming in addition to exhibiting its collection. The museum is currently open Wednesdays, 11 AM–5 PM; Thursdays, 11 AM–8 PM; Fridays & Saturdays, 11 AM–5 PM; and Sundays, noon–5 PM. Go to www.daytonartinstitute.org/visit for the latest museum information and updates. Museum admission is $15 adults, $10 seniors (60+), active military and groups (10 or more), $5 students (18+ w/ID) and youth (ages 7–17), free for children (ages 6 & younger) and free for museum members. Admission includes access to all Special Exhibitions, Focus Exhibitions, The Lange Family Experiencenter and the museum’s collection galleries. Some events and programs may carry an additional charge and include museum admission as part of that price. Free parking is available at the museum, and the facility is fully accessible. The DAI’s Museum Store and Leo are open during regular museum hours, offering unique shopping, as well as drinks and tasty treats. The Museum Store also offers online shopping at www.daimuseumstore.org. For more information about the DAI, visit daytonartinstitute.org or call 937-223-4ART (4278). The Ohio Arts Council helps fund this organization with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. The DAI also receives support from Culture Works and the Montgomery County Arts and Cultural District.

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