Dayton Art Institute Hosts Second Annual "Curated" Event Celebrating Cocktail Craft and Art Conservation
Tuesday, March 10, 2026
MEDIA RELEASE: For Immediate Release
CONTACT: Erin Wood, Marketing Communications Manager
937-271-1341 (cell) | ewood@daytonart.org
High-resolution media images: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/c846kpg70mmaa1snidalu/AMY5TsyozQn4iysmxrkKl8U?rlkey=uqoscwy4boimt1lx z7ra8jmz1&st=pqz82ge1&dl=0
“Curated,” presented by Thompson Hine, aims to raise funds to preserve and protect an artwork from the Dayton Art Institute’s collection.
(DAYTON, OHIO) – March 10, 2026 – The Dayton Art Institute (DAI) will host the second annual Curated event, presented by Thompson Hine, on Thursday, April 9, 2026, from 6–9 PM at the museum. Designed as a mission-driven fundraising event, Curated raises funds to preserve and protect works from the DAI’s collection while offering an engaging and entertaining evening for cocktail enthusiasts and art supporters alike.
This spirited evening invites guests to sample handcrafted cocktails created by some of the region’s best bartenders while enjoying gourmet bites, easy listening music provided by DJ Street and learning more about the museum’s art conservation efforts.
Guests will have the opportunity to meet DAI curators and learn more about the museum’s collection and the important work involved in preserving it. In addition, a live conservation demonstration will take place throughout the evening, where conservator Katie Patton Bell of Patton Bell Conservation will actively restore the painting Winter by artist Georgina Klitgaard, offering a rare behind-the-scenes look at the delicate process of art conservation.
“Safeguarding the artwork entrusted to the Dayton Art Institute is a responsibility we approach with great care,” said Interim DAI Director & President Mark Shaker. “Curated is a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together and experience the museum in a unique and memorable way. By attending, guests are not only enjoying an exceptional evening, but also directly supporting the vital work of preserving and caring for the remarkable pieces in our collection so they can continue to inspire visitors for generations to come.”
The funds raised from the 2026 event will support the conservation of a painting by Dayton artist Robert J. Smith, depicting the Rike-Kumler Company, popularly known as Rike’s department store, which once stood at Second and Main Streets in downtown Dayton (now the site of the Schuster Center/Performance Place).
The funds raised from the 2026 event will support the conservation of a painting by Dayton artist Robert J. Smith, depicting the Rike-Kumler Company, popularly known as Rike’s department store, which once stood at Second and Main Streets in downtown Dayton (now the site of the Schuster Center/Performance Place).
The charming painting captures a lively scene of early twentieth-century life in Dayton. Over time, the work has developed surface scratches and requires significant cleaning and revarnishing. Conserving the painting will stabilize and restore the surface, allowing the artwork to be safely displayed once again in the museum’s collection galleries.
Credit: Robert J. Smith (American, 1901–1985), Store Front, 1933, Oil on canvas, 28 x 34 inches, Gift of Mrs. Harrie G. Carnell, 1939.45
The event will feature a variety of cocktails crafted by local bartenders. Each guest will receive a punch card to sample a selection of drinks while enjoying small bites provided by Bernstein’s Fine Catering.
Participating bartenders will compete in two donate-to-vote competitions, with guests selecting winners for the crowd-favorite cocktail and most creative bar decorations. Winning bartenders will receive a prize basket from the DAI along with bragging rights for the evening.
The Dayton Art Institute is proud to partner with a wide range of local establishments for this year’s Curated event, including: AC Hotel, Bernstein’s Fine Catering, The Century Bar, Club Oceano, Dublin Pub, Jimmie’s Ladder 11, Lily’s Dayton, The Lux Lounge, Manna Uptown, MidDay + Good Impressions, The Reserve on Third, Silas Creative Kitchen, Smith’s Boathouse, Sueño, Tender Mercy, Three Birds, Van Buren Room, Wheat Penny Oven + Bar, Whisperz Speakeasy and Winds Cafe.
Curated would not be possible without the generous support of its sponsors: Presenting Sponsor Thompson Hine; Patron Sponsors Bladecutter’s, Inc.; and Supporting Sponsor Susan Ayers. Additional Support provided by: Ed Smith Flowers and Gifts; The Reserve on Third; John A. Rossi Photography.
Reservations are required, and attendance is limited. Tickets are $150 per person and are on sale now. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit daytonartinstitute.org/curated.
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, Instagram and YouTube 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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