Dayton Art Institute Announces Plans for Art Ball 2026, Presented by The SharpGroup — Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Professional Realty & UnlistedHomes.com, Set for June 13

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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 returns for its 69th year with a global-inspired celebration of art, culture and elegance.

(DAYTON, OHIO) – April 8, 2026 – The Dayton Art Institute (DAI) has announced details for its 69th annual Art Ball fundraiser, taking place Saturday, June 13, 2026. Presented by The SharpGroup – Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Professional Realty & UnlistedHomes.com, this signature event continues its long-standing tradition as one of the Miami Valley’s most anticipated social and philanthropic evenings.

Now in its 69th year, Art Ball remains a cornerstone event supporting the museum’s mission and operations while bringing people together for an unforgettable night of art, entertainment and sophistication. “Art Ball is more than a single evening; it is an opportunity to connect our community through art, culture and shared experience,” said Interim DAI Director & President Mark Shaker. “This year’s globally inspired theme highlights the way art transcends borders and time, telling stories that still resonate today. The support generated through this event allows us to continue bringing those stories to life, preserving our collections and expanding access to meaningful artistic experiences for all.”

The evening begins at 6 PM, featuring cocktails and gourmet hors d’oeuvres, followed by an elegant, seated dinner. Guests will enjoy live music, dancing, open bars and exclusive access to some of the museum’s most stunning spaces, including the Hale Cloister and the popular Moonlight Lounge off the Lower Court, offering breathtaking nighttime views of downtown Dayton. A special VIP experience will once again elevate the evening, with a special private reception, highlighting high-end wines and hors d’oeuvres. New for 2026: gallery seating for dinner has returned, available exclusively to VIP guests.

Art Ball traces its roots back to Dayton’s Holiday Ball, first held as a fundraiser for the museum on December 7, 1957. Organized by the Junior League of Dayton, the event was held at the DAI, with proceeds benefitting 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 introduce a new twist while preserving the favorite event elements that the community cherishes.

Art Ball 2026 continues the beloved tradition of drawing inspiration from a work in the museum’s permanent collection. This year’s theme is influenced by a finely crafted Japanese Imari-style porcelain bottle, a small yet powerful object that reflects centuries of international trade, political intrigue and lasting aesthetic values. “We wanted a piece that would capture the beauty of different cultures, lived experiences and a love of traveling the world to see new things,” said Art Ball Chairs Myla CardonaJones & Alan Cardona when revealing the inspiration art for this year’s event.

Though modest in size, the bottle tells a sweeping story of international influence. Early porcelain production in Japan reflects the international trade of the time. Korean potters—many forcibly brought over after Japanese invasions into Korea during the 1590s—helped introduce the craft. Often referred to as "Imari" because they were exported through the port of Imari, designs were inspired by the Chinese blue-and-white wares from Jingdezhen, which were also popular in Europe and imported by Dutch traders. In China, the transition from the Ming to Qing dynasties was a time of political turmoil. As exports declined, Japanese porcelain production increased to fill the void. From the 1690s to the 1730s, the kinrande style of Imari wares—underglaze blue with overglaze painting of iron-red and gold—was popular in Europe and influenced European manufacturers. An item like this would have been made for export via the Dutch East India Company. This bottle has unique decoration on each side, each associated with one of the four seasons: plum blossoms (winter), peonies (spring), squirrels and grapes (summer) and chrysanthemums (autumn). Together, they evoke a wish for long life, wealth and good health. On the blue borders are other motifs drawn from nature, including butterflies on the shoulder of the bottle and a chrysanthemum around the collar of the neck.

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.

Tickets for Art Ball will go on sale April 15, 2026, for DAI members and April 17 for non-members. Attendance is limited, and early reservations are encouraged.
Ticket Pricing:

• Grand Patron Table – $10,000
  Includes a table for 10 in a gallery, name on table and access to the VIP Reception.
• Patron Table – $5,000
  Includes a table for 10 in the Gothic Cloister or Great Hall, name on table and access to the Cocktail Reception.
• Patron Individual – $500
  Includes one dinner seat in the Gothic Cloister or Great Hall and access to the Cocktail Reception.

Art Ball also features the highly anticipated Grand Draw Raffle as part of its fundraising efforts. Only 600 tickets will be sold at $100 each, with prize packages ranging from $2,500 to over $11,000. Winners do not need to be present at the event to win. Purchasing tickets is the perfect way to support the museum for those unable to attend the event. Those who purchase three or more raffle tickets receive one free Oktoberfest Preview Party ticket (valued at $100). Grand Draw Raffle tickets may be purchased online. For more information about the Grand Draw Raffle and to purchase tickets, go to www.daytonartinstitute.org/artball.

This year’s raffle prizes include:

Mykonos Escape (Retail Value: $11,250)
Sailing Excursion, Wine Tasting & Lunch and 5-Night Stay in a Private Villa for 4. This Experience Includes:

• Private sunset sailing excursion with Mediterranean dinner and drinks on board.
• Wine tasting and lunch at an organic farm in Mykonos, including three wines and fresh, farm-to-table cuisine.
• Five-night stay in a two-bedroom, two-bath private villa with infinity pool, terrace and daily maid service.
• Winspire booking & concierge service — stress-free planning from start to finish.

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 (Retail value $2,950)
These dazzling 6mm akoya pearl earrings by Mikimoto are crafted from 18k white gold and feature 0.14 total carats of diamonds.

Art Ball is made possible by the generous support of Presenting Sponsors The SharpGroup – Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Professional Realty & UnlistedHomes.com; Gold Sponsor Pella Windows & Doors of Dayton; Benefactor Sponsor Bladecutter’s Inc. Lawn and Landscaping; Patron Sponsors Dr. Roz Total Health & Wellness, Messer Construction and WilmerHale; Supporting Sponsors The E.W. Scripps Company, The Flower Shoppe, James Free Jewelers and Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP; and Additional Support from BLC Entertainment, Knack Video + Photo, Kohler Catering, Mark’s Camera Bag, Prime Time Party & Event Rental and Tri-State Parking.

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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