Why this ‘Riveting’ Dayton Art Institute special exhibition is one to surely check out

Works by women artists hit hard topics, ‘themes range from humorous and irreverent to thought-provoking.’
"Urban Butterfly," a 2002 piece by Chakaia Booker, is made of rubber tires and wood. It is part of the "Riveting" exhibit at the Dayton Art Institute, courtesy of the Sara W. and Michelle Vance Waddell Collection. CONTRIBUTED/DAI

"Urban Butterfly," a 2002 piece by Chakaia Booker, is made of rubber tires and wood. It is part of the "Riveting" exhibit at the Dayton Art Institute, courtesy of the Sara W. and Michelle Vance Waddell Collection. CONTRIBUTED/DAI
Lifestyles
By Alex Cutler
Updated June 24, 2024
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A new exhibit with works that stir emotions, all by contemporary women artists, is open at the Dayton Art Institute.

“Riveting: Women Artists from the Sara M. and Michelle Vance Waddell Collection” features pieces in a variety of mediums including sculptures, paintings, photographs and more.

Sara M. Vance Waddell has been celebrated across Ohio and beyond. Women of Cincy, an organization dedicated to showcasing women across the city, praised her as “a prominent activist and patron of the arts.” She has amassed one of the largest collections of women’s art in the Midwest.

“This bold exhibition expresses the collector’s personal interest in finding emergent artistic voices and powerful artistic statements that speak to prominent social issues of the day, including those relating to LGBTQ+ communities and reproductive rights, states the Dayton Art Institute’s website. “All major media are included: paintings, sculptures, works on paper, photographs and textiles, and themes range from humorous and irreverent to thought-provoking.”

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The collection has been displayed in a number of museums across the country, with a piece even being featured in the Smithsonian American Art Museum. The collection in particular has a focus on pieces that comment on social issues such as LGBTQ+ and reproductive rights.

The Dayton Art Institute warns patrons that a number of the pieces in the exhibit will contain “images of nudity and art addressing various issues that include sexual relations, reproductive rights and violence.” The museum recommends those with questions reach out to staff.

Casey Riordan's "Shark Girl as Boxer" is mixed media and is on display now in the Dayton Art Institute's "Riveting" exhibit. Courtesy of Sara W. and Michelle Vance Waddell Collection. CONTRIBUTED/DAI

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“Riveting: Women Artists from the Sara M. and Michelle Vance Waddell Collection” will close Sept. 8.

How to go

What: “Riveting: Women Artists from the Sara M. and Michelle Vance Waddell Collection”

When: Open through Sept. 8, 2024. Hours of operation are 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursdays, and 12-5 p.m. Sundays. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

Where: Dayton Art Institute, 456 Belmonte Park N., Dayton

More info: daytonartinstitute.org or call 937-223-4278. Guided tours offered 6-7 p.m. July 25 and 1-2 p.m. Aug. 10

"Urban Butterfly," a 2002 piece by Chakaia Booker, is made of rubber tires and wood. It is part of the "Riveting" exhibit at the Dayton Art Institute, courtesy of the Sara W. and Michelle Vance Waddell Collection. CONTRIBUTED/DAI

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About the Author

Alex Cutler is a graduate of Sinclair Community college, with degrees in Communication and Multimedia Journalism. Alex looks to continue his education and career in the near future.