The Dayton Art Institute (DAI) kicks off its 2024 Special Exhibition season by showcasing the work of Aka Pereyma, an American artist of Ukrainian heritage who lived most of her life in Troy, Ohio. The Artistic Life ofAka Pereyma is on view from February 17–May 12, 2024.
“We are thrilled to present the works of an artist who has such a strong connection to the local community,” said DAI Director & President Michael R. Roediger. “Though Pereyma had a larger following internationally, she is truly a cherished name in the region, making this an exciting show for all. Whether you are familiar with her work or discovering it for the first time, this exhibition will be one you are glad you attended.”
Aka Pereyma’s unconventional and visionary art demonstrates a highly personal means of expression, conveying strong ties to her Ukrainian heritage. Pereyma would say, “I think it is my duty to introduce the world to my Ukrainian culture.” Pereyma’s art does precisely that, weaving folk-art traditions with Modern artistic styles.
Recurring themes include Ukrainian folk songs, depictions of birds to represent her love of nature and Adam and Eve (along with leaves and eggs) to symbolize men and women. The works tell stories, often through surreal, densely filled ornamentation.
Pereyma graduated from the School of the Dayton Art Institute with a degree in sculpture and attended the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Not tied to a single medium, she made paintings, drawings, wood and metal sculptures, needlework, woodblock prints, ceramics and exquisitely intricate designs on pysanky, the traditional Ukrainian eggs. The exhibition brings together works from throughout her career, from the early 1960s to the 21st century.
Celebrating a local artistic legend, this exhibition will highlight Pereyma’s love of color and bold design. “More is more” was a favorite saying of the artist. Guests can expect to find a wide selection of the artist’s work, each with an incredible amount of detail and symbolism, giving a look into the artist’s inspirations and passions
“Aka Pereyma was someone who was always creating,” said DAI Head Curator & Curatorial Affairs Director Jerry N. Smith. “She was known to have multiple workstations in her home, so she could simultaneously work on a painting at one station, and ceramics, welding or woodcarving at another. In this exhibition, you really get the chance to see what interested and fascinated her. Hers was a full and rich life, filled with family, love of heritage and art. It is why the exhibition is titled The Artistic Life of Aka Pereyma.”
Several related programs and educational resources will be offered in conjunction with The Artistic Life of Aka Pereyma exhibition. These include:
- Community Guided Tour: Select Saturdays, March 9, April 20 and May 4, from 1:30–2:30 p.m. and Select Thursdays, February 29, March 28 and April 25, from 6–7 p.m.
- Curatorial Conversation: March 30, from 1:30–2:30 p.m.
- Exhibition Speaker Series: Iryna Voloshyna: Saturday, March 16, from 2–3 p.m. and Saturday, January 6, from 1:30–3 p.m.
- Exhibition Speaker Series: Christina Pereyma O’Neal: Saturday, April 13, from 2–3 p.m.
- Experience the Exhibition: Ukrainian Egg Painting: Saturday, March 23, from 1:30–3 p.m. Cost: $35 for members and $45 for non-members.
- Experience the Exhibition: Family Story Telling: Saturday, April 27, from 1:30–3 p.m. Cost: $35 for members and $45 for non-members.
Admission to The Artistic Life of Aka Pereyma exhibition is included in the museum’s general admission, which includes access to all Special and Focus Exhibitions currently on view, as well as the museum collection galleries. General admission is $15 adults; $10 seniors (60+), active military and groups (10 or more); $5 students (18+ w/ID) and youth (ages 7–17); and free for children (ages 6 & younger). Admission is free for museum members. Membership information can be found online at www.daytonartinstitute.org/membership.
Other current and upcoming Special and Focus Exhibitions at the museum include Telling Stories: World Literature in Art (on view through May 26, 2024), James Pate, Techno-Cubism: The Art of Line Painting (on view from February 3–April 28, 2024), Hand-Colored Photographs(on view from March 23–September 22, 2024) and Captivating Clay: Contemporary Japanese Ceramics from the Horvitz Collection (on view from April 13–September 29, 2024).
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 are dedicated to collection stewardship, creative engagement and inspirational experiences. With intentional momentum, we nurture inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility.
