Into the Ether, the current exhibition featuring contemporary light artists at the Dayton Art Institute, 
invites you to interact with the art. While there are some actual hands-on opportunities, around every corner you’ll engage in a very personal experience. Whether it’s dual holograms that offer a different experience for each viewer based on their own height and distance from the piece or a work where the colors are plugged into a randomizer to guarantee a unique show for each viewer – this exhibit is always changing and created especially for you.
When we visited, a few favorites of our group included:
- An LED star to welcome you; it’s immediately clear this exhibition is active and alive.
- An opportunity to put yourself in the middle of the art – and even change the colors of the light reflecting all around you. Texture, light and shape all blend together.
- A large screen with pixels that fall like snow, until you notice that those pixels are clumping into shapes. Eventually, an eery image starts to appear – and it’s the people in the room! (pictured, we went meta by performing our own version of The Scream).
Surprise bonus: a lot of the more handy (and hands-on) visitors during our tour were able to get up close and explore just how the art and technology blends together. With this innovative blend, it’s the perfect trip for STEM (or – STEAM!) students who want to think about art/technology differently. Or – a perfect night out for the couple with one left-brained partner and one right-brained partner; this offers a little something for everyone. Plus – you get to play with light-up blocks at the end of the tour (and even buy a set in the gift shop if you’re inspired).
Into the Ether continues through June 26.
Want to learn more? Check out these special programs that will help you dive deeper “into the ether”:
- Thursday, April 14, 5:30 p.m.: Bob Ross Auto Group Jazz & Beyond Series presents the Stivers Jazz Orchestra.The 2016 Bob Ross Auto Group Jazz & Beyond series begins April 14 with the talented young musicians of the Stivers Jazz Orchestra. Click here for more information and tickets.
- Thursday, April 28, 6:30 p.m.: Artist talk with Erwin Redl. Noted contemporary artist Erwin Redl, featured in the special exhibition Into the Ether: Contemporary Light Artists, will be at the museum to speak about his work. Click here for ticket information.
- Sunday, May 8, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.: Mother’s Day Brunch. Celebrate the Art of Brunch at The Dayton Art Institute in the museum’s Shaw Gothic Cloister. Enjoy a brunch buffet provided by Leo Bistro. For more information and to make reservations, click here.
