The Dayton Art Institute (DAI) has announced details for its 2024 Art Ball fundraiser, taking place Saturday, June 8. Presented by The SharpGroup – Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Professional Realty & UnlistedHomes.com, the black-tie gala, a Dayton tradition since 1957, returns to celebrate its 67th anniversary.
“We are excited to welcome guests to the 67th anniversary of Art Ball,” said DAI Director & President Michael R. Roediger. “As one of the museum’s largest annual fundraisers, this Dayton classic is vital to supporting the DAI’s operating budget.
This year’s Art Ball continues the long-standing tradition of being inspired by an artwork from the DAI’s permanent collection. Art Ball Chairs Julie Forman and Marty Gehres have selected It’s Raining Colored Dots, a silkscreen on paper, as the artistic feature for this year’s event. Created by Oakwood High School graduate Petah Coyne around 1977, the brightly colored work is a recent gift to the collection from longtime friend of the DAI, Linda Lombard.
“Our goal was to choose a work that captured the vibrancy and spirit of the Disco Era,” says DAI Associate Board members Julie Forman and Marty Gehres. “Our guests will see the artwork’s influence throughout the event, from beautiful décor and exquisite food to the music and atmosphere. We can’t wait to follow the call of the disco ball at Dayton’s best black-tie event of the year.”
Art Ball begins at 7 pm with cocktails, specialty martinis and hors d’oeuvres, followed by an elegant, seated dinner in the museum’s Harry A. Shaw Gothic Cloister and the Great Hall. Following dinner, guests may enjoy live music by Tommi Lea’s Groovy Get Down, a Silent Disco experience, open bars, select bourbons and much more. For an additional ticket price, guests may attend a VIP cocktail hour with high-end wines and hors d’oeuvres, which will offer early entry to Art Ball for a private reception at 6:00 p.m.
Art Ball traces its roots back to Dayton’s Holiday Ball, which began in 1957. Organized by the Junior League of Dayton, the event was held at the DAI, with proceeds benefitting the museum. The event moved to the spring in 1963 and was rechristened as “Art Ball.” In 1965, the DAI’s newly formed Associate Board took over planning and organizing the gala. More information about Art Ball, its history and this year’s featured artwork can be found online at www.daytonartinstitute.org/artball.
Reservations are required for Art Ball, and attendance is limited. Tickets may be purchased online beginning April 6 for non-members. They were for sale April 3rd for members. For more information about reservations and to request an invitation, contact External Affairs Director Mike Griest at [email protected].
Art Ball also includes the Grand Draw Raffle in its fundraising efforts. Only 600 tickets will be sold for $100 each, with the chance to win prize packages valued at $2500 -$25,000, including a week’s stay for up to 14 people in the Turks and Caicos Islands and beautiful jewelry provided by James Free Jewelers. Ticket holders need not be present at Art Ball to win. Those purchasing three or more raffle tickets receive one free Oktoberfest Preview Party ticket (valued at $95). Grand Draw Raffle tickets may be purchased online beginning March 22. For more information about the Grand Draw Raffle and to purchase tickets online, go towww.artballraffle.com.
