The Dayton Art Institute (DAI) has announced details for its 2022 Art Ballfundraiser, taking place Saturday, June 11. The black-tie gala, a Dayton tradition since 1957, returns after a three-year absence to celebrate its 65th anniversary.
“After canceling the 2020 and 2021 events due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are excited to welcome guests back to the museum for the 65th anniversary of Art Ball,” said DAI Director & CEO Michael R. Roediger. “As one of the museum’s largest annual fundraisers, returning to an in-person event is vital to supporting the DAI’s operating budget.”
This year’s Art Ball continues the long-standing tradition of being themed around an artwork from the Dayton Art Institute collection. For the 65th anniversary, the DAI Associate Board–a volunteer board which assists with the planning and implementation of Art Ball and Oktoberfest–has selected a painting from 1957, Ray Parker’s Summer Afternoon, as the inspiration for this year’s theme, Summer Celebration.
Ray Parker (American, 1922–1990), Summer Afternoon, 1957, oil on canvas. Collection of the Dayton Art Institute, museum purchase, 1958.17
“Through a voting process, the entire Associate Board took part in selecting Parker’s painting as the featured artwork,” Roediger said. “The title and warm colors are a perfect complement to our Summer Celebration theme. It’s also fitting it was painted the same year that first Art Ball began.”
Art Ball traces its roots back to Dayton’s Holiday Ball, which began in 1957. Organized by the Junior League of Dayton, they were held at the DAI, with proceeds benefitting the museum. The Junior League’s event moved to the spring in 1963 and was rechristened Art Ball. In 1965, the DAI’s newly formed Associate Board took over planning and organizing Art Ball.
Art Ball begins at 7 p.m. with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, followed by an elegant, seated dinner in the museum galleries. Following dinner, guests enjoy live music, dancing, open bars, specialty martinis, liqueurs and much more. An extra-cost VIP Cocktail Hour will offer early entry to Art Ball for a private reception at 6:30 p.m., with high-end wines and hors d’oeuvres.
Advance reservations are required for Art Ball and attendance is limited. For more information about reservations and to request an invitation, contact Sponsorship and Special Events Manager Mike Griest, at [email protected].
Art Ball also includes a Grand Draw Raffle as part of its fundraising efforts. Only 600 tickets will be sold for $100 each, with the chance to win prize packages valued at $1,000–$4,000, including exquisite jewelry items, as well as spa, restaurant, gym, adventure and travel prize packages. Ticket holders need not be present at Art Ball to win. Those purchasing three or more raffle tickets get one free Oktoberfest Preview Party ticket.
Grand Draw Raffle tickets may be purchased online beginning Monday, April 11. They may be purchased by phone, at 937-223-4278, or in person at the museum during regular hours beginning Wednesday, April 13. For more information about the Grand Draw Raffle and to purchase tickets online, go towww.daytonartinstitute.org/raffle.
“Having successfully relaunched Oktoberfest last fall with COVID safety measures in place, it is important that we also resume this fundraiser, and do so in a safe and responsible manner,” Roediger said. “Museum leadership has closely followed the scientific data throughout the pandemic and feels it is safe to go forward with a traditional Art Ball. We will continue to watch the virus data and adjust accordingly.
All proceeds from Art Ball help benefit operations at the Dayton Art Institute.
