The Dayton Art Institute opened the Sara M. and Michelle Vance Waddell gallery on February 7, 2026, creating a dedicated space for feminist art and works by women artists. The gallery houses selections from the Waddell Collection, a nationally recognized holding described as one of the largest of its kind in the Midwest, which was donated to the institution at the end of 2025.

The inaugural exhibition, “Exploring Feminism,” runs through January 31, 2027, and will present works in three rotating parts tracing the origins, history, and evolution of the feminist movement. The collection includes work by Cindy Sherman, Carolee Schneemann, Elizabeth Catlett, and Ana Mendieta, among others. Sara M. and Michelle Vance Waddell are art collectors, philanthropists, and advocates for animal rights and social justice causes.

Portions of the Waddell Collection were on display at the Museum of Contemporary Art Connecticut through February 15, 2026, before arriving at the DAI. The Dayton Art Institute is located at 456 Belmonte Park North in Dayton’s McPherson neighborhood and can be reached at 937-223-4278.

Source: WDTN