The Dayton Art Institute will host its 69th annual Art Ball fundraising gala on Saturday, June 13, 2026, the museum announced April 10. The black-tie event begins at 6 p.m. and will include cocktails, a seated dinner, live music, dancing, and open bars, with guests also gaining exclusive access to the museum’s Hale Cloister and Moonlight Lounge overlooking downtown Dayton.

This year’s theme draws on a Japanese Imari-style porcelain bottle from the museum’s permanent collection, reflecting centuries of international trade and cross-cultural artistic exchange. “We wanted a piece that would capture the beauty of different cultures, lived experiences and a love of traveling the world,” said Art Ball Chairs Myla Cardona-Jones and Alan Cardona. Interim DAI Director and President Mark Shaker described the event as “an opportunity to connect our community through art, culture and shared experience.”

A VIP experience will include a private reception with specialty wines and hors d’oeuvres, and gallery seating for dinner returns this year as a VIP-only option. Tickets go on sale April 15 for members and April 17 for the general public. Grand Patron tables run $10,000 for 10 guests with full VIP access; Patron tables are $5,000 for 10; and individual patron seats are $500. A Grand Draw Raffle features 600 tickets at $100 each, with prizes including a Mykonos travel package, a luxury watch, and pearl earrings.

Source: Dayton Daily News