Dayton Art Institute welcomes visitors for a free weekend of art, activities and museum exploration 

A weekend at the Dayton Art Institute does not have to start with an admission ticket. 

The museum’s Art for All initiative returns this Aug. 29 and 30, offering free admission and activities designed to make the museum more accessible to visitors across the Dayton community. 

“Art for All Days are about removing barriers and creating opportunities for people to explore, learn and connect through art, regardless of their background or experience with museums,” says Mark S. Shaker, Dayton Art Institute interim president and director. 

The initiative gives both longtime museumgoers and first-time visitors an opportunity to move through the galleries at their own pace without the cost of admission. For families who may not regularly visit an art museum, Shaker says the weekend is intended to make that first experience feel comfortable rather than intimidating. 

“Our hope is that every first-time visitor leaves the museum feeling welcome and excited to come back,” Shaker says. “Art for All weekends give people the chance to experience the museum at their own pace, make memories together and see how art sparks curiosity, conversation and creativity.” 

Free admission is only part of the weekend. Visitors can participate in scavenger hunts and guided tours that offer different ways to interact with artwork throughout the museum. Hands-on art-making activities will also be available for guests of different ages. 

The programming gives visitors more ways to engage than simply walking from gallery to gallery. A scavenger hunt might send guests searching for details they otherwise would have passed, while art-making activities allow younger visitors to turn what they see in the museum into something of their own. 

“Our hope is that these experiences inspire curiosity and spark conversation for each museum guest,” Shaker says. 

Visitors will also have access to several exhibitions currently on view. “Getting Technical: Alternative Photographic Processes” features artists working with historical, nontraditional and experimental photographic methods. “Exploring Feminism” examines protest, self-expression and community building, while “Captivating Clay” highlights Japanese artists who have expanded the possibilities of ceramic art. 

For Shaker, however, the larger goal goes beyond a single free visit. He says the museum hopes younger guests in particular leave with an interest that continues after the weekend ends. 

“For our youngest visitors, we hope this experience sparks a lifelong love of art and creativity,” Shaker says.