Welcome to the African American Visual Artists Guild!

Expanding the visual arts rainbow in the Miami Valley

The African American Visual Artists Guild (AAVAG), of Dayton, Ohio, was born out of the need to express visually the African American experience through a wide range of styles and subject matter using many diverse approaches and materials with a focus on communicating the artist's own spirituality.

This organization shall not discriminate against any employee or applicant for membership or employment because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, marital status, age, sexual orientation or disability, and shall take such affirmative action as necessary to ensure that applicants are employed or become members and are treated equally during employment or membership.


summer camp

Dayton Art Institute Summer Camp

Introduce your children to the world of art through Summer Art Camps at the DAI. Campers explore the museum with fun gallery games, new interdisciplinary art lessons, creative art projects and more. These half-day or week-long camps, taking place during June, July and August, are tailored to a variety of age groups and feature many different art activities.

Children will learn and get inspired by the museum’s collection and create their own masterpieces using 2D and 3D art-making techniques in our studios. Kids entering 1st grade through 5th grade will have fun all summer long in weekly, mixed-media art camps.

Are scholarships available?

Yes, there are a limited number of need-based scholarships available each year. You may call 937-223-5277, ext. 335 or email artcamp@daytonart.org with questions or for more information.

Can my child attend more than one session?

Yes, you may register your child for both the morning and afternoon sessions.

How old does my child need to be to attend camp?

Campers must be entering the grade level listed in the fall of that year to enroll in each camp.

What is the class size?

Each class is limited to 15 students.

Who teaches the classes?

Classes are taught by professional art teachers.

For More Information and To Register

Bryan Smith Museum Education Coordinator

Email: bsmith@daytonart.org

Phone: 937-223-5277 ext. 333

DSA-AAVAG

Cross Town Collaboration

Call For Entries

Exhibit Will Run From Friday July 11th to Saturday, August 24th, 2025

No Entry Fee But You Must be Members of AAVAG or DSA

The Dayton Society of Artists (DSA) and the African American Visual Artists Guild (AAVAG) are thrilled to present Crosstown Connections: A Collaborative Exhibition. This group exhibition brings together two of Dayton’s vibrant art organizations in a celebration of shared creativity, artistic mediums, and the connections that unite us. Through this partnership, we honor our commonalities, reflect on past collaborations, and look forward to future opportunities to uplift and support artists in our community. Showcasing a collection of works from both organizations, this exhibition will be held at both galleries, celebrating the rich artistic talent within our community. Artwork will be displayed at AAVAG (840 Germantown Street, Dayton, OH 45402) and DSA (48 High Street, Dayton, OH 45403). There is no entry fee; however, participating artists must be members of either AAVAG or DSA. Artwork will be juried by the AAVAG programing committee and DSA director and board. Be part of this vibrant showcase of talent from both organizations and help foster a deeper sense of artistic unity throughout Dayton. Submit by Google Form by Saturday, May 31st, 2025 at:

https://forms.gle/gHCoyko4Q6hJGs3k9

CALENDAR

Submissions Due: Saturday, May 31st by midnight Jurying: Monday, June 1st – Saturday, June 7th Juried Results via Email: Sunday, June 8th Art Drop off: Sunday, June 29th 11-4 PM or Monday, June 30th 3-8 PM Opening Reception: Friday, July 11th, 5-8 PM at DSA Closing Reception: Sunday, August 24th 2 – 5 PM at AAVAG Exhibition Runs: Fri. July 11th - Sat. August 24th, 2025 Art Pick up: Sun. August 31st, 11-4 pm and Mon. September 1st, 3-8 pm .

Best Of Show

Exposition Through Art Exhibit

Whats' New

Two Year Traveling Exhibit

The "What's New" project is the fourth iteration of exhibits curated under the umbrella of Exposition Through Art, a two-year traveling exhibit. AAVAG's artists were asked to create artwork representing what is new in their lives, the community in which they live, their world of art, and/or newly developed social, political, and religious viewpoints. And as usual they enthusiastically embraced the challenge. The exhibit at the Fitz Center, 1401 South Main Street will be from March 5 to May 2, 2025. Viewing the exhibit is open Monday through Friday 8 am to 4 pm. The opening reception will be on March 10, 5 pm to 6:30 pm. The exhibit will continue to travel throughout 2025.

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Open Studio drawing and painting sessions!
We are scheduling painting and drawing sessions, that will be open to the public; check this page daily for date, place and time.
Our Monthly Meetings

We meet the last Saturday of the month, 2 pm to 4 pm at Central State University Dayton at 840 Germantown Street 45402, except for July and Thanksgiving and Christmas. Call 937-263-9907 for meeting place before last Saturday of each month.

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African American Visual Artists Guild (AAVAG)

840 Germantown Street

Dayton, Ohio 45402

Telephone:937-263-9907


Our Gallery Hours:


Monday - Friday: 9am - 4:30 pm

Saturday: By appointment Only, Closed June and July


To Contact Webmaster


Contact: Clifford Darrett

5100 Retford Drive

Dayton, Ohio 45417

Conquero@aol.com


© aavag.org