Dayton Art Institute's 90 years

It's always been a pleasure to make periodic visits to the Dayton Art Institute. Over the past 50 years, I have visited the DAI about two dozen times. Each time I have seen something new about the historic place.
As far as actual exhibitions and tours go, however, I have experienced perhaps a half dozen, which include the Egyptian and Princess Di exhibition. Each and every visit has informed, stimulated and inspired.
And so it is with the DAI 90th Anniversary exhibition which is highlighted by 90 treasures from its permanent collection. This fascinating and illuminating anniversary special, if you will, opens Saturday, June 27, and continues through Dec. 31.
Located throughout the DAI galleries, the 90 treasures were selected from 1,000 works at the DAI. Four curators, including DAI curator Will South, Dominique H. Vaseur of the Columbus Museum of Art, Lisa Morrisete of Wright State University, and Alejandra Gimenex-Berger of Wittenberg, observed and evaluated the DAI permanent collection before narrowing it down to 90 pieces of art.
"Visitors who see these 90 treasures can rediscover the beauty of this historic and eclectic art," South said during a recent media tour.
South, who began his curator position at the DAI less than a year ago, firmly believes that great works of art give us insight into human nature and often trigger emotions, some that run deep.
As as example, he talked about "High Noon," a 1950 drawing by Edward Hopper, an emotional piece of work that is simple in its structure but one that evokes many emotions, depending upon who is observing this fascinating piece.
The 90 Treasures exhibition is being offered free of charge during regular business hours. As a bonus, visitors are encouraged to turn their cell phones on at the museum. Via cell phones, visitors can learn much more about the 90 treasures from the experts who selected the works.
Moreover, a number of special 90th Anniversary events -- including Tour and Tea programs on July 15 and Aug. 14 -- are planned over the next three months. A "What Makes a Treasure?" program is slated Sunday, Aug. 30, at 2 p.m. at the DAI.
All in all, it's an impressive show. The community should answer opportunity's first knock at this artistic event at the DAI, which is located at 456 Belmonte Park North, less than a stonethrow's from the Great Miami River and the Dayton skyline.