Cats in Art / Dogs in Art

June 18–September 14, 2025 | Gallery 117 & 118

These complementary exhibitions look at images of our beloved pets within the Dayton Art Institute collection. Whether you are a dog person or a cat person (or, like many, you love both equally), you’re bound to find a work that’s a furry favorite. These paired exhibitions draw on objects from across the collection and feature a range of media, including paintings, photographs, prints and sculptures. This charming dual exhibition is exclusive to the DAI.

Plan your visit to see these and other incredible works!

Team Cat or Team Dog? 

Are you a dog lover or a cat person, or are you totally obsessed with both?? In the spirit of healthy competition, we’re allowing DAI fans the opportunity to donate-to-vote for #TeamCat or #TeamDog! Share your love for your furry friends by voting.

Every dollar is a vote for your favorite and will benefit our Community Partner, SICSA: Pet Adoption & Wellness Center

Once you do, you can submit pictures of your pet to be featured on social media!

Featured Image:

Agnes Tait (American, 1894–1981), Want Out, around 1935, lithograph. Gift of Mr. Frederic Newlin Price, 1954.6.14

Utagawa Kuniyoshi (Japanese, 1798–1861), The Cloth-fulling Jewel River in Settsu Province (detail), 1847–1848, woodblock print, ink and color on paper. Gift of Mrs. Katherine G. Loy, 1900.155 

The Dayton Art Institute is proud to partner with our Community Support Sponsor, SICSA, to present these exhibitions.

SICSA’s Mission is to promote the welfare and adoption of companion animals, and nurture loving relationships between animals and people. Visit their website to learn more about adopting, supporting their mission or donating to enrich the lives of animals in their care.

EXHIBITION SPONSORS – Cats In Art 

PATRON
Karin-Leigh Spicer and Edward Blake

PROMOTING
Houser Asphalt and Concrete
Sidney, Handsome, Marbles and Tomoko Bieser
Charles D. Berry Foundation

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT
Linda Caron and Steve King

COMMUNITY SUPPORT
Carolyn Brethen
SICSA Pet Adoption & Wellness Center

FRIENDS OF CATS AND DOGS
Brad Lucas and Jack Omer with Simon, Ginji, Molly, Dottie and Ty

FELINE FRIENDS
Lucy and Walter Walker

EXHIBITION SPONSORS – Dogs In Art 

PATRON
Karin-Leigh Spicer and Edward Blake

PROMOTING
Houser Asphalt and Concrete
Sidney, Handsome, Marbles and Tomoko Bieser
Charles D. Berry Foundation

COMMUNITY SUPPORT
Carolyn Brethen
SICSA Pet Adoption & Wellness Center

FRIENDS OF CATS AND DOGS
Brad Lucas and Jack Omer with Simon, Ginji, Molly, Dottie and Ty

DOGGIE DONORS
Mr. Burton Griest –In Memory of Tim Grewe, Love Mr. Burton
Beau Hale
Ellie Hale
John Rossi Photography with Francey and Miles Rossi
Lucy Jane Starr

ONGOING SPONSORS
Ohio Arts Council
Montgomery County
Culture Works