Curtis Barnes, Sr., Dayton Icon

July 12–September 14, 2025

A painter and educator, Curtis Barnes, Sr. was a longtime fixture of Dayton’s art scene. His bold, colorful, experimental paintings are a distinctive blend of naturalism and abstraction. They frequently include self-portraits and portraiture depicting the people in his life. His influence is still felt today among his students and in the African American Visual Arts Guild, which he co-founded with artist “Bing” Davis in 1992.  He was recognized for his artistic contribution and presented with the “Paul Laurence Dunbar Humanitarian Award” in 1994 and the “Lifetime Achievement Award” from the Ohio Arts Council in 2008.

This exhibition comes on the 90th anniversary of his birth and is a celebration of Barnes’ life and art. A DAI exclusive, this collection of works was drawn from his family and friends. 

Plan your visit to see these and other incredible works!

Featured Image: Curtis Barnes, Sr., (American, 1935–2019), Masks, 1993, oil on canvas, 48 x 52 in., Private collection

EXHIBITION SPONSORS

BENEFACTOR
ELM Foundation

PATRON
Susanne Scherette King

SUPPORTING
Norman & Mary Rita Weissman

PROMOTING
Dr. Gary LeRoy
Karen & Dale Medford
University of Dayton

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT
Audrey & Bing Davis
Bricker Graydon
JYG Innovations
The Dayton Chapter of The Links, Inc.

MEDIA 
Discover Classical

COMMUNITY PARTNER
African American Visual Artists Guild
Diana Barnes Cary and Maurice Cary
Charles & Rosiland Harper

SPECIAL THANKS
Ed Smith’s Flowers & Gifts
Rich Taste Catering

ONGOING SPONSORS
Ohio Arts Council
Montgomery County
Culture Works