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

265-Masks-52x48-1993-scaled

EXHIBITION SPONSORS:

BENEFACTORELM Foundation

PATRONSusanne Scherette King

SUPPORTINGNorman & Mary Rita Weissman

PROMOTINGDr. Gary LeRoyKaren & Dale MedfordUniversity of Dayton

ADDITIONAL SUPPORTAudrey & Bing DavisBricker GraydonJYG InnovationsThe Dayton Chapter of The Links, Incorporated.

MEDIA Discover Classical

COMMUNITY PARTNERAfrican American Visual Artists GuildDiana Barnes Cary and Maurice CaryCharles & Rosiland Harper

SPECIAL THANKSEd Smith’s Flowers & GiftsRich Taste Catering

ONGOING SPONSORSOhio Arts CouncilMontgomery CountyCulture Works