Exhibition at the Dayton Art Institute presents 100 extraordinary paintings

The Dayton Art Institute begins its centennial season of special exhibitions with For America: Paintings from the National Academy of Design, on view from February 23 through June 2. The DAI is the debut venue for this new touring exhibition, organized by the American Federation of Arts (AFA) and the National Academy of Design (NAD). For America is the first exhibition to highlight the fundamental characteristic of the National Academy’s collection: the joint presentation of an artist’s portrait with her or his representative work. The exhibition’s 100 extraordinary paintings present not only a visual document of the Academy’s membership, but also a unique history of American painting from 1809 to the present. “For America offers a nuanced story of American art,” said Pauline Willis, Director and CEO of the American Federation of Arts. “The exhibition’s national tour will bring these importa