The Contemporary Dayton is proud to announce the appointment of Heather Jones as its new Curator and Director of Programs and Engagement—a move set to usher in a dynamic era of innovative exhibition programming and community dialogue.
A Celebrated Artist and Curatorial Force
Jones, a celebrated artist, educator, and curator, is widely recognized for her vibrant, textile-based works and thoughtful approach to contemporary art. With a career rooted in exploring the intersections of craft and fine art, her practice centers on textiles that explore themes of motherhood, matrilineal connections, and the hidden histories of everyday life. Working primarily with cotton and thread, she constructs sublime sewn paintings and large-scale draped wall sculptures that challenge the traditional limits of materiality. Her work, which draws inspiration from American patchwork, quilting, Abstract Expressionism, and Color Field painting, creates a universal visual language that speaks to both personal narrative and broader social histories.
A Deep Commitment to Community Engagement
In her new role at The Contemporary Dayton, Jones will lead the museum’s exhibition programming, furthering its mission to present thought-provoking contemporary art that resonates with and inspires the local community. Known for her passionate advocacy for artists and her innovative engagement strategies, Jones is ideally positioned to deepen connections between the museum and the diverse cultural fabric of Dayton. Her appointment comes at a pivotal moment as the institution seeks to not only showcase groundbreaking art but also spark meaningful conversations around social, cultural, and political issues that affect the community.
Bridging Art, History, and Feminist Ideals
Throughout her distinguished career, Jones has harnessed abstraction and color to comment on historical and socio-political narratives, particularly those surrounding women and their often-overlooked contributions to art and culture. Her process-driven practice—marked by the use of techniques traditionally associated with craft—challenges the boundaries between fine art and everyday labor. This approach not only elevates common materials into high art but also reclaims the narratives of female experiences and domesticity, drawing on the rich tradition of geometric abstraction found in American quilt making and the cultural histories of the Southern and Appalachian regions.
An Impressive Record of Acclaim and Achievement
Heather Jones’s achievements have earned her a respected place on both national and international stages. Notably, she was selected as an artist-in-residence for Kehinde Wiley’s inaugural class at Black Rock Senegal and has since exhibited her work at esteemed venues including the Columbus Museum of Art, the Speed Art Museum in Louisville, and the Dakar Biennale. Her work has been acquired by major institutions and private collectors alike, underscoring her influence and the universal appeal of her artistic vision. A native of Cincinnati and an alumna of the University of Cincinnati’s College of Design, Art, Architecture, and Planning, Jones’s journey reflects a lifelong commitment to art that is as intellectually rigorous as it is visually captivating.
Looking Ahead
As Heather Jones steps into her new role, The Contemporary Dayton is poised to redefine contemporary art engagement in the region. Her unique blend of artistic innovation and curatorial expertise promises to open new dialogues within the community, inviting audiences to explore contemporary issues through the transformative lens of art. With a deep understanding of both historical context and modern expression, Jones is set to lead The Co into a future where art not only reflects the times but actively shapes the conversation around them.
Downtown Dayton residents and art enthusiasts alike can look forward to a series of fresh, thought-provoking exhibitions and programming initiatives that will continue to position The Contemporary Dayton as a vital hub of cultural expression and community engagement.