Here’s a look at seven exhibits from the past five years that have mesmerized art lovers.
PHOTOS: 14 images showing how artists use plates, glass, light and penguins to make stunning pieces
Penguins really get down. Thanks to the wonders of technology and a creative New York artist by the name of Daniel Rozin, 450 penguins in the museum's gallery were always on the move in the exhibit, "The Antarctic Sublime & Elements of Nature." They interacted with visitors and performed a special "penguin dance" for visitors' entertainment.
If you waved your arms or legs in front of the penguins, you would see your own image reflected in the colony.
Credit: Lisa Powell
Credit: Lisa Powell
Let there be light. "Into the Ether: Contemporary Light Artists" displayed large and fascinating pieces, and most responded when you approached them. "Snow Mirror" picked up reflected light from your body — if you moved slowly and stood in front of the camera positioned on the screen, you could see your image materialize, then disappear.
Credit: Lisa Powell
Credit: Lisa Powell
Famous folk artist. "American Sampler: Grandma Moses and the Handicraft Tradition" featured the work of Grandma Moses, who lived from 1860 to 1961, had done some painting over the years but began painting seriously after arthritis made it difficult for her to embroider and she couldn't be as useful around the farm.
Credit: Lisa Powell
Credit: Lisa Powell
A final meal. Decorative plates painted with food made up the exhibition "The Last Supper: 600 Plates Illustrating Final Meals of U.S. Death Row Inmates." Each dish represented a final meal requested by a death row inmate before execution: fried chicken and watermelon, a pack of Pall Malls, one bag of assorted Jolly Ranchers, one jar of dill pickles and more.
A celebration of color. "Dayton Celebrates Glass" showcased a range of artistic glass.
Credit: Lisa Powell
Credit: Lisa Powell
The amazing pieces ranged from a glass kimono by Karen LaMonte to a miniature glass diner by Emily Brock — complete with tiny glass utensils and glass bacon and eggs. There’s cartoon-inspired work by Dan Dailey, delicate glass tapestries by Harue Shimomoto, and a glass boat by Bertil Vallien.
Credit: Lisa Powell
Credit: Lisa Powell
The principals of light. In 2012 the DAI brought us a feast for the eyes, "Stephen Knapp: Lightpaintings," made up of 13 shimmering installations. The colorful images appeared to be painted, but they were created with light and glass.
Credit: Lisa Powell
Credit: Lisa Powell
Dramatic size and shapes. "Changing Landscapes: Contemporary Chinese Fiber Art" was billed as the first exhibition of Chinese contemporary fiber art to travel outside of China. One room was devoted to a striking boat-like creation that's also reminiscent of a crescent moon.
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