July 11 fundraiser will include craft cocktails, music, art and runway show
June 6, 2026
LANCASTER, OH, June 5, 2026 – Tickets to an unforgettable night of fashion and philanthropy at the DACO Gala are now available for purchase. This year’s annual fundraising event for the Decorative Arts Center of Ohio will take place Saturday, July 11, at 6:30 p.m., at 145 E. Main St., Lancaster.
As one of the organization’s premier fundraising events, the Gala plays a key role in supporting the nonprofit’s artistic and educational initiatives. Funds raised will go toward supporting arts programming and community partnerships that benefit students of all ages and abilities, as well as toward world-class exhibition programming and long-term investments in the Decorative Arts Center of Ohio.
“The DACO Gala is one of those special evenings that brings together everything that makes our community shine — art, fashion, music and philanthropy,” said Amanda Everitt, executive director of Destination Downtown Lancaster and emcee of this year’s event. “Not only will guests enjoy an incredible night out, but they’ll also be helping ensure that arts education and cultural programming continue to thrive for future generations.”
Guests will enjoy craft cocktails and curated cuisine from local culinary partners, access to the current exhibitions that celebrate DACO’s 25-year commitment to preserving artistic voices, a vibrant atmosphere filled with art and music, and a show-stopping runway presentation featuring designers who offer distinct perspectives on identity, expression and artistry.
“Every year, the DACO Gala gets better and bigger,” said Celeste Malvar-Stewart, the fashion show’s producer and acclaimed sustainable fashion and textiles artist. “This year, guests can expect a fabulous lineup of some of the best emerging and well-established Ohio-based designers, whose collections include a wide scope of genres. From elegant couture to high-end luxury streetwear, there will be something for everyone to call their favorite.”
The DACO Gala will feature the internationally recognized labels and emerging voices of:
- Tracy Powell | The House of IsA
- Aspen Grazier
- Logan Baldauf
- Kaia Armstrong
- Casey Immel-Brown
The event’s vendors include: IVP Media, Party Plus, Steven Cox Quartet, DJ Moxy, Ludie Senatus, Lindsay Berndt, Lisa Tyler, Kate Adler, Nothing Bundt Cakes, and cocktail mixer Cara Rockwood.
“The Gala is only possible because of the incredible support we receive from local businesses, artists, designers and community partners who believe in the power of the arts,” said Jason Crabill, DACO’s executive director. “Every ticket purchased helps us expand educational opportunities, bring exceptional exhibitions to our community and ensure that the Decorative Arts Center of Ohio remains a vibrant cultural resource for years to come.”
General admission tickets are $125 each and include one drink ticket and general seating. A limited number of VIP tickets are available for $175, which includes early access to the event, a front-row seat to the fashion show, one drink ticket, and one limited-edition commemorative Gay Fad Studios glass. Tickets can be purchased online at decartsohio.org/daco-gala.
There are still opportunities for local businesses to sponsor this important fundraiser that expands access to the arts across Southeast Ohio and preserves one of the state’s most beautiful cultural spaces. For more information on sponsorship opportunities, contact Jason Crabill at 740-681-1423 or crabill@decartsohio.org.
