Celebrating the London 2012 Olympics

DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) - People came dressed in their best red wide and blue Friday night to celebrate the opening ceremonies of the London 2012 Olympics at the Dayton Art Institute.

"It's one of those things that defines. You know, all of a sudden everybody is talking about the Olympics. Everybody wants to watch, so we thought, why not watch here and enjoy it here," says Jane Black, associate director of the Dayton Art Institute.

It was a night filled with English music, food and fun while watching the opening ceremonies.

"We heard about the party was coming together and we wanted to experience it on the big screen. I think it's wonderful and it looks like they've done a wonderful job," says Jim Woods.

Margaret Schultz just got back from a 3-week trip to England.

"This is the Olympic shirt that they will be wearing or should be wearing and it's very exciting to have it there. The preparations were bustling and of course they didn't all go as they wanted them to, but I didn't go down to London because it's so busy and chaotic," explains Schultz.

John Schleppi stole the show at the party.  He brought an Olympic torch with him.

"I was fortunate enough to be a torch-bearer for the 2002 Olympic games in Salt Lake City or as one individual has put it, in the city of nowhere but fortunately I was able to do that and go to the Olympics as well in Salt Lake in 2002," comments Schleppi.

The party was also a way to promote art.

"We have a phenomenal collection but to see it as a place that's a destination that you want to be and come back. Every Friday night there's going to be something cool happening and we'll be doing more and more of these types of things so people feel comfortable and included," says Michael Roediger, executive director of the Dayton Art Institute.

For more information on the upcoming events here at the Dayton Art Institute, go here.

See photos from the evening here .