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Department of Art News

Portfolio Day 2026

Department of Art to host annual Portfolio Day for aspiring artists

YSU’s Department of Art invites all high school students, transfer students, and aspiring artists to attend its annual Portfolio Day Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 1:00 to 4:00 PM at YSU’s Bliss Hall. This event provides a unique opportunity for attendees to showcase their creative work and receive valuable feedback from YSU’s art faculty, in addition to learning about the Department of Art’s programs, facilities, and scholarship opportunities. Registration is required and can be completed here.

Davon Brantley

Guest artist Davon Brantley to exhibit at Judith Rae Solomon Gallery

YSU’s Department of Art will welcome guest artist Davon Brantley to campus as he exhibits “Wrinkles in the Smile of Divinity” at the Judith Rae Solomon Gallery beginning Monday, February 2, through Friday, February 27, 2026. Influenced by Dante’s “Divine Comedy,” Brantley will present a trilogy of works that navigate the profound territories of Hell, Purgatory, and Divinity as metaphors for the artist’s personal journey.

Solomon Gallery to host NE Ohio Scholastics Art Exhibition

Solomon Gallery to host annual NE Ohio Scholastics Art Exhibition

YSU’s Judith Rae Solomon Gallery will once again host the annual Northeastern Ohio Scholastics Art Exhibition beginning Wednesday, January 7, through Saturday, January 24, 2026. Organized by YSU alumnus high school teacher Josh MacMillan, this exhibition will feature award-winning works from young artists across the region.

Department of Art students to showcase original artwork in Student Holiday Art Show

Department of Art students to showcase original artwork in Student Holiday Art Show

YSU’s Department of Art invites the community to celebrate the holiday season and support local art students at the Student Holiday Art Show Friday, December 6, from 5:00 – 8:00 PM at Concept Studios. The event will take place during the City of Youngstown’s Holiday Parade, Christmas Tree Lighting, and Flea on Phelps Celebration, offering visitors an opportunity to explore downtown Youngstown and discover unique artwork created by talented YSU students.

McDonough Museum to exhibit student work to conclude fall schedule

McDonough Museum to exhibit student work to conclude fall schedule

The McDonough Museum of Art will exhibit student work in the “Fall 2025 Graduating B.F.A. Exhibition” to conclude its fall event schedule beginning Saturday, November 22, through Friday, December 12, 2025. This exhibit stands as an opportunity for the students to share the original and innovative discoveries they have made in their artistic journeys with their families and the public.

Painting by Department of Art professor to be included in 2025 Biennial Juried Exhibition in Columbus

Painting by Department of Art professor to be included in 2025 Biennial Juried Exhibition in Columbus

YSU Department of Art professor Dragana Crnjak has been selected as one of 61 artists to have artwork included in the 2025 Biennial Juried has been selected as one of 61 artists to have artwork included in the 2025 Biennial Juried Exhibition opening in Columbus Friday, October 25, 2025. Crnjak’s painting, titled “The Day It Rained Amber,” was selected by three jurors out of more than 1,900 entries for the exhibit.

Art students to partner with local businesses for collaborative mural project

Art students to partner with local businesses for collaborative mural project

YSU’s Department of Art is partnering with the Western Reserve Port Authority of City Centre One and the Economic Action Group to create a series of innovative interior murals that will transform the building’s elevator spaces into immersive artistic experiences. Led by professor of art Dragana Crnjak, YSU’s Site-Specific Mural Class will reimagine transitional spaces into bold, thought-provoking designs to engage visitors throughout City Centre One.

Guest artist Michael Boyd Roman to present as part of Department of Art Lecture Series

Guest artist Michael Boyd Roman to present as part of Department of Art Lecture Series

The Department of Art Lecture Series is set to welcome guest artist Michael Boyd Roman for a presentation Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at 5:30 PM in the McDonough Museum of Art lecture hall (room 3000). Roman’s work, focusing on mixed media and charcoal drawings, seeks to portray the ordinary grace of contemporary Black men by blending elements from hip-hop and urban culture with art history and religious iconography.

Department of Art to host Art Day for prospective students

Department of Art to host Art Day for prospective students

YSU’s Department of Art invites prospective students considering a creative career path to attend Art Day Saturday, October 25, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM at YSU’s Bliss Hall. This free event, which includes lunch, will provide attendees an immersive look at YSU’s dynamic art programs and creative community.

Solomon Gallery to welcome artist Lauren Davies for guest exhibition

Solomon Gallery to welcome artist Lauren Davies for guest exhibition

YSU’s Department of Art will welcome guest artist Lauren Davies to campus as she exhibits in the Judith Rae Solomon Gallery beginning Monday, October 13, through Friday, November 21, 2025. A multidisciplinary artist, Davies’ work combines photography with sculpture and textiles through historical research.