Department of Art News

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

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

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.

Guest artist Ron Copeland to present as part of Department of Art Lecture Series

YSU’s Department of Art will welcome guest artist Ron Copeland, who is currently exhibiting in the Judith Rae Solomon Gallery, to present as part of the Department of Art Lecture Series Thursday, September 18, 2025, at 4:30 PM at the McDonough Museum of Art. A self-taught multidisciplinary artist, Copeland’s work spans sign painting, assemblage, murals, printmaking, photography, and sculpture.

Department of Art to welcome guest artist Ron Copeland to begin fall exhibition schedule

YSU’s Department of Art will welcome guest artist Ron Copeland to exhibit and lecture in the Judith Rae Solomon Gallery, located in YSU’s Bliss Hall, beginning Monday, August 25, through Friday, October 3, 2025. Copeland, a self-taught multidisciplinary artist, creates works spanning sign painting, assemblage, murals, printmaking, photography, and illuminated sculpture.

Department of Art professor named winner of Distinguished Professorship Award

Michelle Nelson, a professor in YSU’s Department of Art, has been named the winner of a 2025-26 Distinguished Professorship Award in Service by YSU’s Academic Affairs Office. These awards, provided annually, recognize YSU faculty members for their exceptional contributions to students, their professions, and the community.

McDonough Museum to host annual “Spring Graduating B.F.A. Exhibition”

The “Spring 2025 Graduating B.F.A. Exhibition,” featuring the art and design work of students graduating in the spring semester from YSU’s Department of Art, will open at the McDonough Museum of Art Friday, April 18, and run through Saturday, May 3. This exhibition gives students the opportunity to share the original and innovative discoveries they have made during their artistic journeys.

Junior-level Department of Art students to exhibit work in Solomon Gallery

Junior-level Department of Art students will exhibit their work in the “Junior Portfolio Review Exhibition” beginning Monday, April 14, through Friday, May 2, 2025, at the Judith Rae Solomon Gallery, located in Bliss Hall. Prior to beginning their senior-level studio art courses, all junior-level art students are required to present their bodies of work for review in the form of this exhibit

Department of Art to host “Freshman Portfolio Review Exhibition” in Bliss Hall

YSU’s Department of Art will hold its annual “Freshman Portfolio Review Exhibition” on the fourth floor of YSU’s Bliss Hall beginning Monday, April 14, through Friday, April 18, 2025, from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. The exhibit will open to the public with a reception at 12:00 PM on April 14, showcasing the artistic achievements of first-year art students.

Department of Art professor featured in exhibit at Akron’s Myers School of Art

The Emily Davis Gallery at the Mary Schiller Myers School of Art, located at the University of Akron, is currently presenting “Reflections,” which includes the work of YSU Department of Art professor Dragana Crnjak among a select group of accomplished artists. The exhibit includes nine of Crnjak’s distinctive works, including three of her most recent paintings.

Youngstown State University

Department of Art News