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Cliffe College of Creative Arts News

Lari Gibbons

Department of Art to welcome printmaker Lari Gibbons for 2026 Red Press Collaborative

YSU’s Department of Art will welcome acclaimed printmaker, educator, and innovator Lari Gibbons to campus beginning Monday, March 9, through Friday, March 13, as she spearheads the 2026 Red Press Collaborative event. Red Press, a beloved tradition, invites a celebrated printmaker to campus for one week annually to work alongside art students in the creation of a limited-edition collaborative print.

Laura Garvin

Beecher Art and Technology Lecture Series to welcome illustrator Laura Garvin

The Beecher Art and Technology Lecture Series, hosted by YSU’s Department of Art, will welcome illustrator and designer Laura Garvin for a presentation Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at 5:30 PM at the McDonough Museum of Art. A graduate of the Department of Art, Garvin works as an in-house designer and freelance illustrator, finding inspiration concepts including color, books, museum, history, and growing up in the 2000s.

Amy Cossentino

Cliffe College welcomes Amy Cossentino as new Dean

YSU’s Cliffe College of Creative Arts is thrilled to welcome Amy Cossentino as its new Dean, beginning this spring semester. A dedicated leader in higher education, Dean Cossentino is passionate about supporting students and strengthening connections that enhance student learning and artistic growth. She will continue serving as Dean of the Sokolov Honors College while supporting the vibrant community that defines Cliffe College.

Jacob Norton

Dana student earns Honorable Mention nod at International Trombone Association Competition

Jacob Norton, a junior Music Performance major at YSU’s Dana School of Music, was awarded Honorable Mention at the 2026 International Trombone Association Competition. Norton submitted his audition for the Alto Trombone section of the competition with Dr. Da-Eun Choi as his accompanist, competing against musicians from around the world.

episode 26 artwork icon

University Theatre to welcome back audiences with “Episode 26”

YSU’s University Theatre will welcome back audiences after winter break with its first production of the spring semester, titled “Episode 26,” February 13 – 15 and 20 – 22 at Spotlight Theater, located in YSU’s Bliss Hall. Inspired by classic Saturday morning sci-fi radio serials, this play will follow the story of Buzz Gatecrasher, Hillen Dale, and Dr. Art Deco as they face the menacing Lord Vaknor, ruler of the Planet Darvon, and try to save the universe.

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.

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.

From WOMAN 19

McDonough Museum to open 2026 season with three new exhibitions

The McDonough Museum of Art will open its 2026 season with three new exhibitions beginning Tuesday, January 20, through Saturday, February 28. The featured collections will include Misty Gamble's “Of Flesh and The Feminine,” Hannah Parrett's “I Do Not Always Understand, But I Feel Desire,” and Mary Urbas curating “From WOMAN 19.” A closing reception will be held for the exhibits February 28 from 2:00 to 4:00 PM.

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 and high school teacher Josh MacMillan, this exhibition will feature award-winning works from young artists across the region.

McDonough Museum to host live artist demonstration with Julia Betts

McDonough Museum to host live artist demonstration with Julia Betts

YSU’s McDonough Museum of Art invites the community to witness a live artist demonstration with guest Julia Betts Thursday, December 18, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. This free event, sponsored by Akron Soul Train, offers an opportunity to witness Betts’ distinctive creative process in action.