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Department of Art News

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

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

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”

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 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

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

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.

A candid of Frank

Guest artist Frank Oriti to exhibit in Judith Rae Solomon Gallery 

YSU’s Department of Art will welcome Cleveland native Frank Oriti to present his exhibit titled “Portraits” in the Judith Rae Solomon Gallery, located in YSU’s Bliss Hall, beginning Monday, March 10, through Friday, April 4, 2025. “Portraits” explores the complex culture blue-collar workers face after returning to the hometowns they once tried to escape.

Department of Art Lecture Series to welcome guest artist Will Hutnick

Department of Art Lecture Series to welcome guest artist Will Hutnick

The Department of Art Lecture Series will welcome guest artist Will Hutnick for a lecture Thursday, February 27, 2025, at 5:30 PM at the McDonough Museum of Art. Based in Connecticut, Hutnick currently serves as the director of artistic programming at the Wassaic Project, a nonprofit organization that utilizes art and education to foster positive social change. His exhibit, “QUEER HORIZONS,” is on display at the McDonough through Friday, February 28

Sculptor Sidney Mullis to join Department of Art Lecture Series

Sculptor Sidney Mullis to join Department of Art Lecture Series

The Department of Art Lecture Series will welcome sculptor Sidney Mullis to present on her work Thursday, February 20, 2025, at 5:30 PM at the McDonough Museum of Art. Her current exhibit, “Caught Skies and Pillowed Pines,” is based around a make-believe forest in which childhood selves retreat to in adulthood. Her other work has focused on puberty, the intimacy of forgetting, and the performance of gender.

Department of Art to host Portfolio Review Day for aspiring art students

Department of Art to host Portfolio Review Day for aspiring art students

YSU’s Department of Art will host Portfolio Review Day, a chance for high school students, transfer students, and aspiring artists to showcase their portfolios to the department’s faculty, Saturday, February 8, 2025, from 1:00 – 4:00 PM in YSU’s Bliss Hall. In addition to receiving feedback on their work, participants can learn about the Department of Art’s programs, facilities, and scholarship opportunities.