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Department of Art News

Junior Portfolio Review Exhibition

Solomon Gallery to host annual “Junior Portfolio Review Exhibition” for junior art students

YSU’s Department of Art will showcase the work of its junior art students in the “Junior Portfolio Review Exhibition” beginning Monday, April 20, through Friday, May 1, 2026, at the Judith Rae Solomon Gallery, located in YSU’s Bliss Hall. Prior to beginning their senior-level studio art coursework, all junior-level art students are required to present their bodies of work for review by a studio faculty committee in the form of this exhibit.

Graduating B.F.A. Exhibition

2026 senior art students to showcase work in “Graduating B.F.A. Exhibition” at McDonough Museum

Senior art students from YSU’s Department of Art will showcase their work in the “2026 Graduating B.F.A. Exhibition” at the McDonough Museum of Art beginning Friday, April 17, through Saturday, May 2. This annual exhibition serves as an opportunity for senior students in the department to share the original and innovative discoveries they have made in their artistic journeys with the public.

Students at Freshman Portfolio Review

Freshmen art students to exhibit work in Portfolio Review Showcase

YSU’s Department of Art will exhibit the work of its freshmen art students in a Freshman Portfolio Review Showcase Monday, April 13, 2026, from 12:00 to 2:00 PM on the fourth floor of YSU’s Bliss Hall. All freshmen art students are required to complete a Freshman Seminar and Portfolio Review course, which culminates with this public showcase and gives the students a chance to receive feedback from the public on their work.

Art Summer Camp

Department of Art announces first-ever Summer Art Camp for high school students

YSU’s Department of Art will host its first-ever Summer Art Camp June 22 – 26, 2026, at YSU’s Bliss Hall. Designed for students ages 13 to 18, the camp runs daily from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM and explores hands-on studio experience across a range of artistic media, including painting, printmaking, photography, and graphic design. Registration is required and must be completed by June 5.

Juried Show

McDonough Museum to host 89th Annual Juried Student Art & Design Exhibition

YSU’s McDonough Museum of Art will once again host the Annual Juried Student Art & Design Exhibition beginning Friday, March 20, through Friday, April 3, 2026, as the exhibit celebrates its 89th year. A yearly spring tradition featuring works by students enrolled in YSU’s Department of Art, the exhibit serves as an opportunity for these students to gain the knowledge and experience of entering a show that is judged by an arts professional.

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 in concepts including color, books, museums, history, and growing up in the 2000s.

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