Department of Art News

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.

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

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

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