McDonough Museum to celebrate 30th anniversary with virtual event

September 24, 2021

The McDonough Museum of Art will celebrate the 30th anniversary of its grand opening with a virtual celebration Saturday, October 16 at 7:00 PM.

For 30 years the museum has provided Youngstown with a space that houses artist lectures, holds concerts and exhibitions, and showcases the work of students enrolled in courses through the YSU Department of Art. Built on a sharply sloped site and featuring a spiral staircase and a slew of windows and skylights for an abundance of natural light, the museum has provided a bit of modern architecture swagger to Wick Avenue since its conception.

The McDonough was dedicated October 26, 1991 thanks to the generosity of local physician and avid art collector Dr. John J. McDonough. McDonough provided seed money for the museum by selling the painting “Gloucester Harbor” by artist Childe Hassam for just over $1 million. The museum was designed by Gwathmey Siegel, who was brought onto the project by Youngstown architect Paul Ricciuti.

The virtual celebration and fundraiser will begin with a performance by the Dana School of Music Jazz Ensemble. The group will play in the McDonough galleries while surrounded by the paintings of local legend Al Bright, who was renowned for his paintings of live jazz music.

Guests will also have an opportunity to bid on a variety of items in an online auction, including artwork from talented and generous local artists. The auction will be open for bidding October 16 – 18.

E-tickets to the event are $60 each and will include a link for the performance and a swag bag that can be shared with a friend. Tickets can be purchased here.