Current Exhibitions
Exhibition schedule
Summer Exhibitions
May 29 - July 24
Opening reception: May 29, 5:00 - 7:00 PM
Crystal Beiersdorfer, #inhale_#exhale
Crystal Beiersdorfer's work reflects on how bodies and digital spaces blend and clash, focusing on technology’s impact on daily routines, digital embodiment, and virtual identity. Rooted in cyber-feminist theory, her practice uses digital manipulation tools to prompt critical reflection on how media shapes belief and behavior. Her exhibition #inhale__#exhalewelcomes you to slow down and engage in the experience, unfolding at the pace of interaction rather than urgency, through the use of color, sound, and temporality. The exhibition is an invitation to pause and be in the present moment rather than rushing through for the sake of the spectacle. The works encourage viewers to notice subtle shifts in their own surroundings and to engage in a slower, more meditative use of gestures.
Random Acts of Artists, Moving Forward, Looking Back
Beginning as a grassroots movement of around a dozen artists in June of 2014, Random Acts of Artists (RAA) now consists of nearly one hundred creative individuals located in Western Pennsylvania and Eastern Ohio representing the fields of fine arts, theater, music, dance, design, crafts, and more. Their purpose is to unite, inform, and encourage artists to organize and create projects that help to rejuvenate and bring more color and art into local communities and lives. RAA has hosted over 300 public gatherings, including speakers, workshops, and demonstrations, and has also sponsored dozens of juried art exhibitions throughout the area. Moving Forward, Looking Backis a juried show featuring artwork by RAA members. Local watercolorist and YSU alum Daniel Rauschenbach will be the juror for the exhibition.
Summer Exhibitions
May 29 - July 18
Opening reception: May 29, 5:00 - 7:00 PM
Sharon M. Dundee, Rusted Roots: Exploring Our Connection
For Sharon M. Dundee, there is a certain commonality of experience for those, like her, who were raised in the Midwest “Rust Belt” during the 60s, 70s, and 80s - a connection to other people who grew up in similar circumstances, with similar cultural influences. When telling stories, their narratives weave a familiar picture. With Rusted Roots, she presents her visual interpretation of this connection through her art, interspersed with quotes from others who shared these experiences, as wall text to create a unified installation. Dundee’s work often reflects the grit and tenacity of that “Rust Belt” environment. Mining a wealth of discarded cardboard, newsprint, photos, books, etc., she seeks to repurpose them in her collages, mixed media paintings, and assemblages.
RUSTED ROOTS: Exploring Our Connectionis made possible in part by an investment of public funds from the Ohio Arts Council (OAC). The OAC is a state agency that funds and supports quality arts experiences to strengthen Ohio communities culturally, educationally, and economically.
Laura Garvin, Sketches & Storyline: An Illustrator's Creative Process
Laura Garvin aims to evoke nostalgia in adults and spark a sense of possibility in kids. A designer and illustrator, she is a devoted daydreamer whose work is inspired by color, books, museums, history, early 2000s nostalgia, her cat Blueberry, and digital tools that echo traditional media. Garvin has illustrated several children’s books, including Bean Loves Blankies, The Chip on My Shoulder,and Chocolate Spaghetti for Breakfast,as well as editorial illustrations for Ladybug Magazineand the Pittsburgh City Paper. Her illustration practice is rooted in curiosity, warmth, and a love of storytelling across both kid lit and editorial spaces. The designs for Sketches & Storyline: An Illustrator’s Creative Processcollection is a look behind the curtain of her creative process. These sketches, color tests, thumbnails, and doodles show the process and exploration she goes through to develop her art style and final artwork and illustrations.
Mahoning Valley 250, Stitches in Time
In celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Stitches in Timefeatures artwork and artifacts which showcase how the people of the Mahoning Valley have both influenced and reflected on the passage of American history. It is presented as a compliment to a special traveling exhibit entitled Mahoning Valley 260: A Celebration of Change-Makers and their Communities.Together, these exhibits illustrate the special part the Mahoning Valley has played in our national history.
This exhibit was organized by Dr. Amy Laurel Fluker, Youngstown State University Robert W. Reeder I Endowed Associate Professor of History.
Objects are on loan from The Butler Institute of American Art, the Mahoning Valley Historical Society, the Trumbull County Historical Society, Maag Library, and the Youngstown Historical Center of Industry and Labor.
The Mahoning Valley 250 Exhibitis funded in part by the Ohio History Fund, a grant program of the Ohio History Connection. Your donations to the Ohio History Fund make this program possible.