Youngstown State University’s John J. McDonough Museum of Art is starting its 35th season with support from the Ohio Arts Council. The institution secured a $12,418 sustainability grant to assist with programming, exhibitions, and lectures. This funding ensures that the museum continues to provide space for artists to display their work and for the community to engage with various art collections.
Four artists are currently preparing the season-opening exhibition, which focuses on the intersection of environmental art and conservation. Artist Alice Pixley Young is featuring a sculpture made of native Ohio plants constructed from tar paper and dressmaker pins. Other contributing artists include Bonny Leibowitz, Etty Yaniv, and Deborah Wasserman. Their collaborative installation opens to the public on August 25.
In addition to current exhibits, the museum manages a significant collection of prints. Pieces by artists such as Andy Warhol, Jim Dine, and Robert Rauschenberg are currently being held from the Kilcawley Art Collection. These works are slated for display in the new student center once construction finishes, but the museum offers alternative access points for these pieces in the meantime.
The McDonough Museum serves as a hub for regional culture. By maintaining a schedule of professional exhibits and lectures, the museum provides resources for local residents and students. The continued support from the Ohio Arts Council is essential for the museum to sustain its mission of promoting arts education and public accessibility within the Mahoning Valley. Visitors can expect a full schedule of events as the institution celebrates over three decades of operation.