John J. McDonough Museum announces "Flow – 2023 Alumni Exhibition"

"Flow - the 2023 Alumni Exhibition", featuring the artwork of alumni with BFA and MFA degrees from the Department of Art at Youngstown State University, will open the at the John J. McDonough Museum of Art on Saturday, June 3 and run through Friday, July 14.

The exhibition is free and open to the public. The McDonough Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

"Flow - the 2023 Alumni Exhibition" honors department of Art graduates and celebrates over seventy years of arts education in the Cliffe College of Creative Arts at Youngstown State University. This special reunion of alumni work reflects the diversity of the department of Art and exemplifies the deeply-rooted and far-reaching creative spirit of YSU. The exhibition features art in a variety of media by alumni from across the country. Of the 100 plus works entered, 80 pieces by 69 alumni artists were accepted. Participating alumni include professional artists, art educators and representatives from a broad range of fields who have benefited from the creative problem solving and critical thinking skills engendered by their studio art education.

"We are honored this year to have William Mullane, an artist, educator, administrator, and civic leader, as our juror. His collaborative and creative leadership has shaped a myriad of arts and culture organizations and initiatives throughout the Mahoning Valley," stated Claudia Berlinski, director of the McDonough Museum of Art.

A champion for the arts, community, and the inseverable connection between the two, Mullane currently serves as gallery director and board president for Trumbull Art Gallery, and the Warren Philharmonic Orchestra. In addition to his work as an artist and gallery director, he is completing his 44th year as a public-school teacher and administrator.

Mullane, in his statement said, the Alumni Exhibition “…provides a window into the many different pathways taken by individuals after they graduate from YSU and enter the world of work and continued education. As a juror, I was struck by the diversity of the work submitted. I also can see glimpses of the influence that past professors and instructors had on their students….Each artist is to be commended for their entries and taking the time to stay connected to their roots.”

This exhibition is made possible in part by state tax dollars allocated by the Ohio Legislature to the Ohio Arts Council. The OAC is a state agency that funds and supports quality arts experiences to strengthen Ohio communities culturally, educationally, and economically.

More information is available by calling the McDonough Museum at 330-941-1371.

Alumni Artists

• Kathy Ainsley has worked as a librarian for 21 years. After graduating YSU, Ainsley worked as an art instructor and educational coordinator for Mothering Magazine.
• Anthony Angelilli, YSU class of 2019, is an accomplished artist whose works have been displayed in many museums, galleries, and private collections. As a recipient of the Astra Zarina Early Career Fellowship from The Civita Institute, Angelilli has studied art in Civita di Bagnoregio, Italy. He currently lives and works in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
• Francesca Baldarelli is a mixed media artist and 2012 BFA graduate who works as a teaching artist and printshop coordinator at the Hope Center for Arts and Technology, Inc. Baldarelli has had her work featured in several solo and group exhibitions across the U.S.
• Bill Barron received a bachelor’s of Science degree in Education majoring in Visual Arts from Youngstown State University in 1971. Barron is now a retired visual arts teacher who worked in Youngstown City School District for 35 years.
• Kate Battle is a graphic designer and artist whose work has been featured in several exhibitions and private collections. Battle graduated from YSU in 2005 with a bachelor’s of fine arts degree in Studio Art and Graphic Design.
• Crystal Beiersdorfer is a new media artist and lecturer in Media Arts and Design at the University of Chicago.
• Dave Buehrle graduated from YSU in 1980 with a bachelor’s of fine arts degree in Graphic Design. He is currently the Art Director for Cirm Custom Graphic in East Palestine, Ohio.
• Patricia Blackman has worked with and had her art displayed by several galleries and schools in both America and Canada. She graduated from YSU in 2005 with a degree in Studio Arts.
• Danielle Brant is a YSU graduate with a bachelor’s of fine arts degree in Studio Arts. She has created art for several shows and commissions since graduating in 2011.
• Barbara Buchman is a retired artist who worked as an Art Specialist in Seattle for 20 years. She graduated from YSU in 1980 with a BFA in Studio Art and continued her art education at University of Washington, where she received a master’s of fine arts in Ceramic Sculpture.
• Danielle Caruso is a senior designer at AmuseMints in Denver, Colorado. She has worked as an instructor and graphic designer in various roles since graduating from YSU in 2006.
• Sharon Dundee has been working as a graphic designer and teacher for over 30 years. With art displayed in several galleries and exhibitions, Dundee is currently an adjunct professor of Graphic Design and Typography at YSU.
• Amanda Durig graduated from YSU in 2015 with a bachelor’s of fine arts degree in Graphic Design and Printmaking. She works as an adjunct professor at University of Nebraska Omaha and an education assistant at the LUX Center for the Arts.
• Amy Edixon graduated in 1996 with a bachelor’s of fine arts in Photography. She has received several awards for her photography and occasionally works as a freelance photographer.
• Michael Fabian, YSU class of 1980, is an accomplished painter and artist who has been selected for several solo and group exhibitions throughout the United States.
• Ilena Finocchi is a studio artist, educator, curator and filmmaker in California. She has worked with several universities and public institutions to teach and create art since she graduated from YSU in 1991.
• Karen Fisher received both a bachelor’s of fine arts (2011) and a master's in Interdisciplinary Visual Arts (2021) from YSU. Fisher has participated in many art shows, with the intention of creating art as an act of activism.
• Patty Flauto has pursued art education from several programs, galleries and universities, including YSU. Flauto has had her work displayed by museums and galleries throughout the United States.
• Michelle Gabriel graduated from YSU in 2020 with a bachelor’s of fine arts in Graphic and Interactive Design. She works as an instructional designer for Portage Learning and is in the process of opening a business.
• Cindy Giovannone has worked in graphic design since she graduated from YSU in 1996. She has worked as a freelance artist and currently works as a graphic designer for Kavic Winery and a substitute teacher for Austintown Local Schools.
• Suzanne Gray, YSU class of 2004, has worked as the Arts and Humanities coordinator for the Davis Family YMCA for 20 years. She also regularly participates in the annual Akumal Arts Festival in Mexico and as the Regional Coordinator for the Global Art Project for Peace.
• Ed Hallahan graduated from YSU in 1976 with a degree in Painting. Hallahan works as a professor at Pennsylvania State University and an art instructor for adult and high school students.
• Raymond Herr graduated from YSU in 1998 with a bachelor’s of fine arts degree in Studio Art. He currently works as a Graphic Production Specialist at Minuteman Press.
• Carolyn Hrusovsky, YSU class of 1985, is an artist and instructor who has had her work featured in several exhibitions and galleries. She also owns her own jewelry making business.
• Jenna Hudock graduated from YSU in 2017 with a master's of arts in Art Education. Hudock has been featured in several exhibitions and solo shows, for which she has received a number of awards.
• Susan Jacobs received a bachelor's of science in Art Education and a master's in Teacher Secondary Art degree, with a concentration in painting from YSU. Currently, she teaches art workshops, painting and drawing classes to local artists, and is proprietor of her dog biscuit company Blissful Biscuits
• Katie Jones graduated from YSU in 2019 with a bachelor’s of fine arts degree in Graphic Design. Jones works at Joe Mineo Creative as a member of the Prep and Production Team.
• Richard Jurus received his bachelor’s of fine arts degree in Art fromYSU in 1984. He now works as a professor of fine arts.
• Chris Kamykowski graduated from YSU in 2014 with a bachelor’s of fine arts degree in 3D Studies and Ceramics. Kamykowski works as the Ceramics Studio Technician at Albion College and has recently opened Pinfeather Art Studio with his wife.
• Charles Kish graduated from YSU in 1988 with a bachelor’s in fine arts degree in Painting and Graphic Design. Kish has been self-employed for over 30 years as a graphic designer.
• Matt Kluchar attended YSU and received a bachelor’s of Art in Painting. He has since participated in several alumni art shows through the McDonough Museum.
• After graduating from YSU with a bachelor’s of fine arts degree in Studio Arts in 2006, Amy Kreiger has had her work on display at several galleries and shows throughout Ohio. She currently works as an art teacher in Cleveland.
• After graduating from YSU in 2015 with her bachelor’s of fine arts in Studio Art, LeeAnn Lewis now works as a freelance artist and as a Production Designer at Drund.
• Joan Lubonovic is an accomplished artist who has had her work featured in several museums, galleries, exhibitions, and collections throughout the country. She received her bachelor’s of fine arts degree in Painting from YSU in 1977.
• Zeke Luman graduated from YSU in 2011 with a bachelor’s of fine arts degree in Studio Art.
• Matthew Luonuansuu graduated from YSU with a degree in Digital Media. He works with traditional and digital media tools to create illustrations focused on free association and overstimulation.
• David Mauerman graduated from YSU in 2009 with a bachelor’s of fine arts degree in Painting. Mauerman uses varying mediums and creative modes to combine his passion for gardening and iris flowers with his artwork.
• Craig Miller, YSU class of 2019, uses his bachelor’s of fine arts degree in Interdisciplinary Studio Art to open a discussion about the human condition and offer a glimpse into the subconscious.
• Mondora Mia received a bachelor’s of fine arts degree in Studio Art from YSU in 2022.
• Daniel Newman graduated from YSU in 2017 with a bachelor’s of fine arts degree in Studio Art.
• William Orlando Jr. received hisb of fine arts degree in Art from YSU in 1988
• Steven Page graduated from YSU in 2000 with a bachelor’s of fine arts degree in Studio Arts. He has since had several residencies and exhibitions throughout the country and has worked at many art studios, schools, and galleries.
• Julie Pantelas graduated from YSU in 1997 with her bachelor’s of fine arts degree in Studio Art.
• Since graduating from YSU in 1973, Terry Polonsky has had art featured in numerous exhibits and shows. Polonsky is currently president of the non-profit organization Random Acts of Artists Inc., chairman of the Arts Commision of the city of Sharon and teaching artist in the Arts in Education Program with Erie Arts & Culture.
• Daniel Rauschenbach graduated from YSU in 2012 with a bachelor’s of fine arts degree in Studio Art. He is now the co-owner of The Soap Gallery.
• James Rogers Jr., YSU class of 1973, has won several awards and personal exhibitions. His work has been displayed at the Butler Museum of American Art, the Trumbull Art Guild in Warren, Cuyahoga Community College, Kent State University and the Hoyt Art Institute in New Castle, Pennsylvania. Rogers also works as a writer for the online publication, Examiner.com.
• Stacy Rubinic graduated from YSU in 2015 with a bachelor’s of fine arts degree in Graphic and International Design, only to return to the university as a Graphic Services Coordinator in 2021. Rubinic has had their art displayed in several exhibitions and is a member of several artistic associations.
• Heather Seno, YSU class of 2015, is an accomplished artist whose work has been featured in exhibitions throughout the country. Seno has worked as a curator for various galleries and museums. She currently works as the coordinator for the Cool Summer Annual Art Hop and the Bliss Kids Collective.
• Thomas Sewickley graduated from YSU with a bachelor’s of fine arts degree. Sewickley has been an art and technology teacher at Warren G. Harding High School for 29 years.
• Natalie Shipula is currently a senior graphic designer for the University of Houston: Health and Research Institute and a graphic designer for Lone Star College-Tomball. She also owns her own company, NShipula-Creative.
• Guy Shively graduated from YSU in 1978 with a bachelor’s of fine arts degree in Commercial Art. He owns and operates Guy's Graphics, a vehicle restoration and decoration company.
• Paul Strahm is an accomplished artist who has had art displayed in several exhibitions and collections across the country. Two of these achievements include receiving second place in Europe's largest Plein Air competition held in Ireland and having a painting displayed at the Museum of Contemporary Art in San Diego, California as a part of its permanent collection.
• Ashley Swinehart received her bachelor’s of fine arts degree in Interdisciplinary Arts from YSU in 2013. Swinehart currently works on commissions and has had art displayed at several local exhibitions.
• Judith Szabo Lepore graduated from YSU in 1997 with a bachelor’s of fine arts degree in Studio Art. She is a retired teacher and co-founder of the non-profit organization Art Youngstown Inc.
• Georgia Tambasis received her bachelor’s of fine arts degree in Studio from YSU in 2001.
• Lydia Tarleton is a freelance artist and designer who graduated from YSU in 2019 with her bachelor’s of fine arts degree in Graphic and Interactive Design.
• Jeff Terlecki received his bachelor’s of fine arts degree in Graphic Design from YSU in 2004. He has been commissioned for several local murals and paintings and has had his work displayed at many art shows.
• Justin Terlecki has had work displayed in multiple group and solo exhibitions, he was an invited juror for two exhibitions, and has several illustration publications. Terlecki received his bachelor’s of fine arts degree in Painting and Printmaking from YSu in 1997.
• Ronald Van Hoose graduated from YSU in 1993 with a bachelor’s of fine arts degree in Painting and Ceramics. His work is featured in several private and public collections and has been featured in several solo exhibitions.
• Ashley Vaughan graduated from YSU in 2019 with a bachelor’s of fine arts degree in Studio Art.
• Now working as the Owner and Operator of Hex Letterpress, Jason Vaughn graduated from YSU in 2006 with a bachelor’s of fine arts degree in Studio Art.
• Chanda Weigel graduated from YSU in 2021 with her master’s of fine arts in Interdisciplinary Art. She has been working as an art teacher at Central Valley School District for over 20 years. She is also a MFA Assistant here at YSU.
• Alexis Weser received a bachelor’s of fine arts degree in Digital Media from YSU in 2021. Weser now works at Pixl Media Services as a graphic designer and CSR.
• William Wilson II graduated from YSU in 1993 with a bachelor’s of fine arts degree in Studio Art. He now works as the Cultural Arts Supervisor and Manager at Grand Theatre Center for the Arts in California.
• Alaina Woofter received a bachelor’s of fine arts degree in Studio Art from YSU in 2020.
• Sean Wyant graduated from YSU in 2012 with a Bachelors of fine arts degree in Studio Art.
• Vicki Yatsko Watson graduated from YSU in 1996 with a bachelor’s of fine arts degree. She has held several exhibitions and awards at various local fairs and museums.
• Jim Young received his bachelor’s of fine arts degree in Commercial Art from YSU in 1981. While Young officially retired in 2021, he still works as a freelance graphic designer through Homegrown Graphics.