YSU's Judith Rae Solomon Gallery celebrates Black History Month with artist Crystal Miller

Youngstown State University’s Cliffe College of Creative Arts will celebrate Black History Month with a vibrant exhibition created by interdisciplinary mixed-media artist Crystal Miller.

Beginning Monday, Feb. 3, through Friday, Feb. 28, YSU’s Judith Rae Solomon Gallery will house Adornment, Miller’s Black History Month exhibition, which explores Afro-futurism using unconventional materials, including beads, glitter, rhinestones and foam.

Miller, who holds an associate degree in Graphic Design and a bachelor’s degree in Painting, Sculpture and Expanded Media from the Cleveland Institute of Art, weaves speculative fiction in her paintings to encapsulate the profound sense of Black pride.

Her artistic expressions materialize in her paintings and sculptures to exemplify Afro-centricity, with her unique mediums becoming artifacts that serve significant purposes in a future that transcends the ordinary. Her other recent exhibitions include “A Look Amongst The Stars” at Ursuline College and “Discover The Promise: Impact, Legacy, & Perspective” at City Hall in Cleveland.

Entry to this exhibit is free and open to the public. The Judith Rae Solomon Gallery is open 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

For more information, contact Katie Merrill, Cliffe College coordinator of Community Engagement and Events, at 330.941.2307 or kamerrill@ysu.edu.