6 Art Exhibitions to See in Ohio This Winter

Ohio has long been a hotbed for artistic expression, from elegant ceramic and glass works to engaging and inspiring paintings and sculptures. This winter, museums across our state host exhibitions that offer insight into artwork that was made right here as well as creations that hail from other parts of the globe. From the supernatural in Chinese art to an exhibition that explores creations from the African continent through the lens of chess to America’s favorite animated family (sorry Flintstones!), these six art exhibitions are waiting this winter.

Merry Grinchmas: Art of Dr. Seuss’ Holiday Classic & (B)ART! America’s Funniest Animated Family | Through Jan. 19
Make your heart grow three sizes at the Dayton Art Institute during this side-by-side exhibition of two beloved animated worlds. The ”Merry Grinchmas” exhibition displays original drawings Dr. Seuss made for the book How the Grinch Stole Christmas, alongside original art from the 1966 cartoon. Around the corner, discover The Simpsons in a whole new way in an exhibition filled with original animation cels. 

Glow: Neon and Light | Through Feb. 9  
This illuminating exhibition at the Akron Art Museum features three-dimensional installations that pair neon light with items such as glass, mirrors, wood and even VHS video-tape cassettes. The displays cast a colorful glow across the gallery space, and pose questions to visitors that help them learn more about the chemical properties of neon and its use as a light source. 

Resilience: New Ceramic Works by Terri Kern | Through Feb. 16
Ohio native and ceramic artist Terri Kern uses her newest collection of works to tell stories of triumph through the lens of nature. On display at the Taft Museum of Art in Cincinnati, the exhibition showcases the artist’s earthenware creations that feature creatures such as birds, foxes and dragons in a cheery color palette. 

Strategic Interplay: African Art and Imagery in Black and White | Through Feb. 23
Discover a wide variety of African art through the lens of the ancient game of chess during this exhibition at the Toledo Museum of Art. ”Strategic Interplay” showcases 64 artworks from the African continent, spanning sculptures, textiles, ceramics, paintings and photographs.

The Nearest Faraway Place: Ohio's Painters, Makers & Their Mentors | Jan. 25–April 26
Visit Lancaster’s Decorative Arts Center of Ohio for this exhibition that looks at how the travels of Ohio artists impacted their work. Get to know the painters who visited major cities such as Chicago and New York before returning home to put what they learned there to the canvas — and see how Ohio became a creative hub during the 20th century. 

Paintings by Paul Emory | Feb. 6–April 5
See a collection of works by Muskingum County native Paul Emory on display at the Zanesville Museum of Art. Emory’s expressions on canvas pair ordinary elements such as animals, florals and people with a dreamlike feel. Viewers can tell the subject is often something in daily life, but it appears turned up a few notches from reality. In addition to this exhibition at the museum, Emory has his own permanent gallery space in downtown Zanesville.

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