It's an Honor to Be Here and Duck Decoys of Ohio open September 30!
We will be following CDC protocols and state health orders. Face masks are welcome during your visit to the Decorative Arts Center of Ohio. Social distance will be maintained and visitor numbers monitored. Thank you for helping protect our visitors, volunteers, and staff!
We look forward to seeing you!
We will be following CDC protocols and state health orders. Face masks are welcome during your visit to the Decorative Arts Center of Ohio. Social distance will be maintained and visitor numbers monitored. Thank you for helping protect our visitors, volunteers, and staff!
We look forward to seeing you!
Current Exhibition
It's an Honor to Be Here: Ohio Nature Artists in Their Natural State
Maria Burke and Madeline Beaumier, Curators
September 30 - December 31, 2023
Exploring the eclectic backgrounds and relationships between artists and the natural world, It’s an Honor to Be Here inspires curiosity and respect for the natural diversity found throughout Ohio and the talented artists that dedicate their craft to interpreting it.
Ohio-based artists from all corners of the state will share their interpretations of the breadth of nature that surrounds us all and share stories that will inspire a new generation of creators and environmental stewards. Using a variety of media, from traditional painting to taxidermy, paper sculpture, video and fiber arts, this exhibition will engage audiences of all ages and backgrounds and highlight the incredible work that Ohio artists offer.
This exhibition has been made possible in part by the Payne Fund; Ohio Humanities, a nonprofit organization that shares stories to spark conversations and inspire ideas; and the National Endowment for the Humanities: Democracy demands wisdom.
Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this exhibition do not necessarily represent those of Ohio Humanities or the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Maria Burke and Madeline Beaumier, Curators
September 30 - December 31, 2023
Exploring the eclectic backgrounds and relationships between artists and the natural world, It’s an Honor to Be Here inspires curiosity and respect for the natural diversity found throughout Ohio and the talented artists that dedicate their craft to interpreting it.
Ohio-based artists from all corners of the state will share their interpretations of the breadth of nature that surrounds us all and share stories that will inspire a new generation of creators and environmental stewards. Using a variety of media, from traditional painting to taxidermy, paper sculpture, video and fiber arts, this exhibition will engage audiences of all ages and backgrounds and highlight the incredible work that Ohio artists offer.
This exhibition has been made possible in part by the Payne Fund; Ohio Humanities, a nonprofit organization that shares stories to spark conversations and inspire ideas; and the National Endowment for the Humanities: Democracy demands wisdom.
Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this exhibition do not necessarily represent those of Ohio Humanities or the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Duck Decoys of Ohio: An Art Form for Conservation
Explore the rich history of decoy art in the state of Ohio, its influence on wildlife conservation, and the artists through history who have brought the art form to life. Curated by Maria Burke, Duck Decoys of Ohio runs concurrently in the Lower Gallery.
Explore the rich history of decoy art in the state of Ohio, its influence on wildlife conservation, and the artists through history who have brought the art form to life. Curated by Maria Burke, Duck Decoys of Ohio runs concurrently in the Lower Gallery.
Exhibition Programming
Curator Talk
Sunday, October 1, 2:00 pm
Free thanks to the generous support of Ohio Humanities
Maria Burke and Maddy Beaumier will share insights into their curatorial process and the variety of works displayed in It’s An Honor To Be Here: Ohio Nature Artists in Their Natural State. This program will be held in the Wendel Center for Art Education.
Sunday, October 1, 2:00 pm
Free thanks to the generous support of Ohio Humanities
Maria Burke and Maddy Beaumier will share insights into their curatorial process and the variety of works displayed in It’s An Honor To Be Here: Ohio Nature Artists in Their Natural State. This program will be held in the Wendel Center for Art Education.
Wildlife Illustration: From Observation and Reference
Ages 10-adult
Sunday, October 29, 1:00 - 3:00 pm
Maria Burke, instructor
$20/$17 member
Learn techniques used by Audubon and contemporary naturalist artists to capture the lifelike expressions of native wildlife. Explore how anatomy informs underlying shapes and forms, new tricks for rendering textures like feathers and fur, and how wildlife arts has evolved through history. Wildlife references will be provided.
Bring your choice of drawing or painting medium.
Ages 10-adult
Sunday, October 29, 1:00 - 3:00 pm
Maria Burke, instructor
$20/$17 member
Learn techniques used by Audubon and contemporary naturalist artists to capture the lifelike expressions of native wildlife. Explore how anatomy informs underlying shapes and forms, new tricks for rendering textures like feathers and fur, and how wildlife arts has evolved through history. Wildlife references will be provided.
Bring your choice of drawing or painting medium.
Register for Wildlife Illustration
Plein Air in the Parks
Lisa Schorr, instructor
Free
Saturday, September 9, 10:00am - 12:00pm Wahkeena Nature Preserve
Wednesday, September 20, 11:30am - 1:30pm Stebelton Park at Rock Mill
Monday, October 23, 6:30 - 8:00pm Mambourg Park
Saturday, November 4, 10:00am - 12:00pm Smeck Park
French for open air, plein air painting is about leaving the four walls of your studio behind and experiencing painting and drawing in the landscape. Learn more about this unique art method in a special series by the Fairfield County Park District and Decorative Arts Center of Ohio. Students should bring their own supplies.
Lisa Schorr, instructor
Free
Saturday, September 9, 10:00am - 12:00pm Wahkeena Nature Preserve
Wednesday, September 20, 11:30am - 1:30pm Stebelton Park at Rock Mill
Monday, October 23, 6:30 - 8:00pm Mambourg Park
Saturday, November 4, 10:00am - 12:00pm Smeck Park
French for open air, plein air painting is about leaving the four walls of your studio behind and experiencing painting and drawing in the landscape. Learn more about this unique art method in a special series by the Fairfield County Park District and Decorative Arts Center of Ohio. Students should bring their own supplies.
Flower Powered Flower Making
Ages 12-adult
Saturday, November 4, 1:00-3:00 pm
Maria Burke and Madeline Beaumier, instructors
$30/$27 member
Immerse yourself in the enchantment of crafting larger-than-life floral masterpieces using the versatile medium of EVA foam. Let your imagination run wild as you select from the classic rose or other seasonally themed flora. All supplies are provided.
Ages 12-adult
Saturday, November 4, 1:00-3:00 pm
Maria Burke and Madeline Beaumier, instructors
$30/$27 member
Immerse yourself in the enchantment of crafting larger-than-life floral masterpieces using the versatile medium of EVA foam. Let your imagination run wild as you select from the classic rose or other seasonally themed flora. All supplies are provided.
Register for Flower Making
Life Drawing: From Live Avian Ambassadors
All ages
Friday, November 3, 6:00-8:00 pm
Mambourg Nature Center, 5531 Cincinnati-Zanesville Rd NE (US-22), Lancaster, OH 43130
Maria Burke and guest avian models from Ohio Nature Education, instructors
Free, Registration required at education@fairfieldcountyparks.org
Learn the unique techniques used by contemporary naturalist artists to capture lifelike expressions of native birds. Explore the relationship between anatomy and art as you delve into the underlying shapes and forms that bring these art pieces to life. Bring your choice of drawing or painting medium.
Registration required at education@fairfieldcountyparks.org
All ages
Friday, November 3, 6:00-8:00 pm
Mambourg Nature Center, 5531 Cincinnati-Zanesville Rd NE (US-22), Lancaster, OH 43130
Maria Burke and guest avian models from Ohio Nature Education, instructors
Free, Registration required at education@fairfieldcountyparks.org
Learn the unique techniques used by contemporary naturalist artists to capture lifelike expressions of native birds. Explore the relationship between anatomy and art as you delve into the underlying shapes and forms that bring these art pieces to life. Bring your choice of drawing or painting medium.
Registration required at education@fairfieldcountyparks.org
For more classes, visit our Programs, Classes and Events page
Upcoming Exhibitions

From Struggle to Strength: Inspiring Journeys of Central Ohio's Refugee Community
Tariq Tarey, Curator
January 27 - April 28, 2024
By way of stunning photographs and stories, meet a group of Central Ohio residents who were once forced to flee their homes and become among the millions of refugees who have found hope and resilience in the face of adversity.
Through the lens of award-winning photographer Tariq Tarey, discover how these individuals endured their arduous journeys to find a place to rebuild their lives. They aren’t just numbers. They are people with stories to share. Come and be inspired by their resilience, from Struggle to Strength.
This exhibition is funded in part by the Ohio Holocaust and Genocide Memorial and Education Commission and by PNC Arts Alive
Tariq Tarey, Curator
January 27 - April 28, 2024
By way of stunning photographs and stories, meet a group of Central Ohio residents who were once forced to flee their homes and become among the millions of refugees who have found hope and resilience in the face of adversity.
Through the lens of award-winning photographer Tariq Tarey, discover how these individuals endured their arduous journeys to find a place to rebuild their lives. They aren’t just numbers. They are people with stories to share. Come and be inspired by their resilience, from Struggle to Strength.
This exhibition is funded in part by the Ohio Holocaust and Genocide Memorial and Education Commission and by PNC Arts Alive
Previous Exhibitions

Intrinsic Luminescence
June 3 - August 27, 2023
- Feb. 4 - April 23, 2023 -- Flower Power: Flora in Fashion
- Sept. 24 - Dec. 31, 2022 -- Ohio: The Start of It All
- May 21 - August 28, 2022 -- Chronicles: The Great Depression and the Pandemic
- Jan. 29 - April 24, 2022 -- Hindsight: The Art of Looking Back
- June 5, 2021 - Jan. 2, 2022 -- Distinctly Paramount: Fashion & Costume from the Paramount Pictures Archive
- Nov. 21, 2020 - February 28, 2021 -- Russian Decorative Arts from the Tsars to the USSR
- July 18 - October 25, 2020 -- 2 + 3 x 18: Diptychs and Triptychs by 18 Contemporary Ohio Artists
- Jan. 25 - April 26, 2020 -- Tell Me a Story Where the Bad Girl Wins: The Life and Art of Barbara Shermund
- Sept. 21 - Dec. 29, 2019 -- The Ohio Presidents: Surprising Legacies
- May 25 - Aug. 18, 2019 -- Selections from the Pizzuti Collection
- Jan. 26 - April 28, 2019 -- Lilly's World: Decorative Arts & the Art of Lilly Martin Spencer, 1840-1900
- Sept. 15 - Dec. 30, 2018 -- Imagining a Better World: The Artwork of Nelly Toll
- May 19 - Aug. 19, 2018 -- Creating the Illusion: Costumes & Characters from the Paramount Pictures Archive
- Jan. 20 - April 15, 2018 -- Artists of the Winding Road A-Z
- Sept. 9- Dec. 31, 2017 -- In Our Own Image: The Genesis of Photography and the Contemporary Eye
- May 20 - Aug. 13, 2017 -- Three Voices: Conversations on Life and Conflict
- Feb. 4 - April 23, 2017 -- Circular Abstractions: Bull's Eye Quilts
- Sept. 10 - Dec. 31, 2016 -- An Ohio Childhood: 200 Years of Growing Up
- May 21- Aug. 14, 2016 -- Edith Head and Company: Costumes and Jewelry, 1924-2015
- Jan 23 - April 24, 2016 -- Blue Walk: The Art of William Kortlander
- Sept. 12 – Dec. 31, 2015 -- Early Visions of Ohio - 1765-1865
- June 20 – Aug. 23, 2015 -- Persistence of Nature: Featuring the works of James Mason and Karen Rumora
- February 7 - May 17, 2015 -- A Tradition of Progress: Ohio Decorative Arts 1860-1945
- Oct. 25 - Dec. 31, 2014 -- Campana Brothers: Brazilian Design Now
- June 7 - Aug. 24, 2014 -- Designing Woman: Edith Head at Paramount 1924-1967
- Jan. 25 - April 13, 2014 -- My Best Friends are Potters: Ceramics from the Tim Frederich Collection
- Oct. 26 - Dec. 29, 2013 -- Joseph O'Sickey: Unifying Art, Life and Love
- May 4 - Sept. 1, 2013 -- Gorgeous Threads: A World of Textiles
- Jan. 26 - April 7, 2013 -- A Remarkable Menagerie: Animals in Art
- Oct. 20 - Dec. 30, 2012 -- Outcault/Stahler
- June 23 – Sept. 9, 2012 -- Appalachian Strings
- Jan. 21 – May 20, 2012 -- Looking Forward
- Oct. 22, 2011 – Dec. 31, 2011 -- Once Upon a Page
- June 26 – Sept. 4, 2011 -- David Hostetler Unabridged
- Jan. 29 - June 5, 2011 -- Equal in Goodness: Ohio Decorative Arts
- Oct. 23, 2010 - Jan. 2, 2011 -- The Creative Spirit
- May 22 - Sept. 5, 2010 -- Paul Hamilton: Poetry of Place
- Jan. 30 - April 18, 2010 -- Artful Paper: Cut, Folded and Fabulous
- Oct. 3, 2009 - Jan. 3, 2010 -- The Shakers: Abiding Inspiration in Faith and Design
- June 25 - Sept. 6, 2009 -- Along Water Street: New Work by Aminah Brenda Lynn Robinson
- April 4 - June 7, 2009 -- Nancy Miller: An Artist's Creative Journey