Exhibitions

The museum will be closed December 30-January 24 for exhibition preparation and house care. We look forward to welcoming you to The Nearest Faraway Place: Ohio's Painters, Makers & Their Mentors starting January 25.

Current Exhibition

The Nearest Faraway Place: Ohio's Painters, Makers & Their Mentors
David and Constance Terry, Curators
January 25 - April 27, 2025
No need to travel far to find talent that rivals some of the most acclaimed in the world. Whether native born or migrated from other states, talented artists call Ohio home. The Nearest Faraway Place: Ohio’s Painters, Makers & Their Mentors explores how painters and makers have influenced and shaped Ohio as a creative hub between states and continents during the 20th and 21st centuries. Curated by David and Constance Terry, the exhibition features artists who sought
out influences from other U.S. regions and abroad in cities like Paris and Munich. Others migrated to Ohio for education, mentorship or commerce opportunities.
“We realized there was a lineage between all the mentors who were artists and who they taught and influenced, almost like a family tree,” Connie Terry said. “Many who sought out influences elsewhere returned to Ohio and then shared their findings with colleagues and students, which further branched the lineage.”
The Nearest Faraway Place: Ohio’s Painters, Makers & Their Mentors delves into how these artists have shaped Ohio
as a creative hub, bridging influences across states and continents. This unique interplay of local and global connections truly makes Ohio “The Nearest Faraway Place.”

Among the dozens of artists featured in the exhibition are:
•Donald Baker, painter (cover image)
•Howard Chandler Christy, painter/sculptor
•Frank Duveneck, painter
•William Hawkins, folk artist
•Elijah Pierce, wood carver
•Popeye Reed, folk artist
•Alice Schille, painter
•Lilly Martin Spencer, painter
•William Zorach, painter/sculptor

With support from Fox Foundation Inc. and Patrick & Brenda Smith

Exhibition Programming

Curator Talk
Sunday, January 26, 2:00 pm
$10/$5 member in advance | $15 at door
Curators David and Constance Terry will explore why Ohio has become a creative hub for artists and their influence on art history. They’ll discuss key artists, their connection to the state, and the artistic elements—like brushstroke, shape and color—that reveal a lineage of inspiration showcased in the exhibition.

Sketching in the Salon
Thursdays, February 6, 20, March 6, 20, April 3, 10, 11:00 am-12:00 pm
Ages 12-adult
$12/$10 member per class or $70/$60 for all 6
Each class will spotlight a different artist from the exhibit, providing a unique opportunity for students to connect deeply with the artist’s work. Starting in the studio, students will attend a presentation about the featured artist before heading into the exhibit, where they can sketch directly from the artist’s pieces on display.
All supplies included, register for all 6 classes or as few as you like.

Sketching in the Salon
Saturdays, February 1, 15, March 1, 15, 29, April 12, 26, 1:00-2:00 pm
Ages 6-11
$12/$10 member per class or $70/$60 for all 7
Each class will spotlight a different artist from the exhibit, providing a unique opportunity for students to connect deeply with the artist’s work. Starting in the studio, students will attend a presentation about the featured artist before heading into the exhibit, where they can sketch directly from the artist’s pieces on display.
All supplies included, register for all 7 classes or as few as you like.

For more classes, visit our Programs, Classes and Events page. For information on the DACO Gala, visit the Gala page.

Upcoming Exhibitions

Star Trek & Worlds Beyond
Randall Thropp, Curator
May 31 - August 31, 2025
Since its 1966 debut, Star Trek has become one of the most iconic franchises in television and film. Creator Gene Roddenberry envisioned a united Federation where diverse species work together to explore the universe, overcoming prejudice and promoting an optimistic, inclusive future.
Star Trek has inspired scientific advancements, from flip phones to video technology, while captivating audiences with its imaginative worlds. The franchise has expanded beyond the screen into toys, books, conventions and global exhibitions, making it a cultural phenomenon.
Now, the Paramount Archive invites you to experience Star Trek up close at the Decorative Arts Center of Ohio in a special exhibition that showcases unique props, costumes and images from this beloved universe.