YSU Cliffe College of Creative Arts

We had a wonderful time hosting this year’s Lesson Day, an immersive day of workshops, masterclasses, and private lessons catered to young pianists. 🎶

Participants sharpened their skills through the guidance of skilled musicians, including Dana faculty Dr. Caroline Oltmanns and Dr. Glenn Shaft, student Madison Sheffield, alum Cristin Balale, and guest pianists Dr. Maira Liliestedt and Ralitsa Georgieva-Smith.

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us and made this exciting day of learning possible! 🐧

We would like to send our congratulations to Dr. Hae-Jong Lee, who is officially retiring as our Director of Choral Activities after 24 years! 👏

It is Dr. Lee’s dedication and vision that have shaped Carols and Cocoa, the Dana Holiday Concert, and so many lives that have passed through the Dana School of Music.

With sincere gratitude, we congratulate him on his retirement and thank him for his amazing leadership. We know that Dr. Lee will continue to work with our students and be a part of our community as he enjoys his retirement.

Thank you, Dr. Lee! 🎶

In honor of National Mascot Day, here’s a throwback to when Pete the Penguin made his theatre debut in “Pete the Penguin’s Vintage Variety Show”! 🐧🎭

In 2024, Pete stole the show as the best sheriff around, entertaining audiences with his surprise entrances and playful penguin personality.

We hope to see Pete perform on the Ford Theater stage again soon! 👏

🎶 What an incredible week at our 2026 Summer Music Camp!

From rehearsals and studio sessions to new friendships and unforgettable performances, campers spent the week making music and memories together at the Dana School of Music. Their enthusiasm and passion for music made this year's camp truly special.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this experience such a success. We can't wait to welcome you back to campus again soon! ✨

Another Art Educator Professional Development Workshop is officially in the books! 🎨🐧

This week, area art educators joined us on campus for a painting workshop! Through hands-on instruction, participants refined their painting techniques, discovered new approaches to the medium, and developed ideas they can bring back to their own classrooms.

It was inspiring to see so much collaboration and artistic growth throughout the day. Thank you to everyone who joined us!

We're so proud of Jacob Norton, a senior Music Performance student, for being selected as an Orchestral Fellow at the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra Brass Institute!👏🐧

What a fantastic opening reception for the 2026 Summer Exhibitions at the McDonough Museum of Art! ☀

We recently celebrated the opening of five incredible exhibitions, featuring unique works across both traditional and contemporary media. During the reception, Random Acts of Artists also hosted an awards ceremony for their juried exhibition, “Moving Forward, Looking Back”. 👏

Thank you to everyone who joined us! Make sure you check out the following exhibitions this summer:

✨ May 29 – July 18:
Sharon Dundee, “Rusted Roots: Exploring Our Connection”
Laura Garvin, “Sketches & Storyline: An Illustrator's Creative Process
Mahoning Valley 250, "Stitches in Time”

✨ May 29 – July 24:
Crystal Beiersdorfer, “ # inhale_ # exhale”
Random Acts of Artists, “Moving Forward, Looking Back”

It’s almost time! ☀ The new Summer Exhibitions at the McDonough Museum of Art will open tomorrow, May 29th with a reception from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Check out five unique exhibitions, focused on place-based storytelling, community-centered works, and artistry across both traditional and contemporary media.

✨ May 29 – July 18:
Sharon Dundee, “Rusted Roots: Exploring Our Connection”
Laura Garvin, “Sketches & Storyline: An Illustrator's Creative Process
Mahoning Valley 250, "Stitches in Time”

✨May 29 – July 24:
Crystal Beiersdorfer, “ # inhale_ # exhale”
Random Acts of Artists, “Moving Forward, Looking Back”

Come celebrate these incredible works and talented artists at tomorrow’s opening reception. Entry is free and open to the public. We hope to see you there! 🐧

Our first week of orientation is officially in the books! 🐧👏

We've enjoyed welcoming the newest members of our Penguin family to Bliss Hall as they begin their journey at YSU.

We can’t wait to welcome even more students in the weeks ahead! ✨