Following the Youngstown Arts Scene

Youngstown, Ohio, has a thriving arts scene on all fronts. Whether you’re interested in public art, touring exhibitions, permanent art collections, local art for sale, or live performance art, you’ll find it all in this flourishing city. There are many compelling reasons to hop in the car and take a tour of Youngstown. You can see why this city has been the recipient of some outstanding art grants, and how it has attracted aspiring art students and established artists alike to its hub of vibrant activity.

Visit the Butler Institute of American Art

Image via Flickr by Jack W. Pearce

Located at 524 Warwick Ave., the Butler Institute of American Art is a longstanding local institution. The museum was founded in 1919 by Joseph G. Butler and was the first structure of its kind built solely for American works. The Butler was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1967.

The museum’s exhibits explore Americana, Western art, technology, sports, and more. In addition to the Butler’s permanent collections, you can see a wide range of touring exhibitions come through, offering fascinating new insights into the American art scene. The museum is always free to visit.

Tour the INPLACE Projects

In 2016, the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) awarded a $100,000 grant to Youngstown State University for a public arts project in the city. Of almost 250 grant applicants, just 64 received awards, and Youngstown received one of the largest of the NEA Our Town grants in the country. The grant was used to fund the INPLACE (Innovative Plan for Leveraging Arts through Community Engagement) project.

Five projects were ultimately selected to make use of the funds, each receiving $20,000. These have added a diverse selection of art-inspired installations to the city. Take a tour of these additions to see the stunning creations that were made possible by this grant:

• 120 Market St.: A sculptural bus stop shelter crafted from a shipping container.
• 107 Vindicator Square: A solar screen in Vindicator Square composed of 3D printed ceramic bricks that follow the path of the sun.
• 9 W. Front St.: A public shadow art stage dubbed Light the Community on Emily Street, south of the City Hall Annex building.
• 151 W. Wood St.: A green space known as The Wedge at Hazel Hill.
• 604 Mahoning Ave.: A vibrant transformation of the archway along the Mahoning Avenue Corridor that will illuminate the abandoned railway arch at night.

Check Out the Local Utility Boxes

In the theme of intriguing local art, Youngstown has seen an unusual type of display popping up around the city. Vinyl stickers have been placed on utility boxes throughout Youngstown to turn these traditionally gray installations into colorful works of art. The project was funded by the Raymond John Wean Foundation’s Neighborhood SUCCESS Grant. Art for the project was submitted by local artists, YSU art students, and others.

Visit Youngstown State University

Youngstown State University serves as a vibrant center for the arts scene in Youngstown as well as the surrounding Mahoning Valley. It has extensive facilities for art students, which include an interdisciplinary sculpture studio with 18 computer stations and a 3,000-square-foot work court, over 6,000 square feet of ceramics studio space, printmaking facilities, and two naturally lit painting studios.

You don’t have to be a student to appreciate the university’s contribution to the arts, however. The campus itself features several points worth visiting:

• 224 W. Spring St.: The “Echoes” sculpture spanning the Beeghly Center skybridge is 40 feet by 20 feet with arching acrylic tubes and glass inserts in an elegant grid of spheres.
• 1 University Plaza: The spiral “Corpus Mirabile” sculpture suspended from a steel frame in the Williamson College of Business is a metaphor for the corporation itself, following the Fibonacci Number Series and using proportions from the Golden Mean.
• 525 Wick Ave.: The McDonough Museum of Art features an art gallery that’s open Tuesday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The museum also hosts special events such as recitals and gallery talks.

Mark Your Calendar for Fa-La-La at the Ward

For 17 years, the event known as Artists of the Mahoning Commons brought the latest works from local artists into the public eye for a holiday celebration. The event received a makeover in 2019 to become Fa-La-La at the Ward. The show features sculptures, painting, pottery, fiber arts, mixed media, prints, drawings, photography, digital art, and woodworking. You can also find vintage furniture, jewelry, and soap here. From live art creations to distinctive performance art, this event highlights the broad range of talents found in the area.

Fa-La-La at the Ward typically takes place over two weekends in late November or early December. You can expect food trucks, kids activities, and bazaar stalls to pop up for the event, as well. Admission is free. It’s located at 10-24 Mahoning Ave.

Take In a Show

Experience the lively performing arts scene in Youngstown as you take in a show at one of the many local theaters. Residents are spoiled for choices when it comes to taking in live entertainment, both musical and theatrical. Options include:

• 1000 5th Ave.: Stambaugh Auditorium is home to the Stambaugh Youth Concert Band, Opera Western Reserve, and Stambaugh Chorus.
• 260 W. Federal St.: The DeYor Performing Arts Center is home of the Youngstown Symphony Orchestra. The facility houses the Edward W. Powers Auditorium, Ford Family Recital Hall, and Overture Restaurant.
• 600 Playhouse Lane: The Youngstown Playhouse features a full season of 10 musicals and plays each year that are family-friendly, offering entertainment for all.

Some of these facilities have a limited schedule due to the constraints of COVID-19. Check back with them regularly for the latest updates, shows, and ticket information.

These are among our top choices for enjoying the local arts scene in Youngstown. Is there an installation or exhibit that we’ve missed? Let us know so we can update our listings and make sure we’re always serving up a broad selection of local delights for you to explore. We’re excited to help you connect with the very best of Youngstown.