Correspondent photo / Susan Wojnar
Area high school students considering studying art learn about YSU’s Art Program from a panel of current art majors, faculty and alumni at the annual Art Day on Saturday.
YOUNGSTOWN — High school students considering a creative career path attended Art Day at Youngstown State University’s Cliffe College of Creative Arts, which offered prospective students a look at YSU’s art programs and creative community.
Art Day showcased the department’s diverse offerings across multiple art disciplines, including ceramics, digital media, drawing, graphic and interactive design, painting, photography, printmaking and sculpture.
The day began with a welcome session followed by an information session highlighting YSU’s art degree programs, including the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art, Interdisciplinary Studio Arts and Graphic Design. Attendees participated in panel discussions with current students and faculty, engaged in hands-on art-making activities, and learned about career opportunities in the visual arts.
“Art Day is designed to give prospective students a genuine feel for what it’s like to be part of our creative community,” said Joy Christiansen Erb, chair and professor of the Department of Art. “Whether students are interested in traditional studio practices or cutting-edge digital media, they’ll discover the breadth of possibilities available at YSU.”
The event featured a presentation outlining the next steps in the admissions process and financial aid opportunities for guardians, along with a guided campus tours.
Art professor Drgana Crnjak spoke to students about the Interdisciplinary Studio Art concentration that encourages students to expand beyond traditional art-making through a holistic approach to creative development.
“We emphasize practical skills, entrepreneurial thinking and interdisciplinary collaboration. The program fosters flexibility in blending art forms and exploring innovative ways of creating. It is the strong synthesis between creative and professional development that makes our program distinct and exciting,” Crnjak said.
She said the concentration is structured to strategically engage students from freshman to senior year, integrating professional development through three projects: a Foundation Portfolio Review, Junior Exhibition Review and Section Exhibition at the McDonough Museum of Art.
Michelle Nelson, professor of graphic and interactive design, described the BFA offered as more than a degree.
“What sets this program apart is its unique fusion of a strong foundation in graphic design with exploration across other art forms, including drawing, sculpture, motion and interface design.The curriculum is a rich blend of traditional art foundations and cutting-edge design practices, covering everything from typography and branding to UX/UI design, ” Nelson said.
She also outlined the BFA in Graphic Design. Delivered entirely online, the program offers accelerated seven-week courses, six start dates per year, and the ability to transfer up to 90 credits that prepares students to thrive in today’s digital-first design world.
Nelson noted that the program emphasizes remote work readiness. Students learn to collaborate across time zones, manage digital workflows and use AI-enhanced tools that are reshaping the design industry.
Nelson said that some notable alumni have gone on to careers at a national level, such as Christy Hartman, a creative designer for The Walt Disney Co., and Ryan Wilkins, a senior designer for McGraw Hill Education.
Some current art majors weighed in on their experiences and recommendations. Junior Leah Franke, an Interdisciplinary studio art major, said that although the art department is smaller than most schools, she is closer with all her professors and that strengthens her education.
“I am so grateful to be here. I wouldn’t trade anything for the experiences and lessons I have learned here. Being at YSU has taught me to persevere and work as hard as you can, ” Franke said.
Lauren Barrett, a senior interdisciplinary studio art major who was part of the panel stated, “The advances that I have made in my work and skillset are due to the empowering environment in Bliss Hall and on campus. I have gotten to experience and learned many new art forms like printmaking, sculpture, welding and woodworking. ” Barrett would recommend pursuing art at YSU because “the people here are truly wonderful. I never feel nervous to ask a professor or faculty member for help for small or big things.
“My experience has been a rollercoaster, but it has provided a wonderful group of peers and professors who push for the best results even when I don’t think it’s possible in the moment, ” said senior studio fine arts major Emma Strope-Downs.
Panel members David Grant, a junior in graphic and interactive design, recommended that prospective students look into all of the opportunities that the college provides, whether that be organizations or exciting courses.
“Keep an open mind when exploring art opportunities and be curious. Never be afraid to investigate and ask questions. It means that you care,” Grant said.
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