Richard and Carole Cocks Art Museum - Fall 2025 - Visual Arts at Miami Magazine

EDITOR’S NOTE

THE JOY OF VISITING, THE POWER OF SUPPORTING

As we gear up for the 2025–26 year, the challenges facing museums and cultural spaces feel especially real, which has me reflecting on my own experiences and the appreciation I have for these important places. Over the past two years, I’ve visited parks, galleries, and museums across Ohio, Kentucky, Arizona, Utah, New York, Canada, and California. These visits—with family, colleagues, and solo—have further inspired me to encourage others to take time to do the same.

Our museum is proud to be free and open to all—FREE admission. But many museums aren’t free, and for some, visiting can feel out of reach due to cost or unfamiliarity. Research shows many people don’t see museums as part of their world for these reasons.

That’s why I want to highlight the benefits of Art Museum membership at our Reciprocal level. For $100 per year, you gain access to the North American Reciprocal Museum (NARM*) program, which offers free or discounted admission to over 1,600 museums and cultural institutions across North America. It’s a wonderful way to explore art and culture far beyond our community—and it’s our most popular membership level for good reason. (Like our most recent free visit to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, a $100 value).

Supporting RCCAM happens in many ways: through donations at the front desk when you visit, by joining one of our membership levels, or by volunteering your time. Your support helps sustain our mission while inviting you to create your own unforgettable museum experiences—whether nearby or on your travels.

I encourage you to spend the rest of this year increasing your museum visits, show your support by visiting, inviting friends and family, spreading the word, leaving a review, joining and maybe even volunteering—your life will be richer for it!

Visual Arts at Miami (VAAM) is a bi-annual publication of the Richard and Carole Cocks Art Museum (RCCAM) showcasing visual arts and museums at Miami University for members and the community.

to the sustaining members of the Art Museum and placed in coffee shops and arts centers, Visual Arts at Miami (VAAM) is also available digitally through the companion blog at blogs.MiamiOH.edu/ VisualArts

Sherri Krazl, Editor Marketing/Communications

FROM THE DIRECTOR

Welcome to the Fall 2025 edition of our magazine! While we continue to engage in dialogue with and about visual culture through all that we do, we are also getting closer to sharing our Mission and Vision for the next five years, which will include a focus on experiential learning, partnerships, and growing our resources. We present highlights for 2024-25, including key metrics related to our visitors and student engagement – a preview for our Annual Report to be published in coming months.

This exhibition season we celebrate the creativity of a uniquely engaged artistic community at Miami University that spans the generations - the Department of Art Faculty and Alumni, an exhibition that takes place every four years. The range of the artworks speaks to the achievements of Faculty and Alumni who have gone on to integrate and develop their practice in the world of art and design. From the Collections continues and now includes works by James Tissot, Judy Dater, and Steve Schapiro. We’re excited to prepare for our Culture Crops exhibition featuring photography by Tina Gutierrez, which spotlights Ohio's hidden food histories and diverse farming communities.

We look to the future, and especially towards the 50th anniversary of the Art Museum in 2028. With the generous support of Jeffrey Horrell (‘75) and Rodney Rose and the Art Museum’s Procter and Gamble Fund, we’re excited to be able to support

a curatorial assistant position for two years, leading to the publication of an RCCAM highlights book. As a museum with important collections, a number of artworks are on loan presently, including the Idem Nkanda by Chief Bassey Nsa, which is on view as part of a traveling exhibition coordinated by the New Orleans Museum of Art (see page 5).

As arts and cultural institutions and universities face challenges, it’s important that we remember the value of our museums as public spaces for everyone, as places of inspiration and learning, and where communication of ideas can freely take place. We are extremely grateful for all the support of our members and patrons, partners, grant-giving organizations, and volunteers. Your generosity enables us to remain open to all and to build a stronger future. If you haven’t already, please become a member, or consider giving online today to support us. We look forward to seeing you at RCCAM soon!

John (Jack) D.M. Green

Jeffrey L. Horrell ’75 and Rodney F. Rose Director and Chief Curator of the Richard and Carole Cocks Art Museum

Photo by Ryan Singh

The Richard and Carole Cocks Art Museum (RCCAM), completed in 1978 as the Miami University Art Museum, was designed by Walter Netsch of Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill in Chicago, and is situated on three acres of scenic sculpture park grounds. A part of the College of Creative Arts, the museum houses five galleries of exhibitions and a growing permanent collection of more than 17,500 artworks. The museum is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) and is a proud member of the North American Reciprocal Museum Association (NARM).

Where is the Art Museum on Campus?

For starters, you can’t miss the large, industrial red sculpture by Mark di Suvero on the front lawn. The Art Museum is also just a 7-minute walk from the Armstrong Student Center, diagonally across from Tappan Hall, at the intersection of S. Patterson Ave. and Chestnut St., right when you enter Oxford off of St. Rte. 27.

What can the Art Museum do for Students?

Lots of things! The Art Museum is a great place to see diverse exhibitions and explore outstanding works of art. You can also work, intern, volunteer, join the Art Museum Student Organization (AMSO), and attend lectures and social events.

What can the Art Museum do for the Public?

The Art Museum and Sculpture Park are FREE AND OPEN to ALL and is an excellent venue for exploring arts and culture from around the world. Membership in support of programs and exhibitions is available at varying levels. Each one offers a higher level of engagement with the museum via special-invitation-only events and programs. More information on the member program is available on our website via the Members link.

Facebook.com/MiamiOHArtMuseum Instagram.com/MiamiOHArtMuseum

YouYube.com/@miamiohartmuseum linktr.ee/MiamiOHArtMuseum

tiktok.com/@miamiohartmuseum

Ryan Fisher, Dean College of Creative Arts

Jack Green, Jeffrey L. Horrell ’75 and Rodney F. Rose Director and Chief Curator

Hope Cook, Senior Program Assistant

Sherri Krazl, Marketing/Communications

Jason E. Shaiman, Curator of Exhibitions

LOCATION

AND CONTACT

Richard and Carole Cocks

Art Museum at Miami University 801 S. Patterson Ave. Oxford, OH 45056 (513) 529-2232

www.MiamiOH.edu/ArtMuseum ArtMuseum@MiamiOH.edu

HOURS

Tuesday–Friday: 10 A.M.–5 P.M. Saturday: 12–5 P.M.

Second Wednesdays: 10 A.M.–8 P.M.

Closed: Sunday, Monday, national holidays, university closures, and during installation (more info on website.)

STUDENTS & ALUMNI AT RCCAM

ART MUSEUM STUDENT ORGANIZATION (AMSO)

The Art Museum is fortunate to have so many passionate students working, volunteering, interning at the museum and leading our student org. This past year AMSO successfully planned many fun and engaging activities for students at the Art Museum including Pumpkins and Picasso, Masterpiece Series: Cookie Art, Behind the Scenes, and more. Thank you to our incoming leadership team: President, Mya Dimacchia; Vice President, Caitlyn Jones; Secretary, Jacob Moeller; Treasurer, Caitlin Wong; Events Chairs Andy Knappaf and Amy Spraguar; Marketing Chair, Kylee Fait; and Photo/Video, Joey Dimacchia. All Miami students are welcome to attend any AMSO event. Joining AMSO makes it even more fun! Miami Students can learn more and sign up on the Hub.

ART & WELLNESS AT MIAMI UNIVERSITY (AWMU)

At right, Maisee Short and Brooke-Lynn Clark ('25) at the opening of the AWMU Art Exhibition, April 11, 2025. Art and Wellness was a semester-long program that provided Miami University students the opportunity to create art and practice mindfulness, hosted by the Art Museum. The program took place 1-2 times weekly, for two hours, with a new art experience in each of the 14 sessions, connecting with more than 100 participants. This program, developed by undergraduate students Brooke-Lynn and Maisee, was an independent study project, that provided them with opportunities to explore and develop their passion and aspiration for becoming art therapists. The program continues for Miami students during the Fall 2025 semester every Saturday (September-November) from 2-4 P.M.

ALUM JASON T. BUSCH ('96) PRESENTS AT ANNUAL MEETING

RCCAM welcomed Jason T. Busch, a Distinguished Member of the Art Museum and Alumnus of Miami University (1996), to speak at our Annual Meeting this past Spring. Jason serves as Executive Director of the American Folk Art Museum in New York City (recently voted best museum in America by Newsweek readers), and is the president of the Advisory Board of the College of Creative Arts at Miami University. He gave a notable speech about his memories as a student at Miami, the continued importance of university museums in providing experiences for students, museum leadership, and a call for support for the Art Museum. Jason has recently offered time in studying RCCAM and McGuffey House and Museum collections related to American and European decorative arts and folk art. This is helping us better understand the significance of key works and collections priorities. Thank you Jason!

RECOGNIZING EXCELLENCE

LEADERS OF THE YEAR

^ COMMUNITY PARTNER OF THE YEAR was presented to Enjoy Oxford, represented by Executive Director Kim Daggy. As the destination marketing organization for the City of Oxford, Enjoy Oxford has been a vital partner in promoting the museum and its events. Their collaboration has been instrumental in the success of the Chocolate Meltdown and the 2024 Eclipse events.

During the 2025 Richard and Carole Cocks Art Museum Annual Members Meeting, staff recognized key individuals and organizations who made major contributions to the museums and our community.

< THE FACULTY LEADER OF THE YEAR was presented to Jordan Fenton, Associate Professor of Art History, for his unwavering support of the museum and his groundbreaking work in African art history. Fenton has been instrumental in the success of the Art & Exchange exhibition and facilitated the acquisition of three Nigerian masquerades for the museum's collection.

< VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR was given to Sarah Michael, who for over three decades has served as a dedicated docent, and is an active member of the Membership Steering Committee. Sarah has played an integral role in the museum's educational programs and special events, including the relaunch of Chocolate Meltdown. Her vast knowledge of the museum’s history and her unwavering commitment to its mission make her a beloved member of the community.

^ STUDENT LEADERS OF THE YEAR (from left to right) are: David Shuppert (‘25), a double major in Communication Design and Emerging Technology in Business and Design, designed exhibition graphics and publicity materials for multiple exhibitions, including helping deploy the museum's new brand.

Reilly Powers (‘25), an Art Education and Studio Art student, has enhanced the guest experience through her work as a Guest Services Student Assistant.

Alexis Mramor (‘25), majoring in Art and Architecture History with a minor in Studio Art, interned with the curatorial team and contributed to the Art & Exchange documentary video and publicizing the exhibition.

Ellen Long, an Art Education major with minors in Photography and Museums and Society, has contributed to the museum’s Art Explorers program and Myaamia-related works educational content.

> STUDENT VOLUNTEER LEADERS Kenneth DeCrosta (‘25), an Honors Economics student with minors in International Business and Museums & Society, documented the Leica camera collection and created an online resource.

Lexi Drake, a senior from Edgewood High School, integrated American Sign Language into museum content and led a workshop on DeVia art, furthering accessibility and inclusion.

WORKS TRAVELING

On Loan Spotlight: New African Masquerades

Museums can get their collections out into the world in many ways. This can be by having an extensive online searchable collection, online exhibitions, social media content, publications, or by physically loaning objects to other museums and institutions.

Over the years, RCCAM has loaned out various objects from its collection of 17,500+ artworks to institutions nationally and internationally. This helps facilitate long-standing relationships, promotes research, and adds global recognition to the art museum.

This past spring, one of the art museum’s three African Masquerades (the Idem Nkanada ensemble commissioned for RCCAM) was lent to the New Orleans Museum of Art for their exhibition their exhibition, New African Masquerades: Artistic Innovations and Collaborations which was on view April 4-August 10, 2025. Next up, the exhibition will travel to the Frist Art Museum in Nashville, among other subsequent venues. This was an amazing opportunity for RCCAM to connect with NOMA to further collaborate on research and shared cultural understanding about African Masquerades. Myself, along with Preparator and Building Manager (2020-25) David Dotson, and in collaboration with Associate Professor of Art History, Dr. Jordan Fenton and the staff of NOMA helped facilitate the packing, shipping, and loan paperwork to make this happen. Fenton, as a co-curator of New African Masquerades, attended the exhibition opening at NOMA in April, as well as helped prepare and dress the Masquerade for proper display.

While it is a lot of behind the scenes work, loaning out and borrowing artworks is an integral part of museums and their role in shared knowledge about our past, present and future.

IMAGES TOP: Dr. Jordan Fenton at NOMA assisting in dressing and preparing the Idem Nkanda Ensemble. AT LEFT: David Dotson and Assistant Preparator, Billy Simms preparing the ensemble to be shipped to NOMA. ABOVE RIGHT: On display at the New Orleans Museum of Art. Chief Ekpenyong Bassey Nsa (Nigerian, b. 1973) Idem Nkanda Ensemble from the Ekpe Society, 2022; Ukara cloth (dyed with indigo), foam support, thread, yarn, mirror, sequin, rubber cement, and peacock feathers; Art Museum commission through the Orpha Webster Art Fund with support of the Provost’s Office and the College of Creative Arts at Miami University, Ralph and Barbara Drake Bresler, and William Brenner. 2022.16.

By Jenn Laqualia (She/Her/Hers), Collections Manager and Registrar (2024-25)

FEATURED ARTISTS

CURRENT FACULTY | AMANDA ALEXANDER, CHRISTY CARR, DENNIS CHEATHAM, JOOMI CHUNG, ANNIE DELL’ARIA, DILGE DILSIZ, TRACY FEATHERSTONE, JORDAN FENTON, RICHARD W. JAMES, JENNIFER PURDUM, GEOFF RIGGLE, ROB ROBBINS, DANA SAULNIER, ANN E. TAULBEE, ROSCOE WILSON, JENNIFER PEARSON YAMASHIRO, JON YAMASHIRO

EMERITUS FACULTY | LARRY WINSTON COLLINS, SUSAN R. EWING, JEANNIE LANGAN HEINS, E. JAMES KILLY, ELLEN PRICE, RON STEVENS, ROBERT WOLFE

ALUMNI | CHRISSY COLLOPY, DAVID DOTSON, KATHERINE J. FRIES, STEVE GARST, AMY HOLMES GEORGE, JOHN HANKIEWICZ, ANNA KELL, TRAVIS LINVILLE, HANNAH LITT, BRENT PAYNE, KATRINA SHAFOR, BILLY SIMMS, SARAH-FAITH STRAIT, NICOLE TRIMBLE

By Jason E. Shaiman, Curator of Exhibitions

For more than fifty years the Department of Art has been an incubator for creative expression at Miami University, and beyond. Faculty have and continue to lead through innovative approaches to artmaking. Their students who are now alumni, cyclically becoming the next generation of artists, are the recipients of such knowledge in the fields of studio art, art history, and art education. Several new faculty and alumni not previously shown are featured in this iteration, further demonstrating the continuing growth of the Department of Art. With new faculty and increasing numbers of alumni, paired with shifting directions and demands of the art market, the quadrennial Department of Art Faculty and Alumni exhibition always presents something new to experience.

Featured are thirty-nine works of various artforms and mediums, including printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, photography, painting, collage, fashion, time-based media, scholarship, animation, and drawing. Without a specific theme connecting all of works, this exhibition presents a diverse exploration of contemporary art. Works are grouped or paired based on known or perceived visual and contextual connections. Several common themes consist of identity and lineage; nature and the landscape; nostalgic reflections; and introspective explorations of the human experience. Take time to engage with each work and consider which speaks to you and offers a personal connection.

Exhibition and Program sponsors and acknowledgements:

Supported by the Department of Art Miriam W. Howard Art Museum Fund the Art Museum Support Fund

Exhibition logo & catalog designed by Communication Design Student, Caitlin Wong with additional graphics by David Shuppert ('25)

Visit our exhibition information at www.tinyurl.com/25doafaae to view additional information and to view the catalog an ordering information.

RELATED PROGRAMS

MINIATURE TO MONUMENTAL | SUSAN EWING

THU, SEP 4, | 5:50-7:15 P.M. — CONTEMPORARY ART FORUM/ARTIST TALK

Distinguished Professor Emerita and renowned artist Susan Ewing returns for an intimate and thought-provoking talk that explores the power of scale and transformation in contemporary art. Ewing will reflect on her career-spanning practice, sharing how her intricate hand-crafted small objects—translate into sweeping public sculptures.

PEN TO PLASTIC / PEN TO PAPER | BILLY SIMMS & MARGARET

LUONGO | WED, SEP 10 | 5–7 P.M. — ARTIST TALK/WORKSHOP

Featuring Billy Simms, Interdisciplinary Artist & Educator, and Margaret Luongo, Professor of Creative Writing. Join us for an engaging hands-on workshop where participants will explore a unique tracing technique using plexiglass and Sharpie markers to capture an outdoor landscape scene. Following the drawing exercise, participants will craft original stand-alone poems, flash fiction, or micro-essays inspired by their artwork.

CREATIVITY AND PHOTOGRAPHY | RON STEVENS

WED, OCT 8 | 5-7 P.M. — RECEPTION/ARTIST TALK/WORKSHOP

In this interactive and insightful program, longtime photography professor Ron Stevens invites you to explore the nature of creativity: how it works, why it matters, and how you can unlock it in your own life. Stevens will guide participants through the myths and truths of creative thinking.

SENBAZURU’S RECALL | ELAINE YUEN

WED, OCT 15 | 12–12:30 P.M. — SPOTLIGHT TOUR

Join us for a focused lunchtime tour and conversation as Elaine Yuen, PhD in Cultural Heritage Informatics from Kent State University, shares insights into her work Senbazuru’s Recall: One Thousand Cranes for Peace, now on view.

THE PAST PERSISTS: MEMORY & IDENTITY | KATHERINE FRIES & ELLEN PRICE

| WED, NOV 12 | 12-1 P.M. — ARTIST TALK/WEBINAR

In this exhibition conversation in Partnership with the Alumni Association, Katherine Fries (MFA ’14), Associate Professor at the University of Indianapolis, and Ellen Price, Professor Emerita of Art at Miami, reflect on their shared printmaking practice and the themes that inform their work. Drawing from their most recent series of monoprints—they explore how family, memory, and the enduring presence of the past continue to shape their creative processes.

COLLAGE: RESHAPING EXISTING IMAGERY | JENNIFER

PURDUM | WED, NOV 12 | 5-7 P.M. — RECEPTION/ARTIST TALK/WORKSHOP

Dive into the intuitive and expressive world of collage in this workshop led by Cincinnatibased artist, educator and Fuse Press co-founder Jennifer Purdum. Collage has long served as a trusted artistic method for processing ideas quickly—layering, fragmenting, and reshaping the visual world around us. Participants will create their own collage.

A SALUTE TO OXFORD HISTORY

This summer marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. Those who can remember this war are few; those who fought it, even fewer. Soon, the war will belong to history, with documents, photos, and other personal and public records left to tell us about the experience. One of the items that preserves that experience is Oxford Salutes, a 1943 oil-on-board painting by Marston Hodgin that hangs in the History Room of the William Holmes McGuffey House & Museum.

Hodgin was an artist who came to Oxford in 1927 as Miami’s artist-in-residence. Later that decade, he helped establish Miami’s School of Fine Arts, and, when World War II came, he captured in this painting the way it impacted Oxford.

Strip away the uniforms worn by the sailors and the WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service) in the brightly-colored painting, and the scene could depict Oxford even today. Young people eat ice cream and flirt with one another. WAVES from Miami’s Naval Training School head for the shops, while, almost out of frame, a woman pulls a basket home laden with her purchases. A young couple chats with a sailor, perhaps a friend home on leave. Children walk their dog, the young boy wearing a sailor hat and doubtless wishing that he could join these seemingly grown-up members of the military destined for posts overseas.

Just one woman breaks the sunny Uptown tableau. Dressed in black but with festive flowers on her hat, she reaches up to a name on the display reading “Oxford Salutes Her Boys in Service.” Behind the tribute board, the local butcher shop carries a sign reading “No Beef Today,” and a storefront has been turned into a United Service Organizations (USO) post. The war is literally and figuratively a backdrop to the happy mingling of these young people.

The war would end, and Miami’s Naval Training School would close. Future times of peace would be bracketed by times of war. Oxford would be no more insulated from the influences of national and international events than any other small town, especially as technology draws us closer and closer together. That is why it is comforting to know that happy voices on a sunny day have always been a part of the Miami and Uptown experience, and, hopefully, always will be. Come see Oxford Salutes during open hours of 1-5 P.M. Thursday–Saturday. Admission is always free.

Jennifer Patterson Lorenzetti,

('91),

(MS ‘93) Administrator & Curator, McGuffey House & Museum

FALL M c GUFFEY PROGRAMS

Held on the Second Tuesdays at the Art Museum, join us for these monthly McGuffey Programs. TUE, 3-4:30 P.M. — SEP 9 | OCT 14 | NOV 11

McGUFFEY HOUSE AND MUSEUM | 401 E. Spring St., Oxford | (513) 529-8380 | McGuffeyMuseum@MiamiOH.edu | MiamiOH.edu/McGuffey-Museum Museum hours: Thursday–Saturday: 1–5 P.M.

PRE K - 12 VS NON K - 12 EVENTS

Non K-12 Events – 3439 (88.2%)

Pre K-12 Events – 459 (11.8%)

24–25 ANNUAL REPORT HIGHLIGHTS

With so much of our time spent anticipating upcoming events and exhibitions once again we would like to take a look back over the past year in images and numbers. It is also another way of saying "thank you" to the many individuals who made our year a success. The period covered is from July 1, 2024 to Jun 30, 2025.

ATTENDANCE

Figures represent the total number of in person visits by all audiences, including events, student visits and educational programs. RCCAM is open 35 out of 52 weeks each year.

Based on 1493 entries

10,252

Total in-person attendees

3,957

Total event attendees

ATTENDANCE OVER TIME

2024–25

Attendance saw an 8% increase on FY 2024 and a return to pre-Covid levels. Walk-in visitors represent those who are here just visiting, and not for an event, class, or student assignment.

FINANCES

RCCAM receives significant support from Miami University towards staff salaries and benefits. Expendable endowment balances include funds allocated for artwork acquisitions and future renovation, which were largely allowed to grow in the last year. Annual gifts include donations to our Membership program, the Art Museum Support Fund and other funds used to support our operations. Grants are an important part of our annual budget for exhibitions and programs. Other revenues relate to event bookings, and loan and image fees. We spend funds on a wide range of needs—largely salaries, exhibitions and programs, and acquisitions and collections care.

Total Revenue: $1,555,042

Total expenditure: $745,017

GRANTS AND SPONSORS

We are grateful to all our sponsors and supporters over the past year. Thank you!

MAJOR GIFTS ($10,000+)

Thank you to all RCCAM supporters and your generous financial gifts and artwork donations. The following individuals have given more than $10,000 to the Art Museum in the past year. A full list of our supporters will be given in our comprehensive Annual Report.

William Brenner

Richard Cocks

Michael & Rosanne Guy

Jeffrey L. Horrell & Rodney Rose

Thomas R. Schiff

Dick & Kathy Sollmann

Lora & Harley Spiller

Jill & Aaron Underwood

DIGITAL MEDIA OUTREACH

This year, RCCAM has increased its online presence with a mix of educational, promotional, and lighthearted short-form content. Since August of 2024, the museum produced 141 social media posts and sent 94,787 emails to subscribers. Artwork spotlight posts and event marketing bring RCCAM’s collections to life and allow us to stay connected with the Campus, Oxford area, and beyond.

238,087

Instagram & Facebook page views

246

New Friends of the Museum (based on email opt-ins)

STAFF, INTERNS, & VOLUNTEERS

We acknowledge the amazing contributions made by our core staff, student employees, interns, and volunteers. We couldn’t do what we do without you!

STRATEGIC PLAN

During 2024-25, RCCAM has been working on a new Mission and Vision statement, and a new list of strategic priorities. In that time, we’ve focused on creating four pillars that encompass 12 strategic priorities. The plan aligns with Miami Thrive, Miami University’s Strategic Plan for the next five years. Further details will be shared in Fall 2025.

RCCAM’s pillars include:

INSPIRE

Enhancing visitor experience through accessible, impactful exhibitions and programs that promote dialogue, while increasing awareness of our activities.

LEARNING

Supporting career readiness and lifelong learning opportunities for the university and the wider community across multiple generations.

STEWARDSHIP

Responsibly and ethically manage, preserve, and provide increased access to a high-quality collection for all audiences.

RESOURCES

Grow resources and sustainable partnerships to help support future renovations, programs, and staff positions.

UNIVERSITY ENGAGEMENT

We had great success in engaging with students who took part in registered class visits or made separate visits for class projects assignments. Professors from the College of Creative Arts and College of Arts and Sciences regularly use our museum and sculpture park for classes and experiential learning opportunities.

2340

Individual student visits for in-person classes

1763

Student project assignment visits is equivalent to 100 students

56

University courses with classes that engaged with the museum

199

Students served through The Arts and Wellness at Miami University program

TOP AREAS OF STUDY FOR CLASS/ASSIGNMENT VISITS

Combined Student Walk-Ins and Classes

ACQUISITIONS

RCCAM received 19 artworks in FY 24-25, including items transferred from Western College for Women Alumni Association, gifts including a print by George Bellows, and four works by Hung Liu. In addition, purchases were made of four photographs by Danny Lyon related to Freedom Summer, Heart Attack by Kate Gilmore, and Esperanza by Audrey Flack.

Audrey Flack

American, 1931-2024

Esperanza, 1972-1973

Lithograph and screenprint, 34” x 23 ⅞”

Art Museum purchase 2024.37

IN 2024–25, WE HAD...

artists from 98 exhibitions 6 featuring

artworks by 154 countries 26

DIGGING THROUGH THE ARCHIVES — EXPLORING RCCAM’S HISTORY

By John (Jack) D.M. Green, Jeffrey L. Horrell ’75 and Rodney F. Rose Director and Chief Curator

As RCCAM embarks on its vision for the future, it also explores its past through a history project. Miami’s Art Museum was founded in 1978, but there is little published information about the motivations and opportunities that influenced its earliest years, bringing us to the present day.

Our student interns have taken a peek into the archives, found images, and conducted oral history interviews with people who had connections with the Art Museum’s early years. Two individuals in particular are acknowledged in the Foyer of the Art Museum - a plaque reads: “Founded upon the Inspiration of Orpha M. Webster, Instructor, and Walter I. Farmer ‘35, Patron.”

Austin Pawar explored “Monuments Man” Walter I. Farmer (Miami University, 1935), tracing a timeline of his time in the US Army while based at Wiesbaden Collecting Point, and his engagements with Miami University from the 1960s to the 1990s. Farmer stated as a condition of his gift that the museum must be of a contemporary design and serve as a center of learning which students can use to advance their skills and education. It was possible to trace the partial provenance of one of Walter Farmer’s earliest gifts to the museum, a Greco-Roman head of a goddess, which he purchased in Germany in 1946.

Carson Brown studied Orpha Webster, finding out more about her role and influence in the creation of the Art Museum through her lifelong connection with her former student Walter Farmer. Insights came through oral history interviews with Donald Fritz and Robert Wolfe. Wolfe, who first met Webster when he was three years old, recalled Farmer’s dinner party in the 1960s, where his commitment to support the Art Museum was first announced. Webster was key in the development of the Art Museum, the Art Center, and the Elma Pratt International Folk Art Collection that was initially displayed in Rowan Hall.

Further interviews and archival research are being conducted as we approach RCCAM’s 50th anniversary.

DO YOU HAVE AN ART MUSEUM MEMORY TO SHARE?

LET US KNOW: artmuseum@miamioh.edu

COLLECTIONS

CONNECTIONS

RCCAM is fortunate to have five works by renowned artist Josef Albers. One of the 20th century’s most important printmakers and educators, Josef Albers (American, b. Germany, 1888-1976) is best known for his “Homage to the Square” series, in which he explored the effects of perception and the apparent oscillation between flat surface design and an illusion of movement. Enjoy this sampler of works by Albers in our collection and thank you to these five donors for gifting them to our collection of over 17,500 works.

1 2 3 4 5

All works by Josef Albers (American, b. Germany, 1888-1976) featured (top to bottom and left to right): 1-WLS: XV, 1966; Color serigraph on paper, 15 3/4 x 15 3/4 inches, Bequest of John Schaal, 2002.20; 2-Variant X from the Folio Series, 1967, Color serigraph on paper, 10 3/8 x 14 inches, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Richard George, 1979.PR.9.8; 3-SK-ED, 1972, Color serigraph on paper, 14 x 14 inches, Gift of Jeffrey L. Horrell ‘75 and Rodney F. Rose, 2023.9; 4-Allusive, 1965, Color serigraph on paper, 12 1/4 x 13 3/8 inches, Gift of Peggy Rogers Rogers, 2011.4.1; and 5-Contra, 1944, Woodcut on paper, 9 1/4 x 13 3/4 inches, Gift of James H. and Frances R. Allen, 1993.63.

EXHIBITIONS AT RCCAM ONGOING

ART HISTORY AT A GLANCE (GOODYEAR GALLERY)

A glimpse into the evolution of Western art from the 15th to 20th centuries. Selected works highlight major movements such as Renaissance, Baroque, Romanticism, Impressionism, and Pop Art, reflecting artists’ reactions to cultural shifts, science, war, and politics.

GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES

(WEBSTER GALLERY)

This exhibition explores nearly 5,000 years of art from seventeen world cultures. Works illustrate how creative expression—original or assimilated—reveals fundamental needs to convey individual and collective identities across diverse regions and times.

UPCOMING

CHARLES M. MESSER LEICA CAMERA COLLECTION

(GOODYEAR NICHE)

Between 1970 and 1978, Charles Messer donated over 1,200 Leica cameras and accessories, forming the largest private Leica collection in the US. A small selection showcases innovations in photography from the 1920s through the 1970s.

SPRING 2026 | JAN 27-JUNE 6, 2026

EXHIBITIONS AT RCCAM

Culture Crops: Ohio’s Secret Gardens and Hidden Food Histories

SCULPTURE PARK (ART MUSEUM GROUNDS)

The museum’s sculpture collection reflects key 20thcentury art movements with works by Nancy Holt, Richard Hunt, Mark di Suvero, and Eugene Brown. Open year-round, the park offers a space for reflection and includes a disc golf course.

(Farmer Gallery) Featuring the work of Cincinnati-based fine arts photographer Tina Gutierrez, this exhibition of new photographic portraits serves as a celebration of Ohio’s history and the diversity of its food growing communities. Culture Crops includes stories of Indigenous, immigrant, and local community and family farmers, and the history of the food they produce, researched by Dr. R. Alan Wight. The project raises awareness of the depth and breadth of Ohio residents and the Land they cultivate across Southwest Ohio and beyond. Video interviews created by Asa Featherstone contribute to the stories of these present day Ohioans, their experiences of food growing, and the history of food growing and farming traditions. Supported by a grant from the Ohio 250 Commission.

Tina Gutierrez. 2024. “Madonna of The Garden” Jordyn Flowe and Obadiah at Melrose Garden, Cincinnati, Ohio.

ART & ARCHITECTURE HISTORY SENIOR CAPSTONE (McKIE GALLERY)

Each Spring Semester, the Art History Capstone exhibition presents the work that Art & Architecture History students undertook during their Fall ART498 course. The Spring 2025 exhibition, our 15th Capstone, will be the result of work developed in collaboration with Dr. Annie Dell’Aria, Associate Professor of Art & Architecture History, who specializes in modern and contemporary art.

Fletcher Benton (American, 1931-2019); Broken Circle Maquette No. 34, 2000; Steel; Gift of Ashlie Benton; 2012.15

CONTEMPORARY

ART FORUM

All ARTIST talks are on Thursdays in ART 100 (Art Building, 400 S. Patterson Ave.) unless noted.

THU, SEP 4 | 5:50 P.M.

(ART MUSEUM)

Susan Ewing: Miniature to Monumental

Exploring intimate handcrafted works translated into monumental public art.

THU, SEP 11 | 5:50 P.M.

Clive Moloney: Between Trees Mythic visual stories of kinship with nature through animism, ritual, and beauty.

THU, SEP 18 | 5:50 P.M.

Dave Coverly: Sitting On Your Butt Thinking of Cartoon Ideas… A humorous how-to on life as a cartoonist, creating Speed Bump under deadline.

THU, SEP 25 | 5:50 P.M.

Sohrab Mohebbi: 2025 Young Sculptors Competition Juror Insights from the Director of SculptureCenter on curating contemporary sculpture.

THU, OCT 2 | 5:50 P.M.

Akemi Martin: Working Collaboratively in Handmade Paper

Discussing collaborative handmade paper projects with renowned contemporary artists.

THU, OCT 16 | 5:50 P.M.

Laurie Hogin: Wild Things: Monkey Brains, Mad Bunnies and Other Mutants

Using animal allegory and metaphor to explore meaning, emotion, and framing in art.

THU, OCT 23 | 5:50 P.M.

Jonpaul Smith: Woven Together Tracing his career from student to professional artist through evolving woven works.

THU, NOV 13 | 5:50 P.M.

Tina Gutierrez: Ideas and Activism

Creating meaningful art through ideation, with a focus on social justice photography.

THU, NOV 20 | 5:50 P.M.

Whitney Lea Sage: Land/Marks of Home

Exploring memory, loss, and community through depictions of disappearing Detroit homes.

Art Building Lobby Fall

400 S. Patterson Ave., Oxford, OH 45056

MAY 12–SEP 1 - Scott Kissell

SEP 3–SEP 26 - Saad Ghosn

SEP 30–NOV 2 - Bridging Generational Gaps: A Student Response Exhibition

NOV 3–NOV 15 - Saturday Art Showcase

NOV 16–DEC 1 - Annie Dell’Aria

DEC 3–FEB 1 - Cat Mayhugh

ALUMNI HALL

Learn about Architecture and Interior Design programs and Cage Gallery exhibits by visiting tinyurl.com/ eventsmuaid

Miami University has many museums, galleries, libraries and collections across all campuses (Oxford and Regionals) and all are free resources for exploration, enjoyment and research.

MUSEUMS MIAMI is a collaboration of these collections and galleries.

A

STUDENT

ART BUILDING LOBBY

400 S. PATTERSON AVE | OXFORD

EXHIBITION

| SEP 30-NOV 2

In this 10th juried Student Response Exhibition (SRE), Miami University students were asked to creatively respond to the concept of generational gaps and the bridging of those spaces.

The exhibition is inspired by the book, Gentelligence: The Revolutionary Approach to Leading an Intergenerational Workforce, co-written by Megan Gerhardt, Professor of Management and Leadership, Miami University.

Reception and awards of favorites, as voted by visitors to the exhibition, will take place on October 29.

Supported by the Department of Art & the Art Museum Members Association.

NORTH GALLERY

SEP 6–OCT 6 | 2025 MIAMI UNIVERSITY YOUNG SCULPTORS COMPETITION FOR THE $10,000 WILLIAM AND DOROTHY YECK AWARD

Juror Talk: Thu., Sep 25, 5:50 P.M., Art 100

Reception: Fri, Sep 26, 4:30–5:30 P.M., Awards 5 P.M.

Through the generous gift from William (MU1936) and Dorothy Yeck of Dayton, Ohio, Miami University has a unique opportunity to provide students and the community at large to develop a critical understanding of sculpture in the 21st century. The competition winner will be awarded the $10,000 William and Dorothy Yeck Award and the sculpture will become part of Miami University’s permanent collection. The Year 2025 competition is for Representational Realism Sculpture.

2025 JUROR: SOHRAB MOHEBBI, DIRECTOR OF SCULPTURECENTER, NEW YORK.

Director since 2022, Mohebbi was the Kathe and Jim Patrinos Curator of the 58th Carnegie International, Pittsburgh, 2022-2023. He is an advisor at the Rijksakademie in Amsterdam and has organized exhibitions and programs for the Walker Art Center, Minneapolis, MN; High Desert Test Sites, Joshua Tree, CA; SALT, Istanbul; and the Center for Historical Reenactments, Johannesburg, South Africa. He received an MA from the Center for Curatorial Studies at Bard College and a BFA in photography from Tehran Art University.

OCT 19–NOV 5 | IN THE MAKING

Reception: Thu, Oct 16, 4:15–5:15 P.M.

In The Making, is an exhibition featuring a selection of works by Master of Fine Arts candidates in the Department of Art at Miami University. This exhibition reflects the ongoing evolution of artistic exploration, where the work of second- and third-year graduate students takes shape through personal insights, cultural reflections, and innovative forms. Each piece captures a moment of creation, offering a glimpse into the diverse perspectives and narratives that are still unfolding. The show highlights the tension between the known and the unknown, inviting viewers to witness the spaces where ideas are born, identities are questioned, and new meanings are made. Exhibiting Artists: De-Graft Boateng, Bubly Barna, Noelle Hemrich, Emmanuel Osei Bonsu, and Fatemeh Shekarfaroush.

GALLERY HOURS: MON-FRI, 9 A.M.-4:30 P.M.

Hours may vary with restrictions; other hours available by appointment (513) 529-1883

2025 YOUNG SCULPTORS FINALISTS:

Katelyn Reece Farstad, aFrésquez, New Haven, Connecticut; Sophie Gibson, Charlottesville, Virginia; Liang Yu Huang, Chicago, Illinois; Gary LaPointe, Jr., Chicago, Illinois; Josh Rabineau, New Haven, Connecticut; Baylee Schmitt, Newport, Kentucky and Phoebe Scott, Spencer, Indiana.

NOV 14–DEC 4 | RECENT WORK BY FIRST YEAR MFA STUDENTS IN THE DEPARTMENT OF ART

Reception: Thu, Nov 20, 4:15–5:15 P.M.

Introducing artworks by the first-year graduate students in the Master of Fine Arts program in the Department of Art.

ALL RECEPTIONS ARE IN THE LOBBY OF HIESTAND GALLERIES | GALLERIES LOCATED ON LEVEL 1.

ROBERT E. AND MARTHA HULL LEE GALLERY

SEP 5–OCT 5 |

AIDA LIZALDE ~ MAR DORMIDO

Reception: Fri, Sep 26, 4:15–5:15 P.M., Hiestand Galleries

Aida Lizalde is the 2023 awardee of the 2023, $10,000 Yeck Purchase Award. In this recent exhibition, Mar dormido, the artist considers the subtle registers of transformation that unfold over geological time and observes the rhythms of erosion, burial, and celestial drift, positioning materials as quiet recordkeepers of cycles that often transcend human perception. The series of works included a range of ceramic vessels, sculptural forms, textiles, and found objects. They are a collaboration with materials and natural phenomena alike, acknowledging their capacity to record, respond, and transform under the forces of time, sediment, decomposition, weathering, pressure, and heat. The exhibition asks how objects metabolize time, not through spectacle, but through the quiet vestiges of perpetual transformation.

SEP 27 – OCT 29 | ANNA KELL: RECENT WORK

The Department of Art welcomes back alumna, Anna Kell, Miami, Class of 2005 with this exhibition of recent works. Kell, currently Associate Professor at Bucknell University, Lewisburg, Pennsylvania received her MFA from the University of Florida, Gainesville. Recent exhibitions include, Sleep Numbers, Milton Art Bank, Milton Pennsylvania and inclusion in the juried exhibition, 14th Annual Figurative Art Exhibition at the Lore Degenstein Gallery at Susquehanna University.

NOV 17–DEC 5 | WHITNEY SAGE | LAND/ MARKS OF HOME

Thu, Nov 20 | Reception: 4:15 – 5:15 p.m., Hiestand Galleries; Artist Talk: 5:50 p.m., ART 100

Whitney Lea Sage '08, uses the language of drawing and painting to reflect upon themes of memory, destruction, homesickness and loss through the language of landscape and the home. Sage, a native of southeastern Michigan, focuses her meticulous attention on the rapidly disappearing homescapes and communities of the once-sprawling neighborhoods of Detroit and nearby Highland Park. While conditions of foreclosure, disenfranchisement and outmigration are being experienced in communities nationwide, the region has experienced unparalleled population loss and soaring home vacancy rates resulting in the demolition of tens of thousands of homes and thousands more still on the horizon.

OCT 16–NOV 6 | LAURIE HOGIN | TOTAL BODY BURDEN

Reception: Thursday, October 16, 4:15 – 5:15 p.m., Hiestand Galleries; Artist Lecture: 5:50 p.m., ART 100

Narratives, including fiction, myth, doctrine, history, propaganda, news and politics, ad slogans and song lyrics, nature writing and science stories are among the documents on which we make our world. Such documents, along with embodied experience, are the basis for understanding our own existence, and orienting us to our social and political relationships. Laurie Hogin’s exhibition, Total Body Burden, features paintings that combine visual, conceptual, and material strategies from the history of painting with tropes of contemporary visual culture to reveal how meaning is encoded in images, and to deploy meanings informed by subjective experiences, surreal imagination, and abstract information derived from multiple methodologies, with the hope that the synergistic effects of multiple ways of knowing lead to questions about what the world is really like.

HIESTAND HALL | 401 Maple St., Oxford, OH 45056 | MiamiOH.edu/hiestand-galleries Ann Taulbee, Director | (513) 529-1883 | taulbeae@MiamiOH.edu Galleries will be closed: During exhibition installation and Sep 1, Oct 10, Nov 26-28, Dec 6-31, 2025

AUGUST

AUG 26–DEC 13

From the Collections, Art History at a Glance, Global Perspectives, Charles M. Messer Leica Cameras Art Museum

AUG 26–DEC 13

Featured Exhibition: Department of Art Faculty and Alumni Art Museum, McKie & Farmer Galleries

AUG 30, SAT | 12–5 P.M.

Open House First Saturday Art Museum

SEPTEMBER

SEP 3–26

Exhibition | Saad Ghosn Art Building Lobby

SEP 4, THU | 5:50–7:15 P.M.

Contemporary Art Forum: Miniature to Monumental with Susan Ewing Art Museum

SEP 5–OCT 5

Aida Lizalde | Mar dormido Hiestand Galleries

SEP 6–OCT 6

2025 Miami University Young Sculptors Competition for the $10k William & Dorothy Yeck Award Hiestand Galleries

SEP 10, WED | 5–7 P.M.

Pen to Plastic/Pen to Paper: Workshop with Billy Simms and Margaret Luongo Art Museum

SEP 17, WED | 12–12:30 P.M.

Spotlight Tour Art Museum

SEP 25, THU | 5:50 P.M.

Young Sculptors Competition Juror Talk: Sohrab Mohebbi Art Building Room 100

SEP 26, FRI | 4:30–5:30 P.M.

Reception:

Aida Lizalde – Mar dormido

Hiestand Galleries

SEP 26, FRI | 4:30–5:30 P.M.

Reception & Awards: Young Sculptors

Competition

Hiestand Galleries

SEP 30–NOV 2

Student Response Show: Bridging Generational Gaps

Art Building Lobby

OCTOBER

OCT 2, THU | 5:50 P.M.

Akemi Martin: Working Collaboratively in the Medium of Handmade Paper

Art Building Room 100

OCT 8, WED | 5–7 P.M.

Creativity and Photography: Artist Talk & Workshop with Ron Stevens Art Museum

OCT 16, THU | 4:15–5:15 P.M.

Reception: Laurie Hogin – Total Body

Burden

Hiestand Galleries

OCT 16, THU | 5:50 P.M.

Artist Lecture: Laurie Hogin

Art Building Room 100

OCT 18, SAT | 12 P.M.

Spotlight Tour

Art Museum

OCT 18–NOV 5

In The Making (MFA Candidates) Hiestand Gallery

OCT 22, WED | 12–1 P.M.

Culture Crops Preview Webinar with Miami Alumni Association

Online

OCT 23, THU | 5:50 P.M.

Jonpaul Smith: Woven Together

Art Building Room 100

OCT 25, SAT | 10 A.M.

Lillian Joyce: The Myth of Ariadne from the Labyrinth to the Walls of Pompeii. With Department of History and AIA Dayton Chapter

Art Museum

OCT 25, SAT | 12–5 P.M.

Open House Saturday (Family Weekend)

Art Museum

OCT 29, WED | 5–7 P.M.

Bridging Generational Gaps: Student Response Exhibition

Reception & Awards

Art Building Lobby

NOVEMBER

NOV 3–15

Exhibition | Saturday Art Showcase

Art Building Lobby

NOV 11, TUE | 3–4:30 P.M.

The Art of Annette Covington with Jason Shaiman, McGuffey House & Museum & RCCAM Program

Art Museum

NOV 12, WED | 12–1 P.M.

The Past Persists: Memory and Identity Webinar with Alumni Association

Online

NOV 12, WED | 5-7 P.M.

Collage: Reshaping Existing Imagery. Artist talk and workshop with Jennifer Purdum Art Museum

NOV 13, THU | 5:50 P.M.

Tina Gutierrez: Ideas and Activism

Art Building Room 100

NOV 16–DEC 1

Exhibition | Annie Dell’Aria Art Building Lobby

NOV 20, THU | 4:30–5:15 P.M.

Reception: Recent Work by First Year MFA Students

Hiestand Gallery

NOV 20, THU | 5:50 P.M.

Whitney Lea Sage | Land/Marks of Home

Art Building Room 100

DECEMBER

DEC 3–FEB 1

Exhibition | Cat Mayhugh

Art Building Lobby

DEC 10, WED | 5–8 P.M.

Second Wednesday Extended Hours

Art Museum

DEC 13, SAT | 12-5 P.M.

Open House Saturday (Final Day)

Art Museum

For more information and a full list of College of Creative Arts events visit: MiamiOH.edu/ cca/events

ART MUSEUM PROGRAM SERIES

MUSIC AT THE MUSEUM

Join student musicians in an informal afternoon of music in the galleries. In partnership with the Department of Music at Miami.

1-2 P.M. Third Saturdays

SEP 20 | OCT 18 | NOV 15

DROP-IN TOUR & EXPLORE

Tour and Explore and learn about the artworks on exhibit! Join one of our Volunteer Docent tours of current and ongoing exhibitions.

2-4 P.M. Third Saturdays SEP 20 | OCT 18 | NOV 15 | DEC 13

ART EXPLORERS (Ages 3-7)

Join us for story time & an art activity - register at www.lanepl.org

2-3:30 P.M. Saturdays SEP 6 | OCT 11 | NOV 8

SECOND WEDNESDAYS

Our galleries are open late every second Wednesday until 8 P.M. See program calendar for events.

5-8 P.M. Second Wednesdays SEP 10 | OCT 8 | NOV 12 | DEC 10

SPOTLIGHT TOURS

Join us for a brief tour led by Art Museum team members focused on several works now on view,

12-12:30 P.M. Wednesdays SEP 17 | OCT 15 | NOV 19

MUSEUM AND GALLERY INFO

RICHARD AND CAROLE COCKS ART MUSEUM

801 S. Patterson Ave., Oxford, OH 45056 (513) 529-2232

ArtMuseum@MiamiOH.edu MiamiOH.edu/ArtMuseum

Gallery hours:

Tuesday–Friday: 10 A.M.–5 P.M. Saturday: Noon-5 P.M.

Second Wednesdays: 10 A.M.-8 P.M.

MCGUFFEY HOUSE AND MUSEUM

401 E. Spring St., Oxford, OH 45056 (513) 529-8380

McGuffeyMuseum@MiamiOH.edu MiamiOH.edu/McGuffey-Museum

Museum hours: Thursday–Saturday: 1–5 P.M.

CAGE GALLERY

101 Alumni Hall, Oxford, OH 45056 (513) 529-7210

archid@MiamiOH.edu Arts.MiamiOH.edu/architectureinterior-design

HIESTAND GALLERIES

401 Maple St., Oxford, OH 45056 (513) 529-1883

sfagallery@MiamiOH.edu MiamiOH.edu/HiestandGalleries

Gallery hours: Mon-Fri, 9 A.M.-4:30 P.M.

ART BUILDING (LOBBY GALLERY & ART 100)

400 S. Patterson Ave., Oxford, OH 45056

MORE MUSEUMS AND COLLECTIONS

For more Museums and Collections on campus check out tinyurl.com/MuseumsMiami

MCGUFFEY MUSEUM

ART BUILDING

HIESTAND GALLERIES

AND CAROLE COCKS ART MUSEUM