School of Art

The Kent State University Museum exhibition “TEXTURES: the history and art of Black hair” has been awarded the Arts Alive award for Collaborative Project for 2022. The exhibition was co-curated by Dr. Joseph Underwood, associate professor of art history, and Dr. Tameka Ellington, former associate professor of fashion and interim assistant dean for the College of the Arts.

The School of Art is thrilled to announce the appointment of John Paul Morabito as Assistant Professor of Textiles. Morabito, who previously served as a professor of Fiber and Material Studies at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, joins the faculty succeeding the retirement of Janice Lessman-Moss. They will join the Kent State faculty in fall 2022.

After a national search, the School of Art is thrilled to announce the appointment of Jillian Sokso as its new director. Sokso comes to us from George Fox University in Newberg, Oregon, where she served as the director of the School of Communication and Design and professor of art and design.

Janice Lessman-Moss, professor of textiles, is retiring this summer after more than 40 years of service at the School of Art. Since being hired as a full-time faculty member in 1981, she has been the driving force behind the progress and innovation of textile arts education at Kent State University. A beloved professor, Lessman-Moss has touched many students’ lives by sharing her knowledge, skills, and love for weaving and textile history with those who have been fortunate enough to have her as a teacher and a mentor. 

Davin Ebanks, assistant professor of glass and M.F.A. alumnus, has been selected for the group exhibition "Full Spectrum: Visionaries Elevating Art, Craft, and Design" on view at the Pittsburgh Glass Center through May 23, 2022.