By 1812Blockhouse
Ohio’s vibrant art scene is offering a lineup of stunning exhibitions this season, and art lovers in north central Ohio don’t have to travel far to experience world-class collections. From contemporary photography to Pop Art and historical Indigenous works, here’s a guide to some of the best exhibitions currently on display, along with road trip details to get there from Mansfield.
Picasso and Paper – Cleveland Museum of Art
Dates: Through March 23
About: This major exhibition showcases nearly 300 works by Pablo Picasso, demonstrating his innovative use of paper in collages, sculptures, and drawings. Info here. Getting There: Mansfield to Cleveland is about 85 miles via I-71 N, taking around 1.5 hours.
Ming Smith: August Moon – Columbus Museum of Art
Dates: Through May
About: A stunning photography exhibition capturing the daily lives of Black communities through the poetic lens of Ming Smith, inspired by August Wilson’s plays. Info here. Getting There: Columbus is 67 miles south of Mansfield via I-71 S, an hour-long drive.
Shahzia Sikander: Collective Behavior – Cincinnati Art Museum
Dates: Through May 4
About: A career-spanning exhibition of Shahzia Sikander, blending painting, animation, mosaic, and sculpture while exploring themes of diaspora and gender. Info here. Getting There: Cincinnati is 152 miles from Mansfield via I-71 S, about 2.5 hours by car.
Return to Turtle Island: Indigenous Nation-Building in the 18th Century – Toledo Museum of Art
Dates: Through June 29
About: A deep dive into Indigenous history, featuring artifacts exchanged as diplomatic gifts during the colonial period. Info here. Getting There: Toledo is 95 miles from Mansfield via US-30 W and I-75 N, a 1.5-hour drive.
Oliver Jeffers: 15 Years of Picturing Books – Akron Art Museum
Dates: Through July 27
About: A family-friendly showcase of beloved children’s book illustrations from Oliver Jeffers, including The Day the Crayons Quit and Here We Are. Info here. Getting There: Akron is 70 miles from Mansfield via I-71 N and I-76 E, about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
A Taste for Pop: Gifts from S. Bradley Gillaugh – Dayton Art Institute
Dates: Through May 25
About: This collection highlights iconic Pop Art by Warhol, Lichtenstein, and Rosenquist, donated by Dayton native S. Bradley Gillaugh. Info here. Getting There: Dayton is 127 miles from Mansfield via I-70 W, about 2 hours by car.
A Road Trip for Every Art Lover
Each of these exhibitions offers a unique artistic experience, whether you’re drawn to classic masters, contemporary pioneers, or immersive storytelling through visuals. And with all of these locations within a 2.5-hour drive from Mansfield, there’s no excuse not to hit the road and enjoy Ohio’s rich cultural offerings.
Which exhibition will you visit first?
Image by Kseniya Lapteva from Pixabay
Be sure to turn on the sound!
