Kennedy Museum of Art

Kennedy Museum of Art https://www.ohio.edu/museum Kennedy Museum of Art is located in historic Lin Hall at The Ridges on the Ohio University campus. Named in honor of Edwin L.
(1)

and Ruth E. Kennedy, the Museum features significant collections including important southwest Native American textiles and jewelry, and a renowned contemporary print collection. This world-class institution brings to the University and the Southeast region of Ohio a wide range of permanent collection and traveling exhibitions, educational programming, and special tours. Kennedy Museum is an integral part of the educational, research, and public service missions of Ohio University.

The KMA is closed this Saturday, May 30th.
05/28/2026

The KMA is closed this Saturday, May 30th.

05/28/2026

Highlighting our gift shop collection, featuring books, prints, and more to discover during your visit to the KMA!

From weaving and sketching to painting with nature, play readings, artist panels, and even blending art with dance, thes...
05/13/2026

From weaving and sketching to painting with nature, play readings, artist panels, and even blending art with dance, these are just a few of the many events that have filled the past few months at the KMA with creativity, connection, and community

We are so grateful for all the new faces who joined us and helped make these events such a success. It has been amazing to see people come together through art in so many different ways.

There is so much more ahead and we are so excited for all of the future events we have planned. Thank you to everyone who showed up and supported us. We truly look forward to seeing even more of you at what is to come!

Materials Matters Gallery Talk Wednesday, April 15 | 2pm-3:30pm Join us at the Kennedy Musuem for a gallery talk led by ...
04/13/2026

Materials Matters Gallery Talk

Wednesday, April 15 | 2pm-3:30pm

Join us at the Kennedy Musuem for a gallery talk led by this year’s Museum Studies class that created Material Matters, the 2025-26 Museum Studies exhibition open April 10, 2026 through March 21, 2027. It explores craftsmanship and how materials convey cultural information to preserve community histories.

Learn from the 26 OU undergraduate and graduate students from multiple disciplines how they went about curating, designing, and installing the exhibition.

Partner lenders include Ohio University Libraries and Southeast Ohio History Center.
Generously sponsored by Ohio Arts Council

04/10/2026

Material Matters tonight 5:30–7pm at the KMA!

After a full semester of research, curation, and creativity, our Museum Studies students are ready to share the exhibition they’ve brought to life. Every detail reflects their dedication, ideas, and hard work—come experience what they’ve created and celebrate their work with us.

Join the Kennedy Museum of Art and the Museum Studies Fundamentals class of 2025-2026 for the opening reception of Mater...
04/10/2026

Join the Kennedy Museum of Art and the Museum Studies Fundamentals class of 2025-2026 for the opening reception of Material Matters.

Friday, April 10 | 5:30pm to 7pm

The exhibition is curated, designed, and installed by 26 undergraduate and graduate students from multiple disciplines. Partner lenders include Ohio University Libraries and Southeast Ohio History Center. Meet the students and learn about their process at this free reception open to all. No reservations required. Light refreshments will be served.

Exhibition generously supported by Ohio Arts Council.
Reception generously supported by Friends of the Kennedy Museum.

Material Matters - Community Open StudioSunday, April 12 | 2pm to 4pmTour the 2026 Museum Studies exhibition Material Ma...
04/07/2026

Material Matters - Community Open Studio

Sunday, April 12 | 2pm to 4pm

Tour the 2026 Museum Studies exhibition Material Matters and participate in hands-on activites led by some of the Museum Studies students. You will learn woven coaster-making with yarn and a cardboard cutout, and paper quilt-making activity with construction paper and scissors.

By the end of the studio session, you will have reflected on the value of materials within various art forms and have a better understanding of how artistic objects help preserve community history.

No prior experience is required and required registration here is limited to 40 people.

KMA Open Studio is a FREE program for visitors of all ages to engage in shared creative activities. Generously funded by Ohio Arts Council.

KMA Plein Air Watercolor Techniques🌱🪾🌳Thursday April 2nd | 5:30pm to 7pmExplore the basics of outdoor watercolor paintin...
03/31/2026

KMA Plein Air Watercolor Techniques🌱🪾🌳

Thursday April 2nd | 5:30pm to 7pm

Explore the basics of outdoor watercolor painting at the Kennedy Museum!

After a brief guided walk through the galleries for inspiration, participants will learn and practice the basics of watercolor painting outdoors in a relaxed, hands-on setting. This session will introduce fundamental watercolor techniques such as washes, layering, and blending. Perfect for beginners or anyone looking to refresh their skills.

All materials are provided, and no prior experience is necessary. Open to all ages and skill levels. Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult.

Generously funded by the Ohio Arts Council

KMA Portrait Sketching in the GalleriesThursday, March 19 | 5:30 to 7pmJoin us for a 90-minute drawing session with cost...
03/17/2026

KMA Portrait Sketching in the Galleries

Thursday, March 19 | 5:30 to 7pm

Join us for a 90-minute drawing session with costumed live models. This event will be led by multimedia artist Mateo Galvano, whose work, Personae, is currently on view in the Art & Process OU School of Art+Design faculty exhibition. After a brief demonstration, participants will practice gestural drawing from observation and experiment with creative approaches to developing unique, poetic imagery.

No prior art experience is required. All materials are provided, but you’re welcome to bring your own sketchbook.

This event is free and open to all ages and skill levels. Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is not required.

Generously supported by Ohio Arts Council

FACULTY ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: Before coming to OU JP Rhea taught as an Adjunct Professor at the Art Institute of Atlanta and...
03/02/2026

FACULTY ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: Before coming to OU JP Rhea taught as an Adjunct Professor at the Art Institute of Atlanta and freelanced as an Art Director and Graphic Designer. He has worked as the Sr. Web Designer for Macy’s corporate advertising in Atlanta, GA. Previously, he worked as a Sr. Creative Consultant for C-bridge.com, a top B2B consultant agency based in Boston, MA, and as the Head of Creative/Art Director for Webstakes.com in NYC. As a College Professor, Media Artist, and Creative Consultant, Rhea’s strengths include problem-solving, project organization, and collaborative leadership through the creative process of both fine art and professional projects. jprhea.com

Rhea is one of 14 faculty artists in our Art & Process exhibition on view through March 29. Be sure to check out his work and this unique exhibition!

KMA Clay Pendant MakingThursday, February 26 | 5:30 to 7pmJoin us for Clay Pendant Night, a free hands-on creative exper...
02/24/2026

KMA Clay Pendant Making

Thursday, February 26 | 5:30 to 7pm

Join us for Clay Pendant Night, a free hands-on creative experience open to all ages. Participants will design and shape their own pendant using air-dry clay, making each piece completely unique. Since the clay is air-dried, you will be able to take your pendant home with you, let it dry, and paint it later if you would like.

All materials provided. No prior experience is needed, just come ready to relax, create, and enjoy a creative evening in the museum.


Generously sponsored by Ohio Arts Council

Address

Lin Hall At The Ridges On The Ohio University Campus
Athens, OH
45701

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 8pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 1pm - 5pm
Sunday 1pm - 5pm

Telephone

(740) 593-1304

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Kennedy Museum of Art posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Establishment

Send a message to Kennedy Museum of Art:

Shortcuts

Share

Category