Since 1982, the YWCA of the Mahoning Valley has hosted one of the region’s most respected art exhibitions dedicated exclusively to women: Women Artists: A Celebration!. More than just a gallery display, the annual show stands as a vital cultural tradition—uplifting the work of local women artists, providing economic opportunity, and funding critical YWCA programs that support women and families across the community.
This year, the exhibition opened on June 27 and will run through July 25, 2025, offering a rich, multifaceted experience for visitors, artists, and the broader Mahoning Valley community. Featuring paintings, photography, sculpture, ceramics, and mixed media, the show invites art lovers to engage deeply with diverse artistic voices—all while contributing to a greater cause.
A Legacy of Representation and Recognition
The origins of Women Artists: A Celebration! trace back to 1982 during Youngstown’s “Walk on Wick” art initiative. The idea was championed by board member Nancy Morris and artist Eileen Scragg, who recognized a critical gap: women’s artistic contributions were largely absent from galleries and public recognition. In partnership with the YWCA, they created a platform to not only display art but also to affirm that women deserve equal visibility in creative spaces.
Over four decades later, that mission remains unchanged. Each year, the exhibition serves as both an homage to the artists who came before and a launchpad for emerging talent. With dozens of submissions juried by seasoned artists and curators, the exhibition has grown into a cornerstone of the region’s cultural landscape.
What You’ll See: Vibrancy, Vision, and Variety
This year’s collection is rich in tone, texture, and thematic diversity. Visitors will find bold abstract paintings, emotionally resonant portraits, intricate metalworks, and thought-provoking mixed media installations. Many of the pieces feature vibrant color palettes and personal storytelling—highlighting experiences around identity, environment, femininity, memory, and social change.
Jessica Gibbs, a representative of the YWCA, spoke to the show’s continued significance:
“Historically, women’s art has been underrepresented in the community, in museums, and in broader conversations about culture. We are proud to continue this tradition, giving women the platform they deserve.”
Most of the featured works are created by local and regional artists, and many are available for purchase—offering visitors the opportunity to own a piece of original art while supporting both the artist and the YWCA.
Supporting a Greater Mission
The exhibition is not just a celebration of art—it’s a fundraiser with profound social impact. Proceeds from entry fees and art sales directly support the YWCA’s Supportive Housing Programs, which provide shelter, resources, and transitional support for women and families affected by domestic violence, homelessness, and financial hardship.
This unique synergy between art and advocacy gives the show its power. By attending, voting, or purchasing a piece, visitors play a part in furthering the YWCA’s mission of empowering women and eliminating racism.
Inclusive and Intergenerational
While the primary show is open to women artists aged 18 and older, the YWCA also runs a special “17 Under 17” component to nurture young talent. High school-aged girls are invited to submit their work free of charge, and selected artists are displayed alongside their professional counterparts. This program not only encourages early artistic exploration but also helps young women see themselves as valuable contributors to the cultural conversation.
In 2025, the judging panel for the youth submissions includes respected artist and community leader Dr. Virginia Banks, adding further prestige to the experience for young participants.
Beyond the Canvas: Engaging Community Events
Complementing the gallery is a series of community-centered events designed to foster connection and learning through creativity:
Photowalk with Linda Vasconi (July 9): Participants explore Youngstown’s cityscape through a photographic lens, guided by an accomplished local artist. Henna Art & Education Workshop (July 16): A hands-on session exploring the cultural significance of henna body art and offering participants a chance to create their own designs. Annual Celebration Party (July 11): A vibrant gathering for artists, patrons, and the public to celebrate the exhibition and enjoy food, music, and conversation.
These events further the exhibition’s reach, turning it into a hub for cultural dialogue, artistic practice, and community building.
A Modern Platform: The Online Gallery
To expand accessibility, Women Artists: A Celebration! now includes a fully digital gallery. Art lovers from across the region—and beyond—can view and purchase work online through the YWCA’s website. This move has been especially important post-pandemic, ensuring that the exhibition remains inclusive, flexible, and responsive to community needs.
The online platform also features artist bios, statements, and the ability to vote for the People’s Choice Award, giving digital visitors a chance to engage and support their favorite creators.
Empowerment Through Visibility
One of the most important outcomes of the exhibition is the visibility it grants to participating artists. Many have gone on to secure representation, build client bases, or be featured in other regional and national exhibitions. For emerging and mid-career artists, being juried into Women Artists: A Celebration! often serves as a career milestone.
But more than career advancement, the exhibition validates the notion that women’s creativity—often undervalued in commercial and academic spaces—is worth seeing, buying, and celebrating.
Why This Matters
At a time when arts funding is uncertain, women’s voices remain underrepresented in major museums, and cultural platforms are increasingly centralized, grassroots exhibitions like this one are more critical than ever. They remind us that art is not a luxury—it’s a form of resistance, expression, and healing.
For women, especially, art can be an act of reclamation: of history, space, and voice. In amplifying those voices, Women Artists: A Celebration! helps reshape what our collective creative future looks like.
Plan Your Visit
Location:
YWCA Mahoning Valley
25 W. Rayen Avenue, Youngstown, Ohio
Gallery Hours:
Wednesday–Sunday, 12 PM to 4 PM
Through Friday, July 25, 2025
Admission:
Free and open to the public
Virtual Access:
Visit ywcamahoningvalley.org/women-artists to view the online gallery, vote, and purchase artwork.
How You Can Support
Visit the gallery and bring a friend Vote for your favorite piece in the People’s Choice Award Purchase artwork—supporting both local artists and vital YWCA services Donate directly to the YWCA to sustain the organization’s housing and outreach programs Share the event on social media to help amplify women’s creative voices
Whether you’re an art connoisseur, a passionate local, or a casual visitor, this year’s exhibition at the YWCA of the Mahoning Valley offers a rare opportunity: to celebrate artistry, community, and empowerment all in one place.
By attending Women Artists: A Celebration!, you’re not just viewing art—you’re participating in a larger movement that values diversity, nurtures creativity, and strengthens the social fabric of the Mahoning Valley.
