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Become a part of museum history and win our "Name our Dogs" contest.
When we reopen in early 2026, kids and adult visitors at the Southern Ohio Museum will be greeted by our two Mark Chatterly dog sculptures.

These dogs will serve as museum mascots and will have their own mailbox where kids can write them at the museum.

Know the dogs personality and submitt your suggestions:
https://forms.gle/VkJpt26PTvdMur5b6

Renovation + Construction

The Museum expects to reopen in early 2026, with renovated exhibition spaces, expanded collection exhibits, and a new gallery for temporary exhibitions.

A new, hands-on kids room is in the works, as well as the addition of a digital art space.

Please visit the Museum YouTube channel for virtual offerings.

Collection objects and building progress will be posted on our social media accounts. Follow the progress as we grow and change!

Transcending Craft: Dorothy Gill Barnes

This internationally known artist worked with all natural materials, respectfully harvesting the native species around her.

Dorothy’s early work as a weaver is echoed throughout her life’s work. Evolving into a basket maker, then to a sculptor, her work is thoughtful and thought provoking as she listened to the materials and brought forth their natural beauty in vessel forms, sculptures, and baskets.

https://dorothygillbarnes.com/index.html

Caroline Oltmanns: A concert of works for solo piano

Caroline Oltmanns is an acclaimed pianist and educator known for her exceptional artistry and intellectual depth.
A Fulbright Scholar and International Steinway Artist, she has released seven solo albums, including the critically praised WIND (2022). Caroline has performed at prestigious venues such as Weill Recital Hall (NYC) and the Redlands Bowl (Los Angeles), and has appeared as a concerto soloist with renowned orchestras including the Youngstown Symphony and Cleveland Philharmonic.

https://www.caroline-oltmanns.com/

"Name our Dogs" contest

Renovation + Construction

Transcending Craft: Dorothy Gill Barnes

Caroline Oltmanns: A concert of works for solo piano

"Name our Dogs" contest

Renovation + Construction

Transcending Craft: Dorothy Gill Barnes

Caroline Oltmanns: A concert of works for solo piano

"Name our Dogs" contest

Renovation + Construction

Transcending Craft: Dorothy Gill Barnes

Caroline Oltmanns: A concert of works for solo piano

"Name our Dogs" contest

Renovation + Construction

Transcending Craft: Dorothy Gill Barnes

Caroline Oltmanns: A concert of works for solo piano

"Name our Dogs" contest

Renovation + Construction

Transcending Craft: Dorothy Gill Barnes

Caroline Oltmanns: A concert of works for solo piano

"Name our Dogs" contest

Renovation + Construction

Transcending Craft: Dorothy Gill Barnes

Caroline Oltmanns: A concert of works for solo piano

"Name our Dogs" contest

Renovation + Construction

Transcending Craft: Dorothy Gill Barnes

Caroline Oltmanns: A concert of works for solo piano

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Discover Art, History, and Community—
Always Free to Explore

Welcome to the Southern Ohio Museum, where stories of art and culture come to life in the heart of Portsmouth. Admission is always free, thanks to the generosity of our community and supporters. Whether you’re here to see what’s new, share a family day out, or simply enjoy a quiet moment in the galleries, you’ll find a space that inspires curiosity and connection.

PLAN YOUR VISIT

This Month at the Museum

Explore what’s new, what’s happening, and what you won’t want to miss during your visit this month.

The students loved looking at the artifacts and getting time to explore. They enjoyed discussing the art. I heard kids say, "This is cool, I wanna come here again. I’m gonna look for artifacts."

3rd Grade Teacher, Vinton County Elementary

Through Our Lens

Fresh snapshots from our community of art lovers

Become a part of museum history and win our "Name our Dogs" contest. When we reopen in early 2026, kids and adult visitors at the Southern Ohio Museum will be greeted by our two Mark Chatterly dog sculptures. These dogs will serve as museum mascots and will have their own mailbox where kids can write them at the museum. To enter the contest to name our dogs, please visit https://forms.gle/VkJpt26PTvdMur5b6 and vote by January 9, 2026. Click on the link to see full contest details.

SOMACC goes to New York! Did you know that sustaining members of the Southern Ohio Museum also receive a NARM card, good for discounts and reduced admissions at hundreds of other museums? Janet and Steve Callison are pictured here with their Southern Ohio Museum NARM card at the American Folk Art Museum. Visit our new website, https://www.southernohiomuseum.org/membership-support to get your own NARM card! #southernohiomuseum

We have a new building, new look, and now, a new website! Get a sneak-peek of exhibitions to come by visiting our new site online. We can now be found at: https://www.southernohiomuseum.org/

Check out these zany pieces by ceramic artist Scott Dooley. Blue Teapot (top) and Green Teapot are functional handbuilt porcelain vessels. Dooley often takes inspiration from objects that we usually associate with the industrial. In these pieces, the visual language of old oil cans, funnels, and metal structures is combined with the finery of porcelain teapots.
Dooley was born and raised in Kansas, and is currently settled in Springfield Ohio, where he is Chair of the Art Department at Wittenberg University.

Only a week away from Cirque's annual holiday performance, at the Vern Riffe Center for the Arts! Call the McKinley box office for ticket information, at 740-351-3600.

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Discover Art, History, and Community— Always Free to Explore

This Month at the Museum

The students loved looking at the artifacts and getting time to explore. They enjoyed discussing the art. I heard kids say, "This is cool, I wanna come here again. I’m gonna look for artifacts."

Through Our Lens

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Discover Art, History, and Community—
Always Free to Explore