Curator’s Notes: Echoes of the River: Contemporary Visions of the Ohio

Ohio River Looking South by Mariah Jennings

The Ohio River has long been more than a body of water—it’s been a source of livelihood, culture, and inspiration. In Echoes of the River: Contemporary Visions of the Ohio, artist Mariah Jennings reimagines this historic waterway through a series of paintings, sculptures, and sound installations that explore how the river continues to shape identity and community across Southern Ohio.

Why the Ohio River Matters

For centuries, the Ohio River has been central to Portsmouth and the Appalachian region—carrying industry, migration, and stories that ripple across generations. This exhibition reflects on the river not just as geography, but as a living presence, tying together themes of resilience, memory, and renewal.

Highlights of the Exhibition

• Layered Canvases inspired by vintage river maps, blending history with abstraction.

• Cast Sculptures created from driftwood and industrial remnants, bridging nature and industry.

• Immersive Soundscapes featuring field recordings along the Ohio shoreline, drawing visitors into the sensory rhythm of the water.

  
  

A Contemporary Vision

Jennings invites us to see the Ohio River as both past and present—an enduring force that has carried goods and dreams, shaped communities, and inspired countless creative voices. Her work echoes questions we still ask today: What do we take from the river? What do we give back?

Visiting Information

Echoes of the River is on view at the Southern Ohio Museum through February 28, 2026. Admission is always free, thanks to the generosity of our community and supporters.

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