3-07-2026 9:43pm

A Major Folk Art Exhibition is Coming to Harmon Museum

Beth Callahan Editor

Story and photos courtesy of Harmon Museum

LEBANON, OH -- Opening this spring at Warren County's Harmon Museum is "American Folk Art: Self-Told Stories, Self-Taught Artists." This exhibit celebrates two centuries of American ingenuity and the personal forces that move artists beyond contemplation to creation.

Exhibition Highlights

This major national exhibit features over three dozen self-taught masters, including:

Purvis Young
Reverend Howard Finster
Elijah Pierce
Mary Tillman-Smith
Mose Tolliver
Marcus Mote
Forrest King Moses
and MANY more!

Explore a rich collection of diverse media, including Face Jugs, Whirligigs, Tramp Art, Carvings, and Painted Furniture. This exhibition is published in conjunction with the America 250-Ohio celebrations and features extensive pieces from the K. Richard B. Niehoff and Harmon Museum collections.

Pre-Order A Full-Color, 156-page Collector's Edition Exhibition Catalogue

"This vital record of American cultural heritage is an essential volume for any art lover’s library. Discover the raw, authentic voice of the American spirit in FOLK ART: SELF-TOLD STORIES, SELF-TAUGHT ARTISTS, the official catalogue of the Harmon Museum's major 2026 exhibition. This essential volume celebrates the unique power of art created by self-taught individuals, capturing personal forces that move them 'beyond contemplation to creation,'" reads the Harmon Museum website.

To Pre-order click this downloadable pre-order form and return it to Harmon Museum via delivery or email.

Important Dates & Details

Opening Reception: Tuesday, March 31.
- Note: Reception time is TBA pending Mrs. DeWine's schedule.
Public Opening: Wednesday, April 1.
Exhibition Closes: June 13.
Location: Armstrong Conference Center.
Admission: $10.00 per person (in addition to standard Museum admission).