The Southern Ohio Museum is located at 825 Gallia St, Portsmouth, OH 45662. It's in the heart of the town near the historic Columbia theater. As I stepped into the museum, my eyes were immediately drawn to a funny looking dog statue, standing proudly at the entrance. Its form hinted at the creative art that was waiting within the next room. Stepping forward, I found myself on the first floor, greeted by a friendly and knowledgeable desk clerk who eagerly shared intriguing details about the museum's offerings.
Starting on the first floor my attention was caught by the Ackerman photo collection, a treasure trove of visual narratives accessible online. The photography images are black and white which also showcase some of the historical streets from a very long time ago. As I ventured deeper down the hallways of the first floor, a spacious room unfolded before me, filled with meticulously crafted quilts that radiated artistry and skill. Each quilt seemed to tell its own story, with intricate patterns and expert craftsmanship woven into every stitch. The room itself was thoughtfully designed, allowing visitors of all ages to navigate through the rooms and immerse themselves in viewing the pieces of art.
One particular exhibition that commanded attention was "Material Pulses: Seven Viewpoints." These extraordinary cloth-looking sculptures, masterfully designed with an array of textiles, emerged as the brainchild of visionary quilt artist Nancy Crow. With a mission to revive the grandeur, resilience, and vibrancy of textile masterpieces, Crow's artistic vision took shape in the form of these remarkable works. Quilts of monumental proportions, measuring over 100 inches in length, adorned the first floor, leaving visitors in a state of wonder and admiration.
The second floor featured even more local creativity! A curious-looking rooster, created by Noah Kinney, was a truly unique sculpture that appeared to be whimsically made out of wood. Moving forward, there were also some exceptionally beautiful landscape paintings displayed by Charence H. Carter. These paintings were abundant in color and vibrancy, resembling watercolors, and some of the images had a particularly distinctive style - square-shaped designs with an array of captivating colors.
There are numerous Native American artifacts on display on the third floor. 'Art of the Ancients' is an exhibition that showcases many historical items from a bygone era. Among the fascinating displays are a variety of flint stones, each interestingly shaped and used for pressure flaking flint to create tools. The collection features a vast array of these flint stones in glass cases, bearing a resemblance to arrowheads with their sharp edges. Observing these ancient items allows any museum visitor to gain insight into the rugged lifestyle of those ancient communities.
After visiting the Southern Ohio Museum, I was able to better understand the history of the area through viewing the works on display. This is a fantastic place to visit and discover ancient treasures from the past that still resonate today.
