More than 20 weavings will be showcased as Kent State celebrates over 35 years of service by national award-winning artist and a professor of textile arts, Janice Lessman-Moss. 

The exhibition, “Dancing with the Distance,” will be open from Feb. 25 to Oct. 2, Tuesday through Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Kent State museum. Admission is free to Kent State students and $6 to the general public.

The collection of work, spanning from nearly 30 years, will display the evolution of Lessman-Moss’ craft including pieces created from a wide variety of looms.

Lessman-Moss’ work is extraordinary and some pieces include metallic materials that make the work shine and seem to almost dance in the light, said Museum Curator Sarah Hume.  

Lessman-Moss has worked as a professor at Kent State since she finished graduate school over 35 years ago. The museum is holding the exhibit now, as this is Lessman-Moss’ last year as a professor, said Hume.

“We wanted to really honor her career and all the work that she’s done. I mean, she’s a really important artist in the area,” Hume said. “So we wanted to pay tribute to her through this exhibition.”

The name “Dancing with the Distance” comes from a song written by musician Al Moss, Lessman-Moss’ husband.

In honor of the opening, Lessman-Moss and Hume will be having a conversation that will be recorded and broadcasted on its website, Feb. 24 at 6 p.m. 

Tickets can be purchased here.

Benjamin Weaver is a reporter. Contact him at [email protected].