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Chris Ryan began his formal education at John Carroll University, receiving a B.A. in history and a minor in art history. While studying extensively in Florence, he received a post-baccalaureate certificate in painting, drawing and printmaking. He holds both an M.A. in modern European history from the University of Virginia and an M.F.A. in painting/drawing from Bowling Green State University. Ryan currently serves as gallery director and professor at Hiram College.

Ryan’s artwork reflects a dichotomy between ancient forms and modern movements, which translates into a combination of old and new, public and personal, the fixations of everyday life contrasted with the troubling wars of the world. His intent is to establish new dialogues by finding context in the past and reflecting on perceptions of the present. Ryan has exhibited his work in solo and group shows in the U.S. and Italy, and most recently at the Canton Museum of Art, the University of Akron and the Erie Art Museum.

Mansfield, Ohio, native James Mellick earned his B.A. in art and sociology from Greenville College, followed by his M.F.A. from Southern Illinois University. His educational repertoire began when he taught sculpture, printmaking, drawing and design at Colby-Sawyer College in New Hampshire. From there, Mellick founded the art program at Houghton College in western New York.

Mellick’s teaching experience includes Calvin College, Ohio Northern University, the Columbus College of Art and Design, Calvin College, Penland School of Craft, and most recently he’s joined the art department at Cedarville University. His work, a majority of which features animals, has been published in "Craft Arts International,” "Woodwork,” and "Woodshop News,” magazines, and in several college and high school textbooks. Today, Mellick works as a sculptor and a mentor with his pieces being featured in galleries across the United States.

Regular gallery hours are Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, visit www.mvnu.edu/art. For more information on the artists, visit www.christopherryanart.com and www.jamesmellick.com.

Mount Vernon Nazarene University is a private, four-year, intentionally Christian teaching university for traditional age students, graduate students and working adults. U.S. News & World Report ranks MVNU in the top 50 Best in the Midwest (Baccalaureate) institutions for the fifth year in a row. With a 400-acre main campus in Mount Vernon, Ohio, and eight additional satellite Adult and Graduate Studies sites throughout the state, MVNU emphasizes academic excellence, spiritual growth and service to community and church. MVNU offers an affordable education to more than 2,500 students from 25 states and six countries/U.S. territories.