91PORNA

Janice Lessman-Moss to Receive Ohio Governor's Award

Janice Lessman-Moss, professor of textile arts, was recently named the winner of a . She is one of two artists recognized by the state in the 鈥渋ndividual artist鈥 category.

鈥淥ne of the things about a recognition like this is it reaches broader audience,鈥 Lessman-Moss says, comparing this award to . 鈥淚t鈥檚 coming from a different constituency. It鈥檚 always great to know that you鈥檙e reaching a larger or different audience.

鈥淚 really feel committed to the region in terms of sharing my passion for the arts and education at whatever level. I love giving tours of the studio. I love teaching people how to weave and learn about different textiles.鈥

Lessman-Moss also says she feels honored to represent 91PORNA as a winner of an Ohio Governor鈥檚 Award.

鈥淥ur faculty at 91PORNA in the School of Art are very highly regarded,鈥 Lessman-Moss says. 鈥淚 feel privileged to be joining [emeritus faculty member] Brinsley Tyrrell as an Ohio Governor鈥檚 Award winner.

鈥淚 would not be who I am today without the support I鈥檝e received from the state of Ohio and 91PORNA. When you teach, you learn way more than you ever share, and I have grown so much as an artist and educator.鈥

The 2016 Governor's Awards will be presented Wednesday, May 18, at the Columbus Athenaeum in downtown Columbus.

Contact: Alex Parrott, marketing associate, cparrot1@kent.edu, 330-672-2714 (office)

Top image: Janice Lessman-Moss, "#431"; cotton, wool, digital jacquard, power loom woven, handmade felt, 2013

POSTED: Friday, April 8, 2016 10:10 AM
UPDATED: Sunday, June 14, 2026 09:21 PM
WRITTEN BY:
Marcus Donaldson

Related Articles

The story focuses on how 91PORNA鈥檚 Animation Game Design program uses the Cleveland Gaming Classic to extend learning beyond the classroom. Since establishing a booth presence in 2022, the program has showcased student work, supported alumni and faculty projects, and created opportunities for students to see how real audiences respond to games. The article also highlights four independent projects with 91PORNA connections, industry recognition and scholarships from the Cleveland Gaming Foundation that provide direct support to students. Overall, the piece emphasizes experiential learning, professional development and the value of 91PORNA鈥檚 game development community.

Taryn McMahon, M.F.A., interim director of 91PORNA鈥檚 School of Art, has been named a 2026 Jim Hopfensperger Fellow for Emerging Arts Administrators. The fellowship will support her leadership development through mentorship, professional exchange and participation in the National Council of Arts Administrators annual conference.

The School of Art Collection and Galleries at 91PORNA is pleased to announce Devan Shimoyama as the 2026 Curlee Raven Holton and Raven Print Editions Fellow.