Nina Battaglia

About

Artist Statement

The portrayal of a biological narrative that stems from my ancestors to myself is what drives my artistic practice. My work examines inherited systems of care, labor, and transformation through slow, attentive processes that mirror the rhythms of the natural world. I approach making as an act of listening, by attending to what nonhuman life, materials, and embodied gestures can teach us about survival, interdependence, and continuity.

These works emerge through repetition, tending, and time-based actions that blur distinctions between production and devotion. By foregrounding fragility, maintenance, and cyclical change, the work resists extractive models of value and instead proposes making as a reciprocal relationship; one that asks what it means to inherit responsibility rather than ownership, and how knowledge persists through touch, ritual, and care.

Biography

Nina Battaglia is an artist and printmaker from Youngstown, Ohio, and a Master of Fine Arts candidate in Printmaking at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Print Media and Photography from Kent State University. Her work has been featured in solo and group exhibitions, published in magazines, and included in permanent collections nationwide.

Battaglia’s practice explores environmentalism, labor, and family legacy, examining how ancestral and cultural histories shape identity and inform contemporary relationships to the natural world. Through research-driven and narrative-based work, she considers how personal histories intersect with broader economic and ecological systems, encouraging viewers to reflect on humanity’s collective responsibility to land, labor, and lineage. Her approach is informed by international study experiences and a deep engagement with both conceptual inquiry and process.

Battaglia is a licensed K-12 art educator in the state of Ohio and has taught workshops for students of all ages across a wide range of artistic mediums. She currently serves as Graduate Assistant in Education at the Kennedy Museum of Art, where she develops community workshops, designs educational programming for public schools and university courses, assists with exhibition design and curation, and leads museum tours. She is also an Instructor of Record in the Ohio University College of Fine Arts, teaching courses including Image + Design, Description + Drawing, and Printmaking.

Through her MFA research, Battaglia’s work has expanded into interdisciplinary forms while remaining grounded in printmaking. Her MFA exhibition, the bee will tell you, opens in March 2026, and she is anticipated to graduate in May 2026.

Curriculum Vitae

EDUCATION

Master of Fine Arts in Printmaking, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio, 2026

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Printmaking & Photography, Ceramics Minor, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, 2020

AWARDS AND HONORS

  • Graduate Recruitment Scholarship, Ohio University, 2023 to 2026
  • Graduate Assistantship, Ohio University, 2023 to 2026
  • Graduate Super Stipend, Ohio University, 2023 to 2024
  • Denise Rhea-Adams Study Abroad Scholarship $5,000, Kent State University, 2019

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Museum & Gallery Experience

Kennedy Museum of Art, Athens, Ohio, 2025 to 2026

Graduate Assistant to the Head of Learning & Engagement

  • Offered hands-on experience critical for careers in museum education, interpretation, and arts administration
  • Supported planning, scheduling, budgeting, and execution of public programs, guided tours, and workshops
  • Developed interpretive materials for exhibitions and collections
  • Led tours for PreK-12 students, university classes, and general visitors
  • Coordinated educational programming in collaboration with museum staff
  • Gained training in museum education best practices and professional standards
  • Utilized software tools for scheduling, communications, and event promotion
  • Delivered excellent visitor services and group instruction for diverse audiences
  • Applied knowledge of education strategies and/or art and art history

Medici Museum of Art, Warren, Ohio, 2021 to 2023

Graphic Designer

Gallery Assistant

Front Desk Clerk

Museum Shop Sales Clerk

Leadership and Administrative Roles

Bobcat Print Club Vice President, School of Art + Design, Ohio University, 2025 to 2026

Bobcat Print Club President, School of Art + Design, Ohio University, 2024 to 2025

Letterpress & Bookmaking Shop Manager, School of Art + Design, Ohio University, 2026

Etching & Relief Shop Manager, School of Art + Design, Ohio University, 2025

Screen Printing Shop Manager, School of Art + Design, Ohio University, 2024

Lithography Shop Manager, School of Art + Design, Ohio University, 2023

United Print Alliance Vice President, Print Media & Photography Area, School of Art + Design, Kent State University, 2019 to 2020

TEACHING EXPERIENCE (Instructor-of-Record)

Screenprinting, Ohio University, Fall 2025

Students in the course are introduced to a series of introductory screenprinting techniques through demonstrations, lectures, viewing original prints and hands-on studio work. Critiques, group discussions, research, and information gathering assignments complement the skill-building components. Students are given the flexibility for in-depth exploration of selected techniques to gain fluency with the medium and related terminology, to develop nuanced problem-solving abilities, and to engage in contemporary, conceptual conversation surrounding screenprinting.

Foundations: Description + Drawing, Ohio University, Spring 2025

This course introduces drawing and other descriptive processes as an expansive practice and a means for developing perceptual and conceptual thinking skills. Various methods of image making, three-dimensional modeling, and data mapping are used as tools for observation and expression. Through broad, hands-on exposure to materials and methods, students develop expressive, communicative, and analytical capabilities.

Foundations: Image + Design, Ohio University, Fall 2024

This course explores the production and design of representational, abstract, and symbolic images. Students are introduced to lens-based, digital, and analog processes for creating imagery, explorations of various techniques and technologies, as well as applications of color theory. Through the study of image systems and cultural contexts, students develop skills for various modes of image-making in art and design, an understanding of their expressive potentials, and the role of interpretation and critical analysis of images within a contemporary context.

TEACHING EXPERIENCE (Teaching Assistant)

Letterpress and Bookmaking, Ohio University, Spring 2026

Etching/Relief, Ohio University, Spring 2025

Anatomical Modeling: Traditional Anatomical Sculpting and Casting, Ohio University, Fall 2024

Intro to Painting: Unconventional Portraits, Ohio University, Summer Arts for Youth, Summer 2024

Contemporary Drawing, Ohio University, Summer Arts for High School, Summer 2024

Screenprinting, Ohio University, Spring 2024

Foundations: Description + Drawing (Online Facilitator), Ohio University, Spring 2024

Studio Art BFA Practicum, Ohio University, Fall 2023

Lithography/Monotype, Ohio University, Fall 2023

TEACHING EXPERIENCE (Other)

Art Educator, Medici Museum of Art, Warren, Ohio, 2021 to 2023

  • Art classes, workshops, and tours engage diverse audiences with the museum’s collections and exhibitions. Programs are tailored to various age groups, focusing on techniques, materials, and concepts to deepen appreciation and understanding of art. They foster creativity, critical thinking, and personal expression through experimentation with different mediums.

Traditional/Mixed Media Art Pathway Teacher, (In-Person and Remote), Trumbull County Educational Service Center, STEAM Powered Program, Lordstown, Ohio, 2021 to 2022

  • The Mixed Media Art pathway introduces students to a diverse range of visual art techniques and materials. Through collaborative projects, students work together to solve visual art problems, applying their knowledge and skills in creative ways. Lessons and activities are designed to engage students’ artistic talents, encouraging both individual and group exploration. This pathway emphasizes creativity and openness of expression while focusing on process development, self-assessment, and evaluation, helping students refine their artistic practices and develop their unique voices.

Substitute Teacher, Trumbull County Educational Service Center, Trumbull County, Ohio, 2021 to 2022

  • Taught grades K-12, adapting lesson plans and maintaining classroom routines.
  • Managed diverse learning environments, ensuring a productive and safe atmosphere.
  • Supported students and facilitated both in-person and remote learning.

ELC Art Teacher, Early Learning Center, Youngstown, Ohio, 2022 to 2023

  • The Infant, Toddler, and Preschool Art activities focus on sensory exploration, creative expression, and imaginative play. Engaging art lessons are designed to help children aged 0-5 develop fine motor skills and support cognitive, emotional, and social development by introducing basic art concepts.

Art Instructor, The Paul and Yetta Gluck School of Visual Arts, Jewish Community Center, Youngstown, Ohio, 2021 to 2023

  • The JCC offers classes for all ages that foster creativity, personal growth, and community through hands-on learning. Options include private art lessons for personalized instruction, open studio sessions for free exploration, and sensory-friendly art sessions for inclusive, accessible art experiences. Fine art and craft classes are offered, covering various techniques such as watercolor and acrylic painting, traditional drawing, mixed media, ceramic hand-building, glass fusing, and mosaics.

Art Instructor, Heritage Manor Nursing Home, Youngstown, Ohio, 2023

  • Art classes offer seniors a creative and therapeutic outlet through tailored sensory art activities, promoting personal expression, motor skills, and social interaction.

Art Instructor, Levy Gardens Assisted Living Center, Youngstown, Ohio, 2021 to 2023

  • Art classes offer residents opportunities to explore their creativity through accessible art activities, fostering self-expression and mental stimulation.

Art Instructor, Park Vista Independent Living Center, Youngstown, Ohio, 2021 to 2023

  • Art classes allow residents to relax and express themselves through a variety of media including painting, sculpture, and collage.

K-8 Art Teacher, Akiva Academy, Youngstown, Ohio, 2021

  • Kindergarten through 2nd Grade: Students explore basic art concepts through various media, developing creativity and fine motor skills.
  • 3rd through 5th Grade: Students advance their skills with new techniques, learning art history and expressing creativity through varied projects.
  • 6th through 8th Grade: Students refine techniques like mixed media and digital art, studying art movements to deepen creativity and self-expression.

INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE

Study Abroad in Studio Art, Kent State University: Florence, Florence, Italy, Fall 2019

RESIDENCIES

  • Officina Stamperia del Notaio, Tusa, Sicily, 2025
  • Kent Blossom Art Intensives: Print Media, Kent State University, 2019

ONE-PERSON EXHIBITIONS

2026

  • the bee will tell you, MFA Thesis Exhibition, Trisolini Gallery, Ohio University

2024

  • Moth-er, The Atrium Gallery, Marietta College Hermann Fine Arts Center, Marietta, Ohio

2022

  • In Crescita, Thomases Family Endowment Art Gallery, Youngstown, Ohio

2020

  • Radici, BFA Thesis Exhibition, Payto Gallery, Kent State University

GROUP EXHIBITIONS

2024

  • Elevate and Empower, Multicultural Art Exhibition, hosted by the Ohio University Black Student Union in collaboration with the Ohio University Student Senate, Athens, Ohio
  • Turning Two, MFA Second-Year Exhibition, Ohio University Art Gallery, Athens, Ohio
  • Kinship, MFA First-Year Exhibition, Trisolini Gallery, Athens, Ohio

2023

  • Ridges Pop-Up Show, The Ridges at Ohio University, Athens, Ohio
  • Drift, ARTS/West, Athens, Ohio
  • Seasons, Reverie Movement Collective, Youngstown, Ohio

2021

  • Area Artists Annual Juried Exhibition, The Butler Institute of American Art, Youngstown, Ohio
  • A Tradition Exhibition, Kent State Print Media, Summit Artspace, Akron, Ohio
  • One Nation: Strength, Unity & Heroism, Commemoration Exhibition for the 20th Anniversary of 9/11, Medici Museum of Art, Warren, Ohio
  • Printers Select, Heights Arts, Cleveland, Ohio

2020

  • Juried Printmaking Exhibition, The In Art Gallery, theinartgallery.com
  • Avant Soirée, Kent State Galleries, Kent, Ohio

2019

  • Kent Blossom Art Intensives, Kent State University School of Art, Kent, Ohio

2018

  • Cleveland Print Room Members Show, Cleveland Print Room, Cleveland, Ohio

CURATED EXHIBITIONS

Turning Two, MFA Second-Year Exhibition, Ohio University Art Gallery, 2024

Exhibition featuring the work of Ohio University Second-Year MFA graduate students. Assisted in curation and installation of pieces within the gallery.

Kinship, MFA First-Year Exhibition, Trisolini Gallery, 2024

Exhibition featuring the work of Ohio University First-Year MFA graduate students. Organizer of the exhibition, and assisted in curation and installation of pieces within the gallery.

The Importance of Being Human, Carole Feuerman, Medici Museum of Art, 2022

Solo exhibition featuring artwork from world renowned hyper-realistic sculptor, Carole Feuerman. Assisted in arrangement and installation of pieces within the gallery.

The Renie and James Grohl Family Collection, Medici Museum of Art, 2022

Assisted in arrangement and installation of paintings and prints within the gallery.

Ohio Biennial Exhibition, Medici Museum of Art, 2021

Assisted in arrangement and installation of pieces within the gallery.

Norman Rockwell: American Scouting Collection, Medici Museum of Art, 2021

Assisted in arrangement and installation of paintings and prints within the gallery.

LECTURES/PRESENTATIONS

  • 2 Minute Max Artist Talk, Ohio University, 2026
  • 2 Minute Max Artist Talk, Ohio University, 2024
  • 5×5 Artist Talk, Ohio University, 2023
  • Visiting Artist: Relief Printing Lesson & Demonstration, Ohio University, School of Art + Design, 2023
  • Visiting Artist & Guest Speaker: Screen Printing Lesson & Demonstration, Mahoning County Career and Technical Center (MCCTC), Canfield, Ohio, 2022
  • Event Painter, Medici Museum of Art, 2021
  • Visiting Artist: Screen Printing Demonstration and Workshop, Medici Museum of Art, 2021

BIBLIOGRAPHY

EXCHANGE PORTFOLIOS

2026

  • Ohio University Graduate Alumni Print Exchange, Ohio University

2025

  • Food and Fighting, Print titled Dubai Chocolate Donut, an edition of 15 serigraphs, Ohio University
  • ATBI Print Exchange: Amphibians, Print titled Freckles, an edition of 20 serigraphs, Ohio Museum Complex, Athens, Ohio
  • PINKmaking Exchange, Print titled Ficarazzi, an edition of 18 letterpress-printed reductive reliefs, Curated by Zoe Brester-Pennings, Cleveland, Ohio

2024

  • Herbarium Print Exchange, Print titled Sambucus Racemosa, an edition of 22 serigraphs, University of Colorado Museum of Natural History, Boulder, Colorado
  • ATBI Print Exchange: Insects, Print titled Graphocephala Coccinea, an edition of 20 serigraphs, Ohio Museum Complex, Athens, Ohio
  • Tongues and Other Things that Taste, Print titled Thief, an edition of 18 serigraphs, Ohio University
  • Member Print Exchange, Print titled A Sunday Before Today, an edition of 13 serigraphs, SGCI, Providence, Rhode Island

2023

  • Student & Alumni Exchange: Lil’ Guys, Print titled Little Green, an edition of 22 serigraphs, Kent State University

2022

  • Itty Bitty Print Exchange, Print titled Cimaruta, an edition of 31 relief prints, Curated by Fiona Avocado, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

2021

  • United Print Alliance Zine Exchange, Zine titled Herbs, an edition of 36 risograph prints, Kent State University

2020

  • Currents and Crossings Portfolio Exchange, Print titled From Calabria & Back, an edition of 20 serigraphs, Curated by Amanda Dilara Miller, University of Colorado-Boulder