Thomas Schroth Visiting Artist Series

Since 2001, the Thomas Schroth Visiting Artist Series has presented guest artists respected in the field of theatre, dance, visual arts, music and architecture including such noted artists as Tony award-winners Stephen Schwartz, the composer of "Wicked," "Into the Woodsand more; "Next to Normal" actress Alice Ripley; the Grammy-winning Emerson String Quartet; postmodern minimalist artist Richard Tuttle; artists and fashion designers Ruben and Isabel Toledo; the internationally acclaimed dance company, Ballet Florida; and actor, dancer and arts advocate Ben Vereen and the Limon Dance Group, just to name a few. 

The Schroth series was established by Cecile Draime and her late husband, Max, of Warren, Ohio, to honor their dear friend Thomas Schroth (1922-1997). A noted regional architect, Schroth designed the Butler Institute of Art’s Trumbull museum in Howland, as well as numerous other award-winning projects. Thomas Schroth spent his life in Niles, Ohio, as a prominent architect and inveterate collaborator in the artistic life of the Mahoning Valley and Northeast Ohio. A world traveler, he saw human creativity as a window framing human experience. The Thomas Schroth Visiting Artist Series brings diverse views through that window to the Kent campus and community.

The events are always free and open to the public.

Spring 2024 Schroth Series

The College of the Arts is proud to continue the acclaimed Thomas Schroth Visiting Artist Series this year with presentations and workshops dedicated to the College's commitment to celebrating diversity within the Arts.


Thijs Verhaar and Lyske Gais

Knitwear Designer, Founder of Knitwear Label and Artist, Designer 

Verhaar and Gais will be keynote speakers and host a workshop during the Knitting Symposium in March 2024. The faculty host for this event is Krissi Riewe Stevenson (Fashion).

Date: March 21, 22, 2024

More Information and Registration


Pauline St. Denis

New York-based photographer

St. Denis will be hosting a three-day workshop from Wednesday, April 24 through Friday, April 26 during Fashion Week 2024. The faculty host for this workshop is Hillary Stone (Fashion).

Date: April 24-26, 2024