Cynthia Clabough

Cynthia Clabough serves as Professor and Department Chair for Graphic Design & Illustration at State University of New York at Oswego, where she leads academic programs and represents art department leadership across SUNY as President of the Council of Art Department Chairpersons (CADC). Her career bridges professional art practice and academia, with prior roles including faculty at Sinclair Community College and Research/Medical Illustrator at Southern Illinois University.

Her educational foundation includes an MFA in Drawing and Painting from Southern Illinois University (1985) and a BFA from Lake Erie College (1980). As a mixed media artist, she investigates power dynamics through works that dissect cultural narratives—specifically examining how 'the oppressed become the oppressors' via historical symbolism recontextualized in contemporary art. This research manifests in layered scenes that provoke reflection on societal pendulum swings without literal explanation.

Her 2017 publications in social justice pedagogy demonstrate applied research connecting artistic practice to community engagement. Awards highlight multidimensional excellence: SUNY Chancellor Award for Service (2018), President’s Teaching Award (2010), Research Foundation Scholarship Award (2007), and Academic Advisement Award (1999).

She has curated major student exhibitions like the 2018 'My Hometown Project' (450+ works) and maintains active regional/national exhibition presence. Her office hours utilize digital booking systems, reflecting integration of technology in academic practice, while her Michigan Womyn's Music Festival contributions (1990-2015) showcase sustained community artistic engagement.