Ronald (Ron) Young, an artist and educator based in St. Louis, Missouri, channels stark realities of social, political, and cultural decay into his studio practice. His mixed-media sculptures are born from the remnants of a crumbling urban environment—weathered doors, rusted tools, decaying wood molding, and abandoned bricks, among other discarded objects. These materials, once symbols of neglect and decline, are transformed into poignant artwork that reflects the resilience and resourcefulness of African Americans navigating a landscape of systemic neglect and diminishing opportunities. Ron’s work resonates with the spiritual narratives of a community that, in the face of adversity, continues the African tradition of using what society discards to craft a powerful statement about survival and hope amid decay.  

Ron earned his MFA from the Sam Fox School of Design and Visual Art at Washington University in St. Louis, where he was awarded a scholarship through the Chancellor’s Graduate Fellowship Program. In 2007, he also received a Fulbright Scholarship to study in Japan. His works are included in the collections of the St. Louis University Art Museum and the Woodruff Library at the Atlanta University Center, where he completed his undergraduate studies at Clark/Atlanta University. Additionally, his work is part of private collections in cities such as Atlanta, Los Angeles, Chicago, Omaha, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and St. Louis. A retired art teacher with over 33 years of experience, Ron now travels extensively, both domestically and abroad. He maintains a private studio in St. Louis and frequently lectures about his art and travel experience.