All information about exhibition spaces across campus are now located on one web site, making it easier than ever to identity exhibitions patrons can enjoy and how to access them.
With the recent shifts in exhibition venues and readying a new exhibition space on Boonville for fall 2021, The Art + Design Department “saw this transition as the perfect opportunity to formalize the structure of all our unique exhibition spaces under one unifying umbrella,” shares Jodi McCoy, Director of Exhibitions. The Art + Design Department values the sharing of gallery experiences in a way that is as accessible as possible to patrons. “I’m hoping the reorganization helps our audience see the larger mission of what we’re working toward across all of our exhibitions spaces and make it easier to connect […] through engaging exhibitions, exploratory contemporary art, and culture trends,” shares Jodi.
The relationships between gallery spaces and exhibitions will now be more apparent and will provide “opportunities to curate exhibitions in tandem and strengthen the messages we hope to convey,” says Jodi. Galleries that are administered by the department include: Brick City Gallery, Cabot Gallery, Taylor Gallery, the new gallery space on Boonville, as well as virtual programming.
Existing within this new web structure, the lesser known galleries will also benefit from additional exposure. “The Cabot Gallery is a hidden gem to many, but well known to its primary audience of Art Education students,” says Department Head, Vonda Yarberry. “It’s a thriving hive of activity when the annual Students of Students exhibit is on view, featuring works by K-12 students of the MSU Art Education student teachers. Pre-COVID, it was not unusual to have 900 or more people attend those openings because of the all the family and friends of students who had work on display.”
University Galleries will also help highlight the Taylor Gallery space which is located on the second floor of Magers Health Center. The Art + Design Department stages three exhibitions per year in this venue which includes a series of small display cases that were envisioned as part of the original design of the building to offer a moment of respite to the health center’s patients and staff.
The department’s virtual exhibitions and resources also have a new spotlight as one of the University Galleries. “Throughout the past year, we’ve been working on developing a virtual exhibition space […] and have been steadily expanding our programming,” shares Jodi, “We have hosted exhibitions featuring work from our students, including the juried exhibition, ABOUT A MASK.” This past summer, they also hosted an international collaborative exhibition between five schools entitled, Public/Private. Art History student research is already featured annually in online exhibits, and now the work will be more easily accessible to the public. The next virtual exhibition is opening May 30, and will be a new, annual, juried exhibition for high school art and design students.
Whether in a physical gallery or visiting a virtual gallery from the comfort of your own home, the Art + Design Department continues to expand and evolve in order to create significant experiences for students and the community of Springfield, MO.