Whether it’s from personal experience or a legacy left by ancestors many generations ago, there are stories, rooted in culture, to be told by everyone. These stories influence the way we work, think, and interact with the world around us. For Dr. Lori Santos and Vladimir Ramos, differing cultural backgrounds created an opportunity to illustrate how separate perspectives interpret and share these stories. Their points of view are shared through Intercultural Dialogues in Art: Stories of You, Me, and Us, an exhibition and related series of events hosted by Missouri State’s Art Education Department.

Intercultural Dialogues showcases the works by Dr. Santos and Ramos that were inspired by the Indigenous communities of the Americas. Dr. Santos, from the US, and Ramos, from Peru, created works with the idea of identity directly tied to place as the focus. Dr. Steve Willis of Missouri State’s Art Education program describes the collection as, “a cross-cultural, multi-language, multi-institution, and multimedia [collection] that will transport cultural similarities in the intersection of image, language, cultures, age, and image-making.” The exhibit is on view in the Cabot Gallery, located in Brick City Building 3, from October 18-November 20.

All are welcome to participate in an artists’ talk with Dr. Lori Santos and Vladimir Ramos to learn about the exhibition’s theme in greater detail. The ideas behind Intercultural Dialogues, cultural influences, storytelling, and thoughts on cultural appropriation will be primary topics of discussion. The talk will take place at 7 PM on November 12 in Brick City Building 1, room 312.

In addition to the artists’ talks, Art + Design students are also invited to attend a two-day art workshop on November 12 and 13. Seating will be limited, and additional details will be announced soon.

Those interested in attending the artists’ talk or workshops should email Dr. Steve Willis at SteveWillis@MissouriState.edu.

The Cabot Gallery is located in Brick City Building 3 at 215 West Mill Street, Springfield, Missouri, 65806. The gallery can be visited Monday–Friday 11 AM–6 PM and Saturday 11 AM–4 PM. Call 417-837-2330 for additional details. Please wear a mask and practice safe distancing when visiting the gallery.

Taylor Ladd is a graduate assistant for the Department of Art + Design. She is working towards her master’s degree in writing at Missouri State University with professional interests in writing about art, culture, and food.