This week marks the close of a fun and enriching two weeks for students attending Missouri Fine Arts Academy. The residential program began June 12 and will conclude June 25 with a showcase exhibition from noon–2 p.m. at Carolla Arts Exhibition Center.

Missouri Fine Arts Academy strives to motivate students to create new artwork in ways that encourage problem solving and creative risk taking. Missouri State University was selected as the hosting site for the program in 1995 and has since continued to welcome exceptional students in the arts for its annual summer sessions. The program is open to Missouri high school juniors and seniors practicing creative writing, dance, music, theater, and visual art. Students apply each year with a portfolio or audition video to be accepted to participate in the interdisciplinary and discipline-specific exercises and activities, such as insightful presentations by local artists and art educators.

To celebrate the artwork produced by this year’s academy, students will display their completed work at Carolla Arts Exhibition Center for their peers and families to enjoy.

Those interested in attending the academy next year can submit applications this fall or contact the program director for more information.

Carolla Arts Exhibition Center is located at 326 N. Boonville Ave, Springfield, Missouri. Gallery hours are Monday–Friday 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Call 417-837-2330 for additional details.

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.