Amanda Smith, new assistant professor in the Art + Design Department, is expanding the relationship between painting, quilting, and other mediums; plus, allowing students to see the breadth of creative possibilities within and beyond her work. Through her redefinition of preconceived notions of painting, she creates an environment for students that values and encourages the influence of curiosity.

Smith is an artist who challenges the traditional concepts of painting through working with textiles and quilting techniques, yet who also believes in the importance of cheering on other artists. “[I support others] through teaching, curating, and creating connections,” she says.

With experience ranging from teaching at the college-level, to multiple exhibitions of her own work, to varied residencies, the Art + Design Department, its students, and the art community welcomes a fresh face to Springfield.

Smith was first attracted to the Art + Design Department at MSU because of its “great energy” surrounding the people and spaces at Brick City. “I am excited to get to know the students in this program,” says Smith, “to learn what they are curious and enthusiastic about, and to help them explore and express those things in ways they may not have considered before.” Curiosity and enthusiasm is powerful, and even more powerful when welcomed to be expressive in new ways.

This past summer, Smith was part of an international residency program (Est-Nord-Est) in Saint-Jean-Port-Joli, Quebec, where she worked alongside other artists experiencing and presenting their artwork outside of a gallery. Two of her bodies of work were also recently presented at MacCutcheon Art Center and Pace Galleries at the University of Southern Indiana. To top it all off, Smith shares, “I am thrilled to exhibit in Studio Champloo at The International Quilt Study Center and Museum in Lincoln, NE.” Visit https://amandasmithart.com/ to see more of her many awards, honors, grants, fellowships, lectures, and exhibitions.

Amanda is looking forward to a new semester of encouraged questioning, inspiration, and relationships within and beyond the Art + Design Department.