Renovations on a series of old industrial buildings in downtown Springfield have been completed and Brick City is now fully open to students, faculty and staff.

“The move to Brick City has given the art and design department the room to grow, not just in terms of square footage, but also in exchanging ideas, creating new collaborations and redefining our shared vision,” said Carolyn Cardenas, head of the department of art and design.

September: A month of celebrations

A Preview Party was held Sept. 5 in the Brick City Galleries. The invitation-only event thanked key players in the move to Brick City by providing them with tours of the renovations and a sneak peek at exhibits opening the following day.

The Red Tie Event followed on Sept. 6, kicking off the First Friday Art Walk season at Brick City. Guests wore red in honor of the arts. Tours of the facility were available and the artists on display shared about their work.

Governor Jay Nixon and MSU President Clif Smart headlined the downtown ribbon cutting ceremony on Sept. 17, which brought a standing room-only crowd.

Now with the ribbon cut, Brick City is up and running, providing art and design students a new niche in the Springfield community.