Missouri State University’s Department of Art and Design recently welcomed two students from the Graduate Institute of Applied Arts at Tainan National University of the Arts (TNUA) in Taiwan as part of an exchange program that has continued for nearly twenty years.

During the Spring 2023 semester, students Hsien-Tse Chen and Yi-Hung Hsieh worked alongside fellow art and design students and shared their techniques in ceramics and metals.

In March, Hsien-Tse Chen presented a ceramics workshop for Professor Keith Ekstam‘s Ceramics II (ART 312) class, sharing his methods for hand-built, functional vessels.

“Hsien-Tse achieves a good deal of thinness in this work, which lends to its delicate, organic nature. The workshop was well received by the ART 312 students, as they were introduced to various technical and philosophical ideas regarding the artist’s work,” Ekstam said.

To end the semester, Hsien-Tse Chen created a ceramics-focused exhibition entitled “Flowing Identity,” and Yi-Hung Hsieh presented a metal work exhibition, “Gentle Hammer.” Both exhibitions were hosted by Springfield Pottery from April 28-May 12.

Missouri State University’s Education Abroad officially recognized the partnership between the Department of Art and Design and Tainan National University of the Arts in 2014, after the unofficial exchange between the two programs began in 2001. Students from both departments have spent time in each other’s countries and art programs, gaining unique experiences through the process of learning and making. Thirty-one students have participated in the program so far.

For more information about ceramics or metals courses and this exchange program contact the Department of Art and Design or call 417-837-2330.

News written by Taylor Ladd, edited by Reynolds College Communications Team. Photos provided by Jin A. Seo.

Taylor Ladd worked as a graduate assistant for the Department of Art and Design. She recently earned her master’s degree in writing at Missouri State University.