Archives for July 2024

University orchestra performs at Carnegie Hall

July 25, 2024 by Lynn M. Lansdown

The Missouri State University Symphony Orchestra performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City June 13, 2024, with Dr. Christopher Kelts conducting.

Woman and man hug after music performance — Missouri State alum Jiyeon Lee shares a hug with conductor Dr. Christopher Kelts after performing “Rhapsody in Blue.”

The program included Leonard Bernstein’s “Overture to ‘Candide,’” emeritus professor Dr. John Prescott’s “Adagio from Baroque Concerto, Op. 77a” and Florence Price’s “‘Adoration’ for String Orchestra.”

In addition, the orchestra performed George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue,” accompanied by solo pianist Jiyeon Lee.

Lee, a Missouri State alum, studied with Dr. Hye-Jung Hong, associate professor in the Department of Music.

“Carnegie Hall is one of the most prestigious venues in the world for music, and it was so exciting to hear our own MSU Symphony students perform there,” said Dr. Paula Patterson, head of the music department.

“The University Symphony performed superbly,” Kelts said.

According to Patterson, several individuals connected with Missouri State attended the performance. These included music faculty, parents, alumni, former MSU president Clif Smart and Dean Shawn Wahl of the Reynolds College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities (RCASH).

Jin A. Seo featured in latest edition of Mind’s Eye

July 18, 2024 by Damilola R. Oyedeji

Congratulations to Jin A. Seo, assistant professor in the Department of Art and Design, on her feature story in the 2024 issue of Mind’s Eye magazine.

In her exploration of the human body, Seo’s work delves into the interplay of what is real and what is artificial in our environments.

The full story is now available online.

Excerpt

Stunning vistas and glorious light-filled landscapes inspire artists.

No surprise that Jin A. Seo, associate professor of art and design at Missouri State University, counts herself among those inspired.

However, Seo, an art jeweler, approaches landscapes differently.

Her work breaks the confines of traditional jewelry-making. Pushing past an outfit accessory, her jewelry serves a sculptural exploration of the body. Seo’s work asks the viewer to consider their own body as a landscape.

Read the full story

Local news highlights Judith Enyeart Reynolds Complex expansion

July 18, 2024 by Lynn M. Lansdown

The Reynolds College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities (RCASH) continues to gain attention from the Springfield community.

In a July 17 article, the Springfield Daily Citizen wrote about matching grant money RCASH recently received.

The funds go toward developing the Judith Enyeart Reynolds Complex, a new community “front porch” for the arts, social sciences and humanities. The project also includes renovations to Craig Hall.

The article includes interviews with Dean Shawn Wahl and students from the Department of Theatre and Dance.

Read the article

Ceramics student Christina Hanula participates in Taiwan student exchange program

July 17, 2024 by Reynolds College

Ceramics student Christina Hanula, from the Department of Art and Design at Missouri State University, participated in an exchange program at Tainan National University of the Arts (TNUA) during the spring 2024 semester.

The program provides students from TNUA’s Graduate Institute of Applied Arts and MSU’s art and design program opportunities to learn about each other’s cultures and educational processes.

MSU and TNUA established the exchange program nearly 20 years ago.

Excited to learn about Taiwanese culture

Hanula learned about the program from her ceramics instructor, associate professor Kevin Hughes.

“I was excited,” Hanula said. “I had never left the United States before coming to Taiwan, so the first thing I did was to gather the documents I needed to apply for a passport.”

While in Taiwan, Hanula hoped to learn more about Taiwanese culture while gaining personal and professional relationships with fellow artists.

Group of people in classroom — TNUA students and faculty with visiting artist Jung Min Park.

Despite the language barrier, Hanula met her goals and then some, explaining that she learned more about a culture full of good food and good friends.

“The friends I have made here have all been extremely helpful, friendly and welcoming,” Hanula said. “Taiwan is full of great food, unique experiences and welcoming people.”

“There is a language barrier, mostly outside of the school,” she continued. “A lot of the students at TNUA know a lot of English, and they have been extremely helpful in translating when we go out into the city together because I only know a handful of words in Chinese.”

“Google Translate has become my best friend,” she added.

“Boomerangs, Butterflies and Then Some” on view at Brick City Gallery

July 15, 2024 by Reynolds College

Missouri State University art professor emeritus Jerry Hatch and his wife, Hing Wah Hatch, are the latest artists to be featured in a summer exhibition at the Brick City Gallery.

Sponsored by Missouri State’s Department of Art and Design, “Boomerangs, Butterflies and Then Some” is on view July 5-Aug. 4 and will end at the First Friday Art Walk Aug. 4 from 6-8 p.m.

The exhibit features a diverse collection of works created by the Hatches that span painting, drawing, printmaking and sculpture.