Missouri State University’s Department of Art and Design offers another summer exhibit at the Robert and Margaret Carolla Arts Exhibition Center.

“Current State” is co-curated by Jodi McCoy, Director of Exhibitions, and Erin Tyler, a student in the MFA Visual Studies program.

The exhibit is available for viewing July 1-Aug. 2 and during the First Friday Art Walk Aug. 2 from 6-8 p.m.

Missouri artists featured

“Current State” features 13 contemporary artists from Springfield, Kansas City and St. Louis, Missouri.

Each artist was asked to supply pieces that explored and discussed their current state. As McCoy said, “where we are informs who we are and what we make.”

Using space to enhance the viewer experience

McCoy and Tyler used the exhibition center’s space to enhance the audience’s viewing experience.

Tyler explained that the space was dissected into “pockets,” intentionally placed to further the communication of each piece both as a singular work and as a part of the whole.

“The building itself is a historic site. It’s special,” Tyler said. “I hope that the show encourages you to slow down and consider their relationship with place.”

Co-curatorial project provides professional experience

This is the third year for MSU’s co-curatorial project. Students from Missouri State’s art and design department submit proposals, then the selected graduate student works with McCoy through each stage of exhibition creation.

Tyler was selected for this year’s project.

As part of her duties, Tyler learned to design the space, account for medium and process and install pieces to create a story from beginning to end.

Tyler described the experience as invaluable, presenting her with opportunities to learn more about administrative logistics, creating a show and supporting the artists.

“The path from proposal to exhibit also provided an education beyond the classroom in how an artist should work with curators,” she added.

At first the process was intimidating, Tyler said, but as a gentle leader McCoy “allowed for fluctuation in a plan that was fluid but controlled.”

About the center

The Carolla Arts Exhibition Center, located at 326 N. Boonville Ave, Springfield, MO 65806, is open during the summer Tuesday-Friday 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Call 417-837-2330 for additional details.

Artists’ Instagram Pages

Stella Blackmon
Madeline Brice
Rick Briggenhorst
Will Chiles
Sage Dawson
Josh Johnson
César López
Emily Mueller
Amanda Smith
Shauna Le Ann Smith
Sarah Williams
Kellen Wright
Mikey Yates

Learn more about the MFA in Visual Studies program

Photo credits: Emily Mueller

News written by Sam Barnette, edited by Reynolds College Communications Team.

Barnette is a writer for the Department of Art and Design. She earned an MFA in Dramatic Writing from Missouri State’s Department of Communication, Media, Journalism and Film and is working toward an MS in Data Science and Analytic Storytelling at Truman State University.