Missouri State University’s Department of Art and Design is currently hosting two exhibits that offer a fresh perspective on our relationship with the natural world through sculpture, acrylic and watercolor.

“This Land,” an exhibit by Stacey Holloway and Steve Snell, explores the dynamics between humans and the natural environment, while Matt Moyer provides a unique take on mechanical artifacts and systems in “Artifacts.”

“This Land” is open for viewing at the Robert and Margaret Carolla Arts Exhibition Center Aug. 19-Sept. 13. Hours are Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

“Artifact” is available for viewing at Brick City Gallery  Aug. 26-Sept. 20. Hours are Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Both exhibits will also be open during the First Friday Art Walk Sept. 6 from 6-9 p.m.

Snell and Holloway exhibits present “playful dialogue” on nature

Describing his art as reflecting a lifelong fascination with nature and adventure, Snell said he draws inspiration from his explorations along the Missouri River.

“All of the animals except the wolf come from going down the Missouri River,” Snell said. His work is meant to transport the viewer into his experiences, he added, whether it’s the quiet moment of a coyote’s stare or the vibrant life along the river’s edge.

As Snell puts it, his work aims to tell stories that “inspire others to write their own stories,” reflecting a collaborative narrative that extends beyond gallery walls.

In contrast, Stacey Holloway presents a complementary exploration of the natural world, often focusing on animals and their interactions with humans, according to Deidre Argyle, sculpture professor at Missouri State.

The interplay between Snell’s watercolor landscapes and Holloway’s sculptural animals provides a thoughtful and playful dialogue that invites viewers to reflect on their own relationships with nature, Argyle noted.

Moyer exhibit reflects blue-collar background

Moyer’s exhibit shifts focus from the natural world to the mechanical, drawing from his blue-collar background and personal history. Raised in a family of union plumbers and pipefitters, Moyer’s fascination with mechanical artifacts began early.

“I, too, worked in the union, and believe it or not, that time really shaped me as an artist,” Moyer explained. His pieces, such as the “Catastrophic Chunks,” reflect his unique process of transforming industrial objects into abstract forms.

Moyer said these works are inspired by found objects, like melted and fused steel staples from a factory accident, which he then transforms into sculptures.

Exhibits offer unique learning opportunities for students

Argyle said these exhibits are important to educational environments, as they provide a rich ground for both artistic and academic engagement.

“We are training artists to be visual communicators, and part of that is understanding how to respond to art,” she said. “Looking at other artists’ work helps students stay current and relevant.”

The exhibits also offer a unique learning opportunity for students beyond the art and design department, according to Argyle.

“Artists are making sense of our world using a visual language,” she said. “Students from various disciplines could benefit from these exhibits. Engineers might find inspiration in Moyer’s mechanical sculptures, for example, while environmental studies students could gain new insights from Holloway’s and Snell’s focus on the natural world.”

Both exhibits challenge viewers to think critically about their relationship with the natural world and the built environment, Argyle explained.

“Moyer’s work invites us to consider the hidden complexities of industrialization and its impact on our lives,” Argyle said. “Snell’s and Holloway’s pieces encourage a deep appreciation for the natural world and its untold stories.”

The Carolla Arts Exhibition Center, located at 326 N. Boonville Ave, Springfield, MO 65806, is open Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

The Brick City Gallery, located at 215 W. Mill St, Springfield, MO 65806, is open Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Call 417-837-2330 for additional details.

Photo credits: Department of Art and Design.

News written by Sam Barnette and edited by the 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. She is now working toward an MS in Data Science and Analytic Storytelling at Truman State University.