This fall, the Carolla Arts Exhibition Center and the Department of Art and Design will host “Legacy: Celebrating the Art + Design Department,” an exhibition honoring all who helped shape the department’s history since it began.

A special reception will be held 6-9 p.m. Oct. 18 at the center, bringing together alumni, faculty, friends, and family.

The exhibit runs from Oct. 4-Nov. 1., coinciding with the university’s homecoming celebrations. The Exhibition Center will be closed Oct. 10-11 during MSU’s Fall Break.

“I am thrilled that so many faculty are planning to attend,” said Vonda Yarberry, art and design department head. “We’ve also heard from many alumni who are excited to meet up with their friends and former professors.”

Exhibit features work of retired faculty

Featuring works from 25 retired studio faculty, the “Legacy” exhibit pays tribute to those who have contributed to Missouri State University and its art community.

The exhibit and reception also offers a chance to appreciate the department’s evolution, both in its facilities and its role in shaping students’ professional and creative development.

The exhibit showcases a variety of works created by former faculty members who taught and inspired thousands of students. The works include paintings, prints, drawings, design, photography, sculptures, jewelry and works in metal.

Part of this exhibit includes a ‘Wall of Honor’ which has a list of 103 names of former full-time faculty who have served the department since it began.

“Seeing the quality of works in this exhibition by former professors, it is easy to see why the department has had such a significant impact on its students over time,” Yarberry said.

A time to reflect

For Yarberry, who joined MSU — then Southwest Missouri State University — in 1989, the exhibit also offers a chance to reflect.

“The department has enjoyed a groundswell of support from the institution and community during the years,” she said. “[This] is really evident when you stand at the Carolla Arts Exhibition Center and look out over the Jordan Creek area to see the Brick City complex, which the department has fully occupied since 2013.”

The Department of Art and Design encourages everyone to join them during the First Friday Art Walk 6-9 p.m. Nov. 1 as they celebrate the people who have brought the department to where it is today.

Showcased retired studio faculty

Roman Duszek
John Careggio
Suzi Ettinger
Carolyn Cardenas
Dwaine Crigger
Alan Brown
Sharon Harper
Rodney Frew
Jerry Hatch
Hugh Yorty
Eric Pervukhin
Fred Kieferndorf
Iwona Zalewska-Duszek
Maria Michalczyk
Bruce West
Bill Senter
Cedomir Kostovic
Judith Fowler
Bill Armstrong
Tom Kinsey
Jim Richardson
Bev Hopkins
Sarah Perkins
Keith Ekstam
Jay Adams

The Carolla Arts Exhibition Center is located at 326 N. Boonville Ave, Springfield, MO 65806 and is open Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-6 p.m. For additional information, call 417-837-2330.

Photo provided by Vonda Yarberry.

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.