Missouri State University’s Department of Art and Design will host the Fall 2024 BFA in Art Senior Exhibition Nov. 18-22 and Dec. 6-9 in the Brick City Gallery. The exhibit will end with the First Friday Art Walk Dec. 6 from 6-9 p.m.

The Fall 2024 exhibition showcases the dedication and creativity of art and design’s graduating seniors. Visitors can engage with artworks from a wide range of disciplines, including drawing, sculpture, metals, new media and photography.

The department invites the public to join them in celebrating the achievements of these talented artists.

The Brick City Gallery is located at 215 West Mill Street. Gallery hours are Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Program transforms students into artists

“This group has a unique mix of interests and goals, which is reflected in the variety of media and themes in their work,” said Sarah Williams, professor of art and instructor for the BFA Studio Art capstone course. “For many, this is their first major exhibition, making it a truly pivotal moment in their artistic careers. It’s inspiring to see them bring together everything they’ve learned over the past years.”

Williams explained that the capstone experience is designed not only as a culmination of the students’ academic journey but also as preparation for future professional or personal growth. Students develop skills beyond their studio practice, such as time management, financial literacy and understanding the logistics of an exhibition, she said.

“This course helps them transition from being students to emerging artists ready to contribute to the world,” Williams said.

Capstone a significant moment for students

Art and Design Department Head Vonda Yarberry emphasized the exhibition’s significance in the students’ academic careers.

“The BFA in Art exhibition is the capstone requirement for their degree, symbolizing the culmination of their personal and academic growth. Each artist has taken the same core courses but developed a unique voice, making each exhibition distinct and exciting,” she said.

As a senior exhibitor, Max Fowler-Koeppe said that the process of preparing for the exhibition was “stressful, but equally fun. It’s been one of the most formative processes of being a student.”

Fowler-Koeppe described how the BFA program has shaped him as an artist.

“I think it completely changed my perception of what it is to be an artist,” he said. “I’ve been so fortunate to find professors that aren’t afraid to push, question and be honest with me.”

Fall 2024 BFA Senior Exhibition Artists

Andre Cotton
Amber R. Dudenhoeffer
Max Fowler-Koeppe
Reece Gerber
Mikayla C. Humble
Dylan M. Kirk
Wendy R. Smith

Learn more about the BFA in Art program

Photos 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.