The Department of Art and Design’s Annual Juried Student Exhibition (AJSE) has returned this spring to celebrate the creativity and achievements of students across the department.

The exhibition is on view March 7-April 4 at the Carolla Arts Exhibition Center.

A special First Friday Art Walk event will be held April 4 from 6-9 p.m.

Professional exhibition experience

The AJSE gives students an opportunity to present their work in a professional gallery setting, gaining valuable experience in the exhibition process. This showcase highlights a range of artistic practices, fostering engagement with the broader art community.

“The annual juried exhibition is an excellent chance for the public to see some great work by our students, but it’s also an excellent learning opportunity for our students to practice their skills in applying for exhibition opportunities, preparing professional-level documentation of their work and ideas,” explained Vonda Yarberry, art and design department head.

Potential exhibitors must submit an application. They also undergo formal, expert jurying.

“Not all students who apply will have their work accepted,” Yarberry said. “But all students will have the opportunity to understand how the process works and will be able to practice skills they are learning in the classroom.”

Mark J. Hall Best in Show Award

The Mark J. Hall Best in Show Award will once again be presented in honor of its namesake, a former student whose passion for the arts continues to inspire. This prestigious award recognizes the most outstanding work in the exhibition and celebrates students’ artistic excellence and innovation.

About the juror

This year’s juror, Sage Dawson, is an artist and curator whose work examines the politics of housing, labor and space in the American city. Dawson incorporates traditional techniques such as sewing and needlepoint to engage with the evolving politics of the built environment.

She is a Senior Lecturer at Washington University’s Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts and Co-Director of STNDRD and NON-STNDRD, two artist-run initiatives that present exhibitions, interventions and projects inspired by alternative sites and the communities that surround them.

Dawson holds an MFA from the University of New Mexico and a BFA from Missouri State University. Her work has been widely exhibited and featured in publications like Art in America and Hyperallergic. She has received numerous awards and residencies, including the Paris Studio at the Cité Internationale des Arts and the Denbo Fellowship at Pyramid Atlantic.

The 2025 Student Exhibitors

Megan Aiello, Leslie Alvarez, Madison Ashworth, Charley Bennight, Grace Black, Kayla Brown, Madison Brown, Aubree Chisam, Kara Coonrod, Andy Corbett, Lauren Falk, Jadyn Frey, William Garvin, Gabby Glamkowski, Jennifer Grace, Chloe Gramelspacher, Alexis Henson, Cora Hill, Max Koeppe, Paige Lenahan, Hannah Lipchik, Melissa Marrs, Cordy Matulewic, Parri McCroskey, Chaise McCollum, Emma Meadors, Emery Meadows, Olivia Michaelson, Savannah O’Brien, Joy M. Okokon, Hallie Osborn, Laura Owens, Wesley Owens, Timothy Pease, Elisa Alcocer Peters, Gracie Potter, Shaylee Rackley, Jules Riddle, Alexa Roberts, Logan Snethen, Emma Souser, Niki Taylor, Erin Tyler, Mikayla Ward, Em White and Zane Wigton.

2025 Award Winners

Kara Coonrod, “Memento Mori”

Mark J Hall Best in Show, $300. Awarded to the best work in the exhibit, open to all media and all students.

Joy Okokon, “SY-Faux Hawk”

Best Graduate Award, $100. Awarded to the best graduate work, open to all graduate students (MFA and MAE).

Jules Riddle, “Bones of Me”

Best Undergraduate Award, $100. Awarded to the best undergraduate work, open to all undergraduates.

Em White, “Valuables”

Best Freshman, $100. Awarded to the best freshman work, open to all students at freshman rank.

Max Koeppe, “Wintercreeper”

Best 3D, $100. Awarded to the best 3D work, open to all students (undergraduate or graduate).

Alexa Roberts, “Foundation”

Best Painting, $100. Awarded to the best painting, open to all students (undergraduate or graduate).

Parri McCroskey, “Comfort Object”

Best Drawing, $100. Awarded to the best drawing, open to all students (undergraduate or graduate).

Madison Ashworth, “Horse in Field”

Best Photography, $100. Awarded to the best photography, open to all students (undergraduate or graduate).

Hannah Lipchik, “Autonomy Over Authority”

Best Metals/Jewelry, $100. Awarded to the best metals/jewelry work, open to all students (undergraduate or graduate).

Logan Snethen, “Snuggletron”

Best Animation, $100. Awarded to the best animation work, open to all students (undergraduate or graduate).

Mad B (Madison Brown), “Whispering Pines”

Best New Media, $100. Awarded to the best new media work, open to all students (undergraduate or graduate).

Chloe Gramelspacher, “Illustration Series Based on ‘The Yellow Wallpaper’”

Best Illustration, $100. Awarded to the best illustration work, open to all students (undergraduate or graduate).

Olivia Michaelson, “Get Out The Vote”

Best Graphic Design, $100. Awarded to the best graphic design work, open to all students (undergraduate or graduate).

Gabby Glamkowski, “Shower”

Best Art Education, $100. Awarded to the best work from art education students (undergraduate or graduate).

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

Explore options in art and design

---

Photo provided by Department of Art and Design.

News edited by the Reynolds College Communications Team.

Sam Barnette is a writer for the Department of Art and Design. She holds 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.