Reynolds College, Author at Reynolds College Blog

Reynolds College Blog

BFA in Art Senior Exhibition now on view at Brick City Gallery

by

Missouri State University’s Department of Art and Design announces the BFA in Art Senior Exhibition is on view at the Brick City Gallery.

The exhibition is open April 22-May 2 and ends with the First Friday Art Walk May 2 from 6-9 p.m. Visitors can enjoy a range of artworks, including drawing, sculpture, metal work and new media.

The event is free and open to the public.

Artwork on display in exhibition
Some of Paige Lenahan’s drawings on view at the exhibition.

Brick City Gallery provides a venue for graduating seniors to display pieces that showcase their dedication and creativity in their chosen artistic disciplines. Faculty members Sarah Williams and Jodi McCoy guided the exhibitors through the BFA Studio Art capstone course toward what could be their first major art exhibition.

Artistic painting in pink, purple and red hues.
Detail of one of Megan Aiello’s paintings “We’re Going to Need a Bigger Band-Aid.”

Williams described the showcase as a “pivotal moment” in the students’ artistic careers, as it represents more than just the culminating experience of the BFA in Art program. It also creates for students a solid foundation for professional and personal growth going forward.

The exhibition educates beyond studio practice, Williams noted. It encourages “the development of professional artistic practices such as résumé construction, artist’s statements, preparation and installation of an exhibition and development of exhibition proposals.”

Every artist must complete the core program coursework, but no two students will produce the same work, according to department head Vonda Yarberry.

“This may be obvious to some people, but the underlying purpose of the degree is to help students to develop their unique ‘voice,’” Yarberry said.

“That is what makes these senior exhibitions incredibly exciting.”

Row of artistic figurines
Closeup of Ayo Oyedeji’s work, on view in the exhibition.

Spring 2025 Exhibitors

Megan Aiello, Painting
Mikayla Buneta, Computer Animation
Jadyn Frey, Drawing
Cora Hill, Photography
Eli Houzenga, Computer Animation
Gavin Ichrist, Photography
Alexa Lambton, Painting
Paige Lenahan, Drawing
Hallie Lueking, Photography
Melissa Marrs, Painting
Chaise McCollum, Photography
Natalie McNeill, Computer Animation
Olivia Michaelson, Photography
Erinayo Oyedeji, New Media
Tim Pease, 3D Studies
Elisa Peters, Painting
Adrian Pham, Computer Animation
Gracie Potter, Drawing
Josh Riethmeier, Computer Animation
Jeanne Welch-Kurdle, Photography
Mindy Welland, Photography
Faith Wenzel, 3D Studies
Aly White, Computer Animation

Come celebrate the achievements of these hardworking seniors and see how passion, creativity and talent can build an astounding showcase for these emerging artists.

Brick City Gallery is located at 215 West Mill Street. Gallery hours are Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Email the gallery for more information.

Explore the BFA in Art program

Photos courtesy of 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.

Annual Juried Student Exhibition on view March 7-April 4

by

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.

[Read more…] about Annual Juried Student Exhibition on view March 7-April 4

It pays to be an art and design major, says U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

by

Missouri State University’s Department of Art and Design has good news for students.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), a career in art and design is worth pursuing.

In 2023, the average median wage for art and design careers was $51,660, which was 7.49% higher than the median annual wage for all occupations ($48,060).

Regarding salaries, Missouri holds its own in art and design-related occupations compared to national averages (see table).

Missouri National
Art Director $95.320 $106,500
Special Effects Artists or Animators $79,740 $99,060
Graphic Designers $52,130 $58,910
Craft and Fine Artists $53,000 $52,910
Museum Curators $62,600 $57,120
Photographers $46, 750 $40,760
Elementary School Teachers $55,530 $63,670
Middle School Teachers $60,510 $64,290
High School Teachers $63,500 $65,220

The median annual salary for craft and fine artists in Missouri increased from $43,000 in 2018 to $53,000 in 2023. This trend reflects an increase of approximately 24% in five years. Other professions have boasted similar numbers.

Demand for art and design professions is expected to grow through 2033, despite currently experiencing a slight decrease. The BLS projects an average of nearly 88,000 openings each year.

The growth potential for professions in museum studies like curators, conservators and other museum workers is 11%. Additionally, the mean wage for curators, craft and fine artists and art professors in Missouri is higher than the national average.

Explore career opportunities in 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.

All School Exhibition finds temporary home at Missouri State’s Brick City Gallery

by

Missouri State University’s Department of Art and Design will host the Springfield Art Museum’s annual All School Exhibition Feb. 28-April 6.

The exhibition is on view Monday-Friday from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 12-4 p.m. at the Brick City Gallery.

Showcases for middle and high school students are Friday, Feb. 28 from 5:30-7 p.m. The elementary school student showcase is Saturday, March 1 from 12-3 p.m.

Major renovation in the works

The Springfield Art Museum is using Brick City’s gallery space this year while it undergoes an expansive renovation ahead of its centennial anniversary in 2028.

Key improvements include a new west entry with an expanded lobby and visitors’ lounges, an east façade with high-ceiling gallery and the Family Learning Center with hands-on art-making activities. The renovation aims to enhance visitor experience and further showcase the museum’s role as a hub for creativity and education.

Celebrating a Springfield tradition

The All School Exhibition has been a Springfield tradition since 1932. By hosting the All School Exhibition, Missouri State supports that tradition through its commitment to fostering the arts and supporting community talent.

The exhibition celebrates the creativity of K-12 students and the hard work of talented area teachers. Families, friends and art enthusiasts are invited to view these exceptional works free of charge.

For more information on the All School Exhibition, contact the art and design department at 417-837-2330 or visit the Springfield Art Museum’s website.

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

Colorful mixed media image of girl with in field
Emilia Leighton, Cowden Elementary, “All About Me,” mixed media collage; Kara Risner, teacher.

Artwork on display at the All School Exhibition

Photos provided by Vonda Yarberry.

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.

Sustainability meets creativity with Radical Jewelry Makeover Exhibit

by

The Department of Art and Design has teamed with the Carolla Arts Exhibition Center to host the Radical Jewelry Makeover (RJM) exhibition Jan. 27-Feb. 21 and the First Friday Art Walk Feb. 7, 6-9 p.m.

The RJM exhibition is free and open to the public. All pieces on display are for sale.

Telling new stories with old jewelry

The exhibit features reimagined jewelry created by students and local jewelers, highlighting the combination of artistry, sustainability and community engagement. By showcasing the transformation of old, donated pieces into stunning new designs, this inspiring project advocates for sustainable and ethical jewelry-making practices.

Working together, students and local jewelers repurposed donated jewelry into meaningful pieces to tell new stories. This hands-on process also included tracking donor information to distribute discount coupons for the January sale of the final designs.

“This initiative highlights one of the project’s core goals: ensuring that donated materials return to the world in a new form,” said Jina Seo, art and design faculty member who is overseeing the RJM project.

[Read more…] about Sustainability meets creativity with Radical Jewelry Makeover Exhibit