Lecture Series Archives - Reynolds College Blog

Spring 2025 Visiting Artists speakers announced

December 30, 2024 by Reynolds College

Missouri State University’s Department of Art and Design announces the Spring 2025 Visiting Artist Series, featuring artists Steve Snell and Sage Dawson.

Snell and Dawson will visit the MSU campus to share their expertise and engage with students through public lectures and studio visits.

Both public lectures are free and open to the public. They will be held in the Jay Wasson Idea Loft, located in the Robert W. Plaster Free Enterprise Center, 405 N. Jefferson Avenue, Springfield, Missouri 65897. For more information, contact the Department of Art and Design at 417-837-2330.

Artists to meet with students during visits

During his two-day visit, Snell will visit graduate and upper-level BFA studios to share insights with students regarding his approach to storytelling and community engagement.

Dawson earned her BFA from MSU and has an MFA from University of New Mexico. During her stay, she will conduct studio visits with graduate and upper-level BFA students. She will also select awards for the Annual Juried Student Exhibition and attend the First Friday Art Walk on the evening of March 7.

International Affairs program to host Dr. Leonardo Villalón Oct. 23

October 8, 2024 by Lynn M. Lansdown

Missouri State University’s Master of International Affairs (MIA) program, part of the Department of Political Science and Philosophy, will host a discussion on Africa’s Sahel region from 5:30-7 p.m. Oct. 23 in the Meyer Library Auditorium.

Featured speaker Dr. Leonardo Villalón will present “A Perfect Storm in the World’s Poorest Region: Security, Democracy and Climate Change in Africa’s Sahel.”

Villalón is Professor of Political Science and African Studies at the University of Florida.

“Dr. Villalón is one of the world’s foremost experts on Sahelian politics,” said Dr. Gabriel Ondetti, Clif and Gail Smart Professor of Political Science and MIA program director. “He has published numerous books, articles and book chapters on the region.”

The event is free and open to the public.

Visiting artist Stacey Holloway to speak Sept. 16

September 3, 2024 by Reynolds College

Missouri State University’s Department of Art and Design invites students and the public to attend a free lecture given by visiting artist Stacey Holloway The event is scheduled from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Sept. 16 at the Fox Theatre on the Square, located at 157 Park Central Square, Springfield, Missouri.

Holloway is an accomplished artist and associate professor of sculpture at the University of Alabama-Birmingham. Her work is currently featured in a two-person exhibition titled “This Land” at the Carolla Arts Exhibition Center. The exhibition, which also includes work by artist Steve Snell, examines the dynamic between the natural world and its inhabitants, exploring the narratives they convey about human history and identity.

“This Land” is available for viewing Aug. 19-Sept. 13 and during the First Friday Art Walk Sept. 6.

Department of Art and Design announces Fall 2024 professional development lecture series

August 21, 2024 by Reynolds College

The Department of Art and Design launches its biannual professional development series Aug. 29 from 5:30-8 p.m. in Brick City 1, Room 312.

The series, “Professional Practice for the Studio Artist,” runs every Thursday during the fall semester from Aug. 29-Dec. 5, 2024.

According to Professor Sarah Williams, series organizer and graduate coordinator for the MFA in Visual Studies program, the series is designed to meet the unique needs of emerging artists by providing them with the tools and insights they need for career success.

“Ultimately, the professional development series aims to prepare students for life beyond academia, providing a solid foundation on which to build their careers,” Williams said.

Giving students career guidance

As coordinator of the series, Williams said she believes she has “an ethical obligation” to communicate to her students “the theoretical and practical aspects of succeeding as practicing artists beyond the academic setting.”

Accordingly, guest lecturers will provide insights into the skills necessary for a sustainable career as a visual artist, Williams added. Students will hear from a variety of experts, including business advisors, industry professionals and practicing artists.

Blurred image of person looking at art — Professor Sarah Williams speedily selects artwork for a museum exhibit. Photo credit: Sarah Williams.

Lecture topics include time management and goal setting, financial literacy, preparing artworks for exhibition and understanding contracts.

The series has already helped Missouri State art and design students find satisfying career paths, according to Williams.

“With the competitive nature of careers in higher education, it’s noteworthy that recent graduates like Teddy Osei (2023) and Erin Sedra (2024) have secured assistant professorships at four-year universities,” she said.

Brick City 1 is located at 327 W. Mill St., Springfield, Missouri. Call (417) 837-2330 for more information.

Visiting artist Andrea Modica to give public lecture April 18

March 18, 2024 by Reynolds College

Photographer Andrea Modica will present a public lecture of her work on Thursday, April 18, 2024, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the Robert W. Plaster Free Enterprise Center, Jay Wasson Idea Loft, at 405 N. Jefferson Ave. in Springfield.

Photography professor Gwen Walstrand, of the Department of Art and Design, was instrumental in bringing Modica to Missouri State University.

Walstrand described Modica’s work as “poetic and evocative, both dark in content yet hopeful and tender.” She added that she has always been interested in Modica’s work and knew it would be beneficial for the students and community.

“Students will get to hear her articulate her ideas and explain how she thinks about the work she makes,” Walstrand said. “Modica models how to ask visual questions about her art and that of others. She employs much knowledge to offer students and will answer important questions of what it means to be an artist now and how to make a living as an artist.”