Carolla Art Exhibition Center Archives

Annual Juried Student Exhibition on view March 7-April 4

March 13, 2025 by Reynolds College

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.

Sustainability meets creativity with Radical Jewelry Makeover Exhibit

February 3, 2025 by Reynolds College

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.

New exhibits at Carolla and Brick Galleries highlight art and nature

August 29, 2024 by Reynolds College

Missouri State University’s Department of Art and Design is currently hosting two exhibits that offer a fresh perspective on our relationship with the natural world through sculpture, acrylic and watercolor.

“This Land,” an exhibit by Stacey Holloway and Steve Snell, explores the dynamics between humans and the natural environment, while Matt Moyer provides a unique take on mechanical artifacts and systems in “Artifacts.”

“This Land” is open for viewing at the Robert and Margaret Carolla Arts Exhibition Center Aug. 19-Sept. 13. Hours are Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

“Artifact” is available for viewing at Brick City Gallery Aug. 26-Sept. 20. Hours are Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Both exhibits will also be open during the First Friday Art Walk Sept. 6 from 6-9 p.m.

Snell and Holloway exhibits present “playful dialogue” on nature

Describing his art as reflecting a lifelong fascination with nature and adventure, Snell said he draws inspiration from his explorations along the Missouri River.

“All of the animals except the wolf come from going down the Missouri River,” Snell said. His work is meant to transport the viewer into his experiences, he added, whether it’s the quiet moment of a coyote’s stare or the vibrant life along the river’s edge.

As Snell puts it, his work aims to tell stories that “inspire others to write their own stories,” reflecting a collaborative narrative that extends beyond gallery walls.

In contrast, Stacey Holloway presents a complementary exploration of the natural world, often focusing on animals and their interactions with humans, according to Deidre Argyle, sculpture professor at Missouri State.

The interplay between Snell’s watercolor landscapes and Holloway’s sculptural animals provides a thoughtful and playful dialogue that invites viewers to reflect on their own relationships with nature, Argyle noted.

Sculpture of two rabbits — One of Stacey Holloway’s sculptures on view in the exhibit.

Art and Design calling for donations of old jewelry through Sept. 16

August 27, 2024 by Lynn M. Lansdown

Missouri State University’s Department of Art and Design wants your old jewelry.

In a recent press release, the art and design department announced the “Radical Jewelry Makeover (RJM): MSU” project. This is a community jewelry mining project dedicated to repurposing old, unwanted jewelry into new pieces.

During the Fall 2024 semester, students from Missouri State and area professional jewelers will collaborate with the University of Kansas to transform donated pieces into new jewelry.

The project will conclude with two traveling exhibitions. Missouri State’s Carolla Arts Exhibition Center will host one exhibit Jan. 27-Feb. 21, 2025. The other exhibit will be on view Jan. 21-31, 2025 in the Edgar Heap of Birds Family Gallery at the University of Kansas.

Carolla Arts Exhibition Center presents “Current State”

July 12, 2024 by Reynolds College

Missouri State University’s Department of Art and Design offers another summer exhibit at the Robert and Margaret Carolla Arts Exhibition Center.

“Current State” is co-curated by Jodi McCoy, Director of Exhibitions, and Erin Tyler, a student in the MFA Visual Studies program.

The exhibit is available for viewing July 1-Aug. 2 and during the First Friday Art Walk Aug. 2 from 6-8 p.m.

Missouri artists featured

“Current State” features 13 contemporary artists from Springfield, Kansas City and St. Louis, Missouri.

Each artist was asked to supply pieces that explored and discussed their current state. As McCoy said, “where we are informs who we are and what we make.”

Artistic display exhibit — Works by Mikey Yates (left) and Will Chiles (center and right).

Using space to enhance the viewer experience

McCoy and Tyler used the exhibition center’s space to enhance the audience’s viewing experience.

Tyler explained that the space was dissected into “pockets,” intentionally placed to further the communication of each piece both as a singular work and as a part of the whole.

“The building itself is a historic site. It’s special,” Tyler said. “I hope that the show encourages you to slow down and consider their relationship with place.”