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Annual Juried Student Exhibition on view March 7-April 4

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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.

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

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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

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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.

Scouts earn badges at MSU’s Merit Badge University

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Missouri State University resumed its Merit Badge University (MBU) program by holding a one-day camp Jan. 25, 2025, on the Springfield campus.

In total, 116 scouts from St. Louis, Kansas City, Joplin, Lebanon, Webb City, Aurora, Carl Junction, Carthage, Ozark, Clever, Springfield, Republic, Nixa, Branson, Rogersville and St. Robert participated in the event.

Program director Dr. Michael Suttmoeller, associate professor in the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice and coordinator of the Conservation Law Enforcement Certificate, said several RCASH faculty volunteered to help the scouts earn various merit badges.

Suttmoeller acknowledged MSU’s faculty and RCASH Associate Dean Dr. Jason Jolley for their support and effort. “I really appreciate all of the hard work and preparation that they each did to deliver high quality courses for the scouts,” he said.

Reviving a great idea

When Suttmoeller learned that MSU had hosted a merit badge program several years ago, he decided reviving the program would be a great idea. He immediately began organizing the event, recruiting faculty and arranging the logistics.

“A merit badge university was previously held at MSU, with the last date being 2016. None had been held since that time until 2025,” Suttmoeller said.

“I have been exposed to merit badge universities at other institutions and recognized that this was a program that could benefit both Scouting America as well as MSU.”

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Sustainability meets creativity with Radical Jewelry Makeover Exhibit

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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.

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