Department of Art and Design Archives

Celebrating the legacies of Dr. Catherine Jolivette and Professor Keith Ekstam

September 16, 2024 by Reynolds College

Missouri State University has honored the distinguished careers of Dr. Catherine Jolivette and Professor Keith Ekstam with the title of emeritus faculty.

Jolivette and Ekstam recently retired from the Department of Art and Design.

“As Dr. Jolivette and Professor Ekstam step into retirement, their influence will continue to resonate within the university and beyond,” said Professor Vonda Yarberry, art and design department head. “Their dedication to their fields, commitment to education and contributions to the arts and humanities have set a high standard for future generations of scholars and artists.”

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.

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.

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.