Reynolds College Blog

Missouri Fine Arts Academy accepting applications for 2026

by

The next session of the Missouri Fine Arts Academy (MFAA) is scheduled for May 31 – June 13, 2026, on the Springfield campus of Missouri State University.

Missouri high school students interested in attending can apply online starting Oct. 14, 2025. The application portal will be available through Jan. 30, 2026.

In addition, the Academy is accepting resident assistant and faculty applications.

Colorful graphic that spells out "Expressions"

2026 Academy theme is about “Expressions”

MFAA encourages young artists to express their ideas through a variety of artistic disciplines, including visual arts, music, theatre, creative writing and dance, said MFAA Director Dr. Fatih Benzer. He is an associate professor in Missouri State’s Department of Art and Design.

In addition to enhancing their artistic skills through discipline-specific and interdisciplinary courses, Academy students are encouraged to attend performances by acclaimed artists, writers, performers and musicians to enrich their experience.

“It is no secret that many great artists take cues from their own lives, experiences and inner thoughts to reach out to a world-wide audience,” Benzer said. “So, express yourself. And always remember: You are the inspiration.”

About the MFAA application process

Current Missouri high school freshman, sophomores, juniors or seniors may apply to attend MFAA in the following areas of study:

  • Visual Arts/Mixed Media (painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, photography and digital art)
  • Theatre (acting)
  • Dance (modern, ballet, jazz, tap and hip hop)
  • Creative Writing (fiction, short story, poetry, playwriting and spoken word)
  • Music (vocal or instrumental performance, songwriting, composition and electronic music)

There is no application fee.

Application packets must include a 500-word personal essay describing how involvement in the arts impacts the applicant’s life, a student evaluation from school personnel and a digital portfolio or video performance. More information about specific application criteria and guidelines on how to prepare applications can be found on the MFAA website. [Read more…] about Missouri Fine Arts Academy accepting applications for 2026

Student artists “start their journey” at 2025 Missouri Fine Arts Academy

by

Ready to “start their journey,” 125 high school students from nearly 60 Missouri schools attended the 2025 Missouri Fine Arts Academy (MFAA) June 1-14.

As a summer residential program, MFAA serves highly motivated high school student artists throughout Missouri. The program, taught by faculty from across the state, gives students an immersive training experiences in visual arts, theatre, dance, creative writing and music.

The academy received 209 applications for the 2025 session, according to MFAA Director Dr. Fatih Benzer, associate professor in the Department of Art and Design.

The Reynolds College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities (RCASH) at Missouri State hosts MFAA and works with the state legislature to manage the affordability of the Academy. As a result, MFAA 2025 students received free tuition, thanks to the support of the State of Missouri and private donations. Benzer said he remains grateful to Missouri’s Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) for “keeping ‘MFAA 2025’ free.”

[Read more…] about Student artists “start their journey” at 2025 Missouri Fine Arts Academy

MFAA now accepting applications for 2025 Academy

by

The next session of the Missouri Fine Arts Academy (MFAA) is scheduled for June 1-14, 2025 on the Springfield campus of Missouri State University.

Missouri high school students interested in attending can apply online starting Oct. 14, 2024. The application portal will be available through Jan. 31, 2025.

In addition, the Academy is accepting resident assistant and faculty applications.

Graphic reading "Let's Start the Journey"

2025 Academy theme is about the “Journey”

The Academy selected “Journey” as the 2025 theme.

“Let MFAA 2025 be a remarkable journey of self-discovery,” said Dr. Fatih Benzer, MFAA director and associate professor in MSU’s Department of Art and Design. “Join the journey by exploring various forms of art such as music, visual arts, creative writing, dance and theatre to express who you are.”

Benzer said the MFAA format continues to be interdisciplinary. Students can explore a wide range of artistic options.

MFAA students can also enjoy performances by acclaimed artists and musicians throughout the two-week program, he added.

Students will receive guidance and feedback from experienced faculty and staff, Benzer said. “Get ready to be challenged by our outstanding faculty to step outside of your comfort zone while earning college credits.”

About the MFAA application process

Current Missouri high school freshman, sophomores, juniors or seniors may apply to attend MFAA in the following areas of study:

  • Visual Arts/Mixed Media (painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, photography and digital art)
  • Theatre (acting)
  • Dance (modern, ballet, jazz, tap and hip hop)
  • Creative Writing (fiction, short story, poetry, playwriting and spoken word)
  • Music (vocal or instrumental performance, songwriting, composition and electronic music)

There is no application fee.

Application packets must include a 500-word personal essay describing how involvement in the arts impacts the applicant’s life, a student evaluation from school personnel and a digital portfolio or video performance. More information about specific application criteria and guidelines on how to prepare applications can be found on the MFAA website. [Read more…] about MFAA now accepting applications for 2025 Academy

Dr. Fatih Benzer honored with Kenneth Marantz Fellows Award

by

Associate professor of art Dr. Fatih Benzer was awarded the United States Society for Education through Art (USSEA) Kenneth Marantz Fellows Award at a ceremony in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in April.

The award recognizes “achievement in the field of art education and in service to USSEA that is exceptional in its depth and breadth,” according to the organization’s website.

Benzer has been a faculty member in the Department of Art and Design for eight years and a member of USSEA for over 20 years.

“I’m grateful that Dr. Benzer’s contributions to the field of art education are being recognized as significant by this important organization,” said Vonda Yarberry, head of the Department of Art and Design. “With all that he contributes to the field, this is a well-deserved and highly coveted national award.”

“What’s so beautiful is seeing how his work transforms our students right here at Missouri State University,” she added.

Benzer, who is also director of the Missouri Fine Arts Academy, continues to have a far-reaching influence on art education, according to Dean Shawn Wahl of the Judith Enyeart Reynolds College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities.

“Dr. Benzer’s work in art education leadership and pre-college arts training will continue to have an impact across Missouri and beyond,” Wahl said. “This type of recognition is significant and well-deserved.  I continue to be inspired by the life-changing work of faculty and staff across academic colleges at Missouri State University.”

[Read more…] about Dr. Fatih Benzer honored with Kenneth Marantz Fellows Award

MFAA 2024 set for June 2-15

by

The next session of the Missouri Fine Arts Academy (MFAA) is scheduled for June 2-15, 2024 on the Springfield campus of Missouri State University.

Red and purple Missouri Fine Arts Academy logoMissouri high school students interested in attending can apply starting Oct. 16, 2023. The application portal will be available through Jan. 28, 2024. Resident assistant and faculty applications are also being accepted.

New director Benzer brings experience and energy

MSU Associate Professor of art and design Dr. Fatih Benzer, appointed MFAA’s new director in August 2023, comes to the Academy with energy and vision. Benzer has been teaching as an art instructor with MFAA since 2021.

“The most exciting aspect for me as the new director of MFAA is to establish a warm and welcoming environment where so many talented students can thrive academically during their brief stay at MSU,” Benzer said. [Read more…] about MFAA 2024 set for June 2-15