First Friday Art Walk Archives - Reynolds College Blog

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.

Fall 2024 BFA in Art Senior Exhibition on view through Dec. 9

November 22, 2024 by Reynolds College

Missouri State University’s Department of Art and Design will host the Fall 2024 BFA in Art Senior Exhibition Nov. 18-22 and Dec. 6-9 in the Brick City Gallery. The exhibit will end with the First Friday Art Walk Dec. 6 from 6-9 p.m.

The Fall 2024 exhibition showcases the dedication and creativity of art and design’s graduating seniors. Visitors can engage with artworks from a wide range of disciplines, including drawing, sculpture, metals, new media and photography.

The department invites the public to join them in celebrating the achievements of these talented artists.

The Brick City Gallery is located at 215 West Mill Street. Gallery hours are Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Program transforms students into artists

“This group has a unique mix of interests and goals, which is reflected in the variety of media and themes in their work,” said Sarah Williams, professor of art and instructor for the BFA Studio Art capstone course. “For many, this is their first major exhibition, making it a truly pivotal moment in their artistic careers. It’s inspiring to see them bring together everything they’ve learned over the past years.”

Williams explained that the capstone experience is designed not only as a culmination of the students’ academic journey but also as preparation for future professional or personal growth. Students develop skills beyond their studio practice, such as time management, financial literacy and understanding the logistics of an exhibition, she said.

“This course helps them transition from being students to emerging artists ready to contribute to the world,” Williams said.

Art exhibit of sculptures resembling copper. — Some of the work of Amber Dudenhoeffer, a Fall 2024 BFA artist, on view in the exhibition.

Exhibition series on Ozarks culture now open

October 11, 2024 by Reynolds College

A new exhibition series on Ozarks history and culture is now open at the Park Central Branch Library in Springfield, Missouri.

The project is supported by Missouri State University’s Department of Art and Design, the Park Central Branch Library, Springfield-Greene County Library System, the Missouri Humanities Council and the Missouri Humanities Trust Fund.

The series runs from October 2024 through September 2025.

Six exhibitions feature Ozarks artifacts

Directed by Dr. Billie Follensbee, art and design professor and Museum Studies Program Coordinator, the project consists of six exhibition and presentation topics that explore the culture and history of the Ozarks. The Park Central Branch Library will host each exhibition.

“The artifacts in these exhibitions have been generously loaned to us by different museums and collections in the region,” Follensbee said. These regional entities include the History Museum on the Square, the Christian County Museum and the Rose O’Neill Museum and Bonniebrook Historical Society.

“[These are] smaller institutions that do not have the funding or personnel to research these collections,” Follensbee explained.

Woman in green dress in front of exhibit — Dr. Billie Follensbee stands in front of the current exhibition at the Park Central Branch Library.

“Legacy: Celebrating the Art + Design Department” opens Oct. 4

October 6, 2024 by Reynolds College

This fall, the Carolla Arts Exhibition Center and the Department of Art and Design will host “Legacy: Celebrating the Art + Design Department,” an exhibition honoring all who helped shape the department’s history since it began.

A special reception will be held 6-9 p.m. Oct. 18 at the center, bringing together alumni, faculty, friends, and family.

The exhibit runs from Oct. 4-Nov. 1., coinciding with the university’s homecoming celebrations. The Exhibition Center will be closed Oct. 10-11 during MSU’s Fall Break.

“I am thrilled that so many faculty are planning to attend,” said Vonda Yarberry, art and design department head. “We’ve also heard from many alumni who are excited to meet up with their friends and former professors.”

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.