Vonda Yarberry Archives - Reynolds College Blog

BFA in Art Senior Exhibition now on view at Brick City Gallery

April 17, 2025 by Reynolds College

Missouri State University’s Department of Art and Design announces the BFA in Art Senior Exhibition is on view at the Brick City Gallery.

The exhibition is open April 22-May 2 and ends with the First Friday Art Walk May 2 from 6-9 p.m. Visitors can enjoy a range of artworks, including drawing, sculpture, metal work and new media.

The event is free and open to the public.

Artwork on display in exhibition — Some of Paige Lenahan’s drawings on view at the exhibition.

Brick City Gallery provides a venue for graduating seniors to display pieces that showcase their dedication and creativity in their chosen artistic disciplines. Faculty members Sarah Williams and Jodi McCoy guided the exhibitors through the BFA Studio Art capstone course toward what could be their first major art exhibition.

Artistic painting in pink, purple and red hues. — Detail of one of Megan Aiello’s paintings “We’re Going to Need a Bigger Band-Aid.”

Williams described the showcase as a “pivotal moment” in the students’ artistic careers, as it represents more than just the culminating experience of the BFA in Art program. It also creates for students a solid foundation for professional and personal growth going forward.

The exhibition educates beyond studio practice, Williams noted. It encourages “the development of professional artistic practices such as résumé construction, artist’s statements, preparation and installation of an exhibition and development of exhibition proposals.”

Every artist must complete the core program coursework, but no two students will produce the same work, according to department head Vonda Yarberry.

“This may be obvious to some people, but the underlying purpose of the degree is to help students to develop their unique ‘voice,’” Yarberry said.

“That is what makes these senior exhibitions incredibly exciting.”

Row of artistic figurines — Closeup of Ayo Oyedeji’s work, on view in the exhibition.

Spring 2025 Exhibitors

Megan Aiello, Painting
Mikayla Buneta, Computer Animation
Jadyn Frey, Drawing
Cora Hill, Photography
Eli Houzenga, Computer Animation
Gavin Ichrist, Photography
Alexa Lambton, Painting
Paige Lenahan, Drawing
Hallie Lueking, Photography
Melissa Marrs, Painting
Chaise McCollum, Photography
Natalie McNeill, Computer Animation
Olivia Michaelson, Photography
Erinayo Oyedeji, New Media
Tim Pease, 3D Studies
Elisa Peters, Painting
Adrian Pham, Computer Animation
Gracie Potter, Drawing
Josh Riethmeier, Computer Animation
Jeanne Welch-Kurdle, Photography
Mindy Welland, Photography
Faith Wenzel, 3D Studies
Aly White, Computer Animation

Come celebrate the achievements of these hardworking seniors and see how passion, creativity and talent can build an astounding showcase for these emerging artists.

Brick City Gallery is located at 215 West Mill Street. Gallery hours are Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Email the gallery for more information.

Explore the BFA in Art program

Photos courtesy of Department of 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.

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.

Biennial Faculty Exhibition at Brick City Gallery Oct. 4-Nov. 1

October 6, 2024 by Reynolds College

The Biennial Faculty Exhibition, sponsored by Missouri State University’s Department of Art and Design, will be on display 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Oct. 4-Nov. 1 at the Brick City Gallery. The Exhibition Center will be closed Oct. 10-11 during MSU’s Fall Break.

Held every two years, the exhibition features a wide range of media and techniques. The artwork reflects the perspectives MSU’s art and design faculty bring to their diverse and innovative work. Visitors can view works that engage personal stories, reflections on the past, spirituality, environmental themes and much more.

“Students see their professors as active professionals, and so their points of view in the classroom take on a different significance,” said Vonda Yarberry, art and design department head. “Seeing works by professors in different disciplines [that] address similar topics deepens students’ awareness about multiple approaches to content and inspires students to try new things.”

The department’s gallery programming also strives to show students different approaches to professional art and design practice, which are highlighted in the numerous other exhibits offered throughout the year.

“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.”