Tuesday, May 12, 2020

Online exhibition highlights artwork of MSSU art and graphic design students

(From Southern News Service)

The Spring 2020 Senior Exhibition, which features works by 14 studio art and graphic design students from Missouri Southern State University, is available to view in a virtual format.

One of the graduation requirements for all senior art majors is to publicly exhibit a body of work created beyond their typical classroom projects at Missouri Southern. These exhibits are typically held in the Spiva Gallery on campus.

“We’re an unusual department because the show is also our senior assessments … it’s like making your finals public for everyone to see,” said Frank Pishkur, chair of the Art Department. “Everyone can see what your strengths and weaknesses are.”








In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the spring exhibit had to be cancelled. Instead, the works have been made available to view at https://seniorartexhibitions.mssu.edu/.

The online exhibition features works by B.F.A. Design students Evan Cheng, Olney, Md; Dorothy Gonzales, Joplin; Sergio Gonzalez, Joplin; Jake Hamilton, Joplin; Amber Morris, Miami, Okla.; Harley Roark, Neosho, Mo.; Edgar Rueda, Joplin; David Thomas, Joplin; and Gage Williams, Joplin.

Also featured are Avonlea Blackburn, Carterville, Mo.; Pressly Burckart, Bentonville, Ark.; Victoria Gayton, Joplin; and Veronica Pickett, Joplin, all B.F.A. Studio students; and Jeanette Hughes, Fairland, Okla., B.A. Visual Arts.

The artwork featured – which takes inspiration from overseas travel, female empowerment, the media and more – features strong design work from the students, said Pishkur.

“The studio majors this semester were almost all painters, which is unusual,” he said.

While exhibiting the work online was not the ideal showcase for the students’ works, Pishkur said it does offer some upsides in terms of the audience.

“I think having the exhibit accessible on the web is good exposure for the students,” he said. “Gallery hours are not always conducive for the public, and it’s an option for their family members who live out of state to see their work.”

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