MSSU design students featured in joint USA-China exhibition

(From Missouri Southern State University)

Missouri Southern State University (MSSU) partners with Zhejiang International Studies University (ZISU) in a joint Sino-American design exhibition, which is currently on display at ZISU’s campus in Hangzhou, China. 

The exhibition highlights the global collaboration and academic exchange between the two institutions, featuring the work of over 20 MSSU design students and recent alumni.

The International Art and Design Exchange Special Exhibition, running from October 24–31, 2025, showcases approximately 30 student design works from each institution in the atrium gallery of ZISU’s School of the Arts building. MSSU Associate Professor of Design, Ed Outhouse, curated a diverse selection of projects, including type analysis posters, mashup typography, 8-bit fonts, concrete poetry, and custom typefaces. These works, created in introductory and advanced typography classes, were digitally sent to ZISU, printed as large-format posters, and installed by ZISU staff.

MSSU students and alumni featured in the exhibition include:

Amber Morris (alumni) – Custom Typeface
Apollo Kiest (alumni) – Concrete Poetry
Avry Hodson – Type Analysis
Bayleigh Smith (alumni) – Mashup Typography
Caleb Sharp – Mashup Typography
Camille Santana – Mashup Typography
Cheyenne Lawson – Type Analysis
Conalee Churchwell – Mashup Typography
Cynthia Kiilu – Concrete Poetry
Garrett Stadter (alumni) – Mashup Typography
Garrett Voros – Mashup Typography
Grace Sitton (alumni) – Type Analysis & Custom Typeface
Hye Sue Jeon (international student) – Type Analysis
Jessica McCool (alumni) – Mashup Typography
Kara Amos (alumni) – Custom Typeface
Kristen Fidler (alumni) – Type Analysis
Leah Lambeth – Mashup Typography
MJ Long – 8-bit Font & Type Analysis
Nathan Jackson – Mashup Typography
Norman Lewis (alumni) – Custom Typeface
Olivia Martin (alumni) – Custom Typeface
Stevie Davison (deceased) – Custom Typeface
Tijorn Skelton (alumni) – Type Analysis
Vivi Medrano – Type Analysis & Concrete Poetry

The concept for the exhibition was first sparked during a visit by ZISU delegates to MSSU this past August, and came to fruition through a collaborative effort between Dr. Li Min, dean of ZISU’s School of Arts, and Frank Pishkur, chair of MSSU’s Department of Art and Design.

“This exhibition exemplifies the exciting programming between our two institutions,” said Pishkur. “It helps students gain deep cultural understanding, develop cross-cultural communication skills, and build a strong foundation for future academic and professional pursuits. Art and design are global languages, and projects like this highlight the real-world applications our students engage with. Curating this exhibition was especially meaningful as it includes the work of former student Stevie Davison, honoring their memory and contribution to our program.”

The MSSU Department of Art and Design integrates a liberal arts education with professional training in art, providing students with resources, mentorship, and an environment that encourages conceptual development, critical thinking, and creative problem solving. Graduates from the department go on to careers as designers, educators, and studio artists worldwide.