Feb. 26, 2024 Contact: Courtney Perrett, cperrett@missouri.edu Photos by CJ Harris and Abbie Lankitus
Last Friday, a collection of artists, performers and designers from the College of Arts and Science brought their creative flair to the University of Missouri’s Chancellor’s Arts Showcase.
The event featured a gallery of fine art, including paintings and sculptures, several garments designed by students specializing in textiles and original concept posters from architecture students. That was followed by stage performances from theater students, musicians and visual artists. Students from Architectural Studies, the School of Music, the School of Visual Studies, Theatre and Textile and Apparel Management showed work or performed at the event.
Cooper Drury, dean of the College of Arts and Science, opened the event with a reminder about the value of the arts at Mizzou. The Sankofa Chorale, conducted by Ronnie Wilson, shared lively performances by iconic artists Richard Smallwood and Kyle Kelley.Poet and visual artist Esra Jackson speaks with an event attendee. Jackson’s work, “Vacancy,” is part of a series of photos about the reality of living with grief.Textile and apparel management major and fashion enthusiast Zack Rackers, right, describes the inspiration behind his garment design to an event attendee. Seda Balci, sixth from right, won the 2024 Sinquefield Composition Prize for her composition for choir titled “Merdiven.” “It has been an incredible source of happiness and motivation for me,” Balci said. “I have always harbored a longing to have my compositions performed, and I’m thrilled to have this opportunity.”Visual arts major Elizabeth Clubb, center, shows off a wood and soapstone creation. Clubb said her piece represents the interconnected nature of religious faiths.University of Missouri President Mun Choi, right, socializes with guests, performers and parents.Attendees admire the sketches and designs of architecture and textile and apparel management students in the foyer of the Missouri Theatre.Psychology and theater major Kaylah Janssen performs “Right Hand Man” from the musical “Something Rotten.” After graduating, Janssen plans on moving to New York City to pursue her lifelong dream of appearing on Broadway.Caroline Topham, left, recently traveled to Chicago with her two best friends to see Phoebe Bridgers in concert. Her painting depicts her and her best friend helping each other apply makeup. Topham said she plans to gift the painting to her friend once its gallery showings are complete.As a fine arts major, Alonzo Williams strives to create art with a compelling meaning. In this piece, Williams used Japanese manga and character design to illustrate the relationship between biraciality and the Christian faith.Theater major Mackenzie Miller presents the concept, patterns and designs for her theater troupe’s costumes for the evening’s various performances.University of Missouri President Mun Choi delivers closing remarks at the annual showcase, paying a final celebratory tribute to the students’ work that made the evening possible. He reflects on the showcase in this blog post.
