Exhibition Schedule

Fall 2025

Gimme More: The Eras of American Consumption
September 2 – October 3 | First Friday Art Walk: September 5 & October 3, 6-9pm

As a species, we have always been consumers of the resources we need to survive. Up until the Industrial Revolution, we broadly approached our consumption with need-based frugality. But as the 19th century dawned, our relationship with our accoutrements drastically changed as society shifted toward a consumerist culture. Today, we consume more than ever before; from 2016-2021 we globally consumed 75% of what we did for the entire 20th century. We no longer consume what we need; we take what we covet, and then some. Gimme More: The Eras of American Consumption visually reminds us that our habits are neither fixed nor inevitable—they are choices, shaped by the values and stories we tell ourselves about what we need, deserve, and desire.

The United States International Poster Biennial, 2025 edition
October 20 – November 7 | First Friday Art Walk: November 7, 6-9pm

This exhibition is a selection of posters from the United States International Poster Biennial, a global competition highlighting cultural, social, academic, and professional principles. Held every two years, this prestigious event celebrates the most groundbreaking and influential poster designs from around the world.

BFA in Design: The Professional Design Practicum
December 1 – 12 | First Friday Art Walk: December 5, 6-9pm

Every semester, the Carolla Arts Exhibition Center is pleased to host an exhibition of work by graduating students from the Department of Art and Design. The spring exhibition showcases the talent and skill of students who have spent years developing a design practice that will carry them into their professional careers.

Spring 2026

Makeshift Ruminations: Work from Forty Years in Ceramic Art by Keith Ekstam
January 20 – February 20 | First Friday Art Walk: February 6, 6-9pm

"I am committed to clay as my primary art making material for many reasons. It is simultaneously one of the most fragile art media, yet also one of the most permanent and enduring. The simple, direct act of working with clay in one’s hands is the polar opposite of the complex, transformative nature of the kiln firing. I am certain that these opposing but vital characteristics are what drive me to choose this material. You get your money’s worth when working in clay.

During my career as an academic artist and educator, I found that there was a symbiotic relationship between my art- making and teaching. My creative research experiences, knowledge and processes were constantly being presented to the students at all levels within the curriculum. I had the privilege of teaching and working with many talented students throughout my thirty-seven years at Missouri State. To provide an alumni invitational portion for this exhibition, I asked some of these former students to show examples of their creative work. These are some of the many individuals who have maintained serious careers in the ceramic arts in one form or another. I hope the viewers will enjoy the strength and diversity of the work made and chosen for exhibition by these alumni artists."
-Keith Ekstam

Annual Juried Student Exhibition
March 6 – April 10 | First Friday Art Walk: March 6, 6-9pm

The Annual Juried Student Exhibition features work from the breadth of our department’s undergraduate and graduate students. Juried by Atlanta-based artist and curator, and a faculty member at Georgia Gwinnett College, Alice Stone Collins, this exhibition also continues the legacy of Mark J Hall with the Mark J Hall Best in Show Award, in addition to many other monetary awards.

BFA in Design: The Professional Design Practicum
April 27 – May 8 | First Friday Art Walk: May 1, 6-9pm

Carolla Arts Exhibition Center receptions

Opening receptions at the Carolla Arts Exhibition Center are scheduled in conjunction with the Downtown Gallery Association's First Friday Art Walk.

Admission is free and open to all.