Exhibition Schedule

Summer 2025

MFA Thesis Exhibit, a Springfield Art Museum collaboration
May 27 – June 6 | First Friday Art Walk: June 6, 6-8pm

This exhibition features the thesis body of work by Master of Fine Arts in Visual Studies Candidates Collins Antwi, Andy Corbett, Joy Okokon, and Erin Tyler at Missouri State University. This program promotes advanced study in Visual Arts and Design with emphasis placed on the student’s individual research.Various artistic approaches from students with differing backgrounds and research interests are highlighted. The Springfield Art Museum’s Curatorial Staff has provided guidance in the coordination and installation of the work as a further learning opportunity for the students. 

Let me tell you a story
Gathering our roots to find belonging
July 7 – August 1 | First Friday Art Walk: August 1, 6-8pm

Featuring work from Marco Hernandez, Veronica Ibargüengoitia, Mariana Ruvalcaba, Tina Tavera, Xavier Tavera, and Leandre Urrutia, this group exhibit broadly explores Latin identity, the connective cultural tradition of storytelling, and the journey of navigating finding belonging in a displaced country.

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 materials/supplies 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. The evolution of our collective consumption illustrates our insatiable hunger for more. What will our next era of consumption be?

Transitions/Translation
October 20 – November 7 | First Friday Art Walk: November 7, 6-9pm

Transitions/Translation is an international juried graphic design poster exhibition featuring graphic design posters and designed expressions that are not afraid to challenge the medium of poster design through interpretations of ‘transitions or translations. Designed works in the exhibit explore sub themes within the broader context:
Transitions
— of techniques
— of mediums
— of movements
Translations
— of interpretations
— of languages
— of expressions

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

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

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.