Four-student artist exhibition featured at MSSU’s Spiva Gallery
Joplin, MO – The exhibition, “Ethos,” the Greek word for character, features work by Bachelor of Fine Art candidates Ashley Brown, Ian Lawson, Erin Poor, and Emaline Stapleton.
The exhibits are free and open to the public from Monday, April 24, through Tuesday, May 2 in the Missouri Southern State University Spiva Art Gallery. The artists will be present in the gallery for a public reception including light refreshments from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 26.
Ashley Brown, Diamond, MO, focuses very closely on the natural world that she does not see fully. Much of the imagery she uses in her ceramics emphasis is found in the woods of Southwest Missouri. It is in these places that she finds a sense of awe and childlike wonder in what she can see and hear and that which she cannot see, but her soul knows to be true.
Ian Lawson, Joplin, MO, uses his painting emphasis to create abstract representations of ADHD derived from topographical maps, as well as organic forms of mushrooms and lichen.
Erin Poor, Seneca, MO, is inspired by the grotesque and mystery of nature, she fuses these as well as her own personal human nature into mixed media sculptures, including elements from her emphasis in ceramics.
Emaline Stapleton, Fairview, MO, uses her double emphasis in fibers and sculpture to create mixed media works focusing on Southwest Missouri conservation. She hopes the viewer can feel a sense of loss and urgency for environmental preservation.
Besides sharing an interest in nature as an aesthetic, thematic or conceptual element, the cohort of graduating seniors featured in this exhibition are all transfers from other institutions, including three with associates degrees from Crowder College. They then chose MSSU’s Department of Art and Design to complete their professional studies in studio art.
Each semester this exhibition series features works by graduating seniors as part of their Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art requirements. Immediately following will be another exhibition of student work including BA in Visual Arts, Art Education, and BFA Design candidates.
MSSU Spiva Gallery is located in the Fine Arts Complex and is free and open to the public. Hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.