The Spiva Gallery at Missouri Southern State University will present “Lost but Found: A Misplaced History, An Exhibition of the MSSU African Art Collection” from Wednesday, June 29, through Wednesday, Aug. 3.
A reception for the exhibit will be held at 5 p.m. Wednesday, June 29, in the gallery.
The exhibition has been curated by students enrolled in an African Art summer course, said Dr. Christine Bentley, gallery director.
“Each student selected objects to research for the curation of this show,” she said. “They also wrote text panels for each object, while assisting in the design and installation.”
Missouri Southern’s African art collection features more than 300 works, with most originating from the sub-Saharan areas of Africa, as well as strong representation from West and Central Africa. The collection is culturally and geographically diverse and is comprised of ritual and everyday items from nearly 40 distinct ethnic groups.
Student curators for the exhibit are Reagan Alsbaugh, Anna Baker, Mike Carr, Ryan Conder, Madison Cooke, Natalie Ezell, Eli Goodwin, Dock Grader, Katie Roush, Tijorn Skelton, Steven Smith and Ciera West.
“The MSSU collection helps others understand all of our ethnic roots and diversity, assisting in the understanding of a variety of cultural perspectives,” said Bentley. “The MSSU African Art Collection serves as an invaluable resource for research, teaching, learning, art appreciation, and global awareness both on campus and around the greater Southwest Missouri community.”
Admission is free and open to the public. The gallery’s summer hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
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