Graduating students at Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO) showcased their artwork in a final exhibition held on May 1, 2026, at Crisp Museum. The show featured a wide range of media including 3D works, prints, paper mache, paintings, cloth, video, quilts, and sculptures. Among the participants were painting BFA major Zachary Ross Mayfield, who presented symbolist works centered on nature and a large self-portrait that took over 200 hours to complete, and senior studio art BFA major Kaylee Shelby, whose sculptures question the ethics and aesthetics of taxidermy and human manipulation of animals.
This exhibition matters because it represents a culminating academic milestone for emerging artists, offering them a public platform to present their creative development and sell their work. The event highlights the role of university art programs in nurturing new talent and preparing graduates for careers or further study. Shelby’s intention to use art as a therapeutic tool in community settings also underscores the broader social value of arts education beyond the gallery system.