UCM Gallery of Art & Design Presents Faculty Show, Lecture Series

The University of Central Missouri (UCM) Gallery of Art and Design kicks off the 2026-27 academic year with a new art exhibit from faculty members and a lecture series.

The SVPA Faculty Show 2026 is now open and will be available for viewing through Sept. 19. This annual event showcases the creative research of Division of Art and Design faculty members from the School of Visual and Performing Arts (SVPA). Admission is free and open to the public.

The art faculty members at UCM are a dynamic group of artists involved in various artistic practices, including drawing, painting, printmaking, photography, textiles, and sculpture. The works in the show span these disciplines and more, featuring artwork by the division’s newest faculty member, Michael Shum, visiting assistant professor of Art and Design.

The show’s opening coincides with the Provost’s Faculty Showcase, which takes place from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday, Aug. 24, in Hart Recital Hall. The annual showcase highlights the talent, artistry and creativity of SVPA faculty through a diverse program of music and performance. Visitors are encouraged to enjoy an evening of visual and performing arts on the UCM campus.

“The Provost’s Faculty Showcase is an ideal way to get to experience the thrum of creative energy students are immersed in every day in the School of Visual and Performing Arts,” Gallery Director Jamie Platt said. “Our faculty are world-class working artists and professors. This is an opportunity to see and hear the creative work that energizes their teaching. Come, get inspired!”

The Kleppe Visiting Artist Lecture Series returns Monday, Aug. 24, with a lecture by Elizabeth Spavento, conceptual artist and executive director of Charlotte Street Studios. The lecture series takes place at 4 p.m. on Mondays in Lovinger 1290, a new location this year. Admission is free and open to the public, and a virtual option is available. Free Zoom registration is required to attend virtually.

The UCM Gallery of Art and Design is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, with extended hours until 8 p.m. on Thursdays, and from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday. Admission is free and open to the public.

For more information, contact Platt at gallery@ucmo.edu or (660) 543-4498.

PHOTO CUTLINE: “Flashlight Tag” by Michael Shum.

About the University of Central Missouri

Founded in 1871, the University of Central Missouri (UCM) is a comprehensive state institution with its main campus in Warrensburg and academic opportunities at the UCM Lee’s Summit campus and online. UCM serves more than 12,000 students from Missouri, across the nation and around the world. Helping students “redefine what’s possible,” UCM offers affordable tuition, diverse academic programs and faculty members committed to student success. Through hands-on learning, career-focused preparation and support from mentors, advisors, counselors, classmates and professors, UCM prepares students to succeed in the workforce, contribute to their communities, and live its historic motto, “Education for Service.” Learn more at ucmo.edu