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Here, we blend the bold and the in-between — milestones, insights, and sparks of what’s next. It’s the creative space where ideas unfold in real-time.

  • Biennial Symposium

    Biennial Symposium

    Department of Art and Design Faculty #MTSUart @MTSUart Wednesday, February 5 – As a concluding event to the department’s Biennial 2024, faculty from the various areas of Art and Design reflected on their work from the exhibition and, more broadly, on their artistic motivations and philosophy with a strong component of Q&A for an invigorating…

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  • BIENNIAL 2024: A Department of Art and Design Faculty Exhibition

    BIENNIAL 2024: A Department of Art and Design Faculty Exhibition

    #MTSUart @MTSUart Biennial 2024 Poster, Images, top to bottom, left to right: Ambrose Prince, The Sheep Man; Joshua Lynn, Bubble; Nick Satinover, Time is a Distance 8; Sisavanh Phouthavong-Houghton, Fields of Red Anemone Blooming; Kim Dummons, A Conversation Across Time, Posthumous Collaboration with John T. Scott; Kathleen O’Connell, Character Flaw: Denial, Blissful Ignorance, Worrier; Kelsey…

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  • Biennial 2024

    MTSU Art and Design proudly presents Biennial 2024: An MTSU Art and Design Faculty Exhibition. This showcase resides in the Todd Art Gallery in Todd Hall, room 224A, and is open until December 14, 2024.

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  • John English

    Join Assistant Professor Tony Rodriguez and Illustration legend, John English for 2 hours of conversation over Zoom. John English is an illustrator and the founder of Visual Arts Passage and the director of the ever-prestigious Illustration Academy, the birthplace of many of today’s modern day illustration masters. In this Zoom session, John will walk…

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  • Justin Benford

    Justin Benford

    Join Assistant Prof. Tony Rodriguez and Justin Benford for a character design talk and LIVE digital painting demonstration over Zoom (or attend in-person in room 337) When? Monday October 7, 11:30amWhere? Todd, room 337 Email Tony.Rodriguez@mtsu.edu for Zoom Link Benford’s credentials:– Character designer and illustrator at Ripple Effects– Art director and artist on…

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  • MTSU Department of Art and Design Senior Symposium

    MTSU Department of Art and Design Senior Symposium

    Please join us this Monday – Wednesday, April 8 – 10, 15, 2024, Todd Hall, Room 204. Complete schedule and times available at MTSU Senior Symposium – Schedule (google.com) The MTSU Department of Art and Design’s Research Practicum and Symposium are essential components of the academic evaluation process for Art & Design majors studying…

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  • Saturdays At Todd: Gale Stoner | Photography

    Saturdays At Todd: Gale Stoner | Photography

    Introduction to Composition This course is designed for beginning and intermediate-level photographers; even the experienced photographer may learn a tip or two. We will look at the fundamentals of the creative elements of photography. You will be introduced to principles and techniques that will create visual interest. The discussion of composition will include the…

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  • Rachel Mindrup | Portrait Painter

    Rachel Mindrup | Portrait Painter

    Rachel Mindrup | Portrait Painter Noon – Friday, April 12, 2024 Via Zoom Rachel Mindrup is an Associate Professor of Drawing and Painting at Creighton University where she is also the Richard L. Deming, MD Endowed Chair in Medical Humanities. Hosted By Alaina Miller & Sheri Selph Email sheri.selph@mtsu.edu by April…

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  • 2024 Award of Excellence Recipient

    2024 Award of Excellence Recipient

    During the Tuesday, March 19, Awards Dinner of the Tennessee Association of Museums, the MTSU Department of Art and Design’s Todd Art Gallery was awarded a 2024 Award of Excellence for the collaborative effort involving the traveling exhibition, Crafting Blackness: Black Bodies Making Form. As a collaborative, East Tennessee State University’s Curators Karlota Contreas-Koterbay, Karen…

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  • Stained Glass Mosaics with Dr. Paige Medlock

    Stained Glass Mosaics with Dr. Paige Medlock

    November 4, 2023,  10 a.m.–1 p.m. Todd 205 Ages 10+ (students under 18, please register with an adult) Max 12 participants GLASS MOSAICS with Dr. Paige Medlock Images: Left, a young student working in Glass Mosaics; Center, left, Dr. Paige Medlock; Center, right, Art Educators showing off their skills; Right, Glass Mosaics…

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Summer ’21 Course in Color Theory

Summer Class

June 28-July 16, 2021, Todd Hall

9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Class Days

In-Class – Monday and Wednesday

Online Class – Tuesday and Thursday

Section: Art-4001-005 | Crn: 52910 | Email Sisavanh.Houghton@mtsu.edu to get Permission of Instructor (P.O.I.)

  1. Counts towards an Upper Division (***Good for Minors)
  2. No Prior Painting / Art Experience Required
  3. Learn the Importance of Color Theory
  4. Learn how to mix colors and create layers
  5. Learn color relationships and its affect in art making

Register: Detailed Class Information (mtsu.edu)

Sisavanh Houghton, Todd Hall, Room 234

Meet Tripwire Creative Director, Bryan Wynia

Don’t miss this opportunity to hangout with Tripwire Creative Director Bryan Wynia as he talks about his career as a creature and concept artist for the film and video game industries!

-Bryan’s credits include: Godzilla vs. Kong, The Nun, Ghostbusters, IT, Men in Black International, Killing Floor, Maleficent, Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters, and many more!

-Contact Professor Dabbs for Zoom Info:
douglas.dabbs@mtsu.edu 

-When: Friday, April 16th, 2021 at 11:00 a.m.
Where: Via Zoom

Bryan Wynia: https://www.artstation.com/bryanwynia

The Art of Collaboration: A Conversation with Felix Harlan

A Conversation with Felix Harlan of Harlan and Weaver (NYC) was held Tuesday, March 30, 2021 via Zoom.

Harlan is a master printer who has worked with some incredibly significant artists.  In the conversation he covered collaboration, starting/running an arts-related business, and what it’s like living and working in New York City.  This talk was facilitated by Art and Design alum Jane Kim, who is currently working with Harlan after finishing grad school in Philadelphia.  

For additional information and questions: Nicholas.Satinover@mtsu.edu 

Website:  http://www.harlanandweaver.com

MTSU Spring Showcase Medallions: Metal Pour

Alumni and Sculpture Medallions: 2.5 to 3 Hours of Metal Pour

An event of the MTSU Spring Showcase

Date/Time: Saturday, April 17, 2021. The workshop begins at 1 pm, with the metal pour beginning approximately at 2:15 pm.

Venue: Middle Tennessee State University, Todd Art Bldg., Sculpture Foundry, Todd Hall, Room 107.

Cost: $10.00 materials fee payable at the door by cash or check

Associate Professor Michael Baggarly will lead an aluminum casting workshop allowing participants to create commemorative alumni or sculptural art medallions celebrating their S@T participation and the 2021 MTSU Spring Showcase presented by the MTSU Alumni Association.

Each attendee will have the opportunity to watch the castings and participate in finishing an aluminum medallion. No prior casting experience is required, and the event is safe and open to all ages. Space is limited to twelve spots. An RSVP is required through this sign-up form.

Per MTSU requirements Social Distancing and the wearing of Facemasks are required.

Your signup is your commitment to attend. If you are registering for yourself and others, list each name individually in an open slot. Thank you!

The medallions will be cast in molten aluminum at the end of the workshop and will be a visual treat for all attendees.

Medallions are free to take home immediately following the event.

Saturdays at Todd workshops are supported in part by the Tennessee Arts Commission (TAC) https://tnartscommission.org/. Your purchase of a Specialty License Plate, an Arts Plate, supports the commission’s outreach to arts organizations, schools, and communities across Tennessee. https://tnspecialtyplates.org/.

For additional information, parking, and other questions, contact eric.snyder@mtsu.edu.

 

 

Life Mapping Workshop with Kara Kemp

Saturdays At Todd

The MTSU Department of Art and Design is pleased to announce a Saturdays At Todd (S@T) Workshop led by local favorite Kara Kemp this April 17, 2021. Organized by Rutherford Arts Alliance (RAA), Kara’s Workshop is scheduled in Todd Hall, Room 236.

Everyone possesses the ability to design a meaningful life, but not everyone knows how. In this interactive Life Mapping Workshop, Kara Kemp will guide you through the life mapping process to gain the insight needed to live an authentic life and tackle your most ambitious goals. Utilizing Qnity’s revolutionary methodology and proven principles of success, the interactive and inspiring approaches to mind mapping will help you make dynamic and enduring connections between your head and your heart, allowing you to reach your full potential, achieve your goals and live a more intentional life. Participants will be encouraged to share reflections with the group.

    • Combine text and visuals to create a mindmap
    • Set specific goals, objectives, and actions steps
    • Uncover core beliefs of who you are
    • Align your values with your goals (Goals and Achievable Chunks)
    • MATERIALS NEEDED:
    • Paper or sketch pad and writing implements
    • Planner or calendar for the year ahead

Biography

Speaker and storytelling coach for visionary leaders who wish to leverage the power of their personal narrative. For over two decades, she facilitated off-the-shelf approaches for strengthening work cultures and creative leaders. Kara has crafted systems for companies and individuals in non-profit and for-profit sectors. She works with organizations and leadership teams on how to harness the power of storytelling to maintain momentum in their field. Kara is a firm believer that communication and collaboration are the keystones to effective work cultures and to encourage bold choices that expedite success.

Prior Workshops:

    • Rutherford County Habitat for Humanity Storytelling for FUNdraising
    • Rutherford Chamber Youth Leadership Workshop
    • The Story Spark: Superheroes and Dreamers
    • Rutherford Arts Alliance June Storytelling Performance and Talk
    • The Power of Your Story Workshop
    • United Way Bold Goals 2030 Workshop

All are welcome to participate. Attendance is free for RAA members. A $25.00 fee, paid the day of the event, is required of non-members and provides membership for 2021 to attend other free to members RAA events. Payments by cash, check, or PayPal is accepted.

Per MTSU requirements Social Distancing and the wearing of Facemasks are required.

Your signup is your commitment to attend. If you are registering for yourself and others, list each name individually in an open slot. Thank you!

For more information about RAA:

Rutherford Arts Alliance | 115 Front Street (Mailing Address Only) | Smyrna, TN 37167

rucoarts@gmail.com | www.rutherfordartsalliance.org

Social Media: @rucoartstn

Saturdays at Todd workshops are supported in part by the Tennessee Arts Commission (TAC) https://tnartscommission.org/. Your purchase of a Specialty License Plate, an Arts Plate supports the commission’s outreach to arts organizations, schools, and communities across Tennessee. https://tnspecialtyplates.org/.

For additional information, parking, and other questions contact eric.snyder@mtsu.edu.

Illustrating the Comic Book Page

ILLUSTRATING THE COMIC BOOK PAGE! with Douglas Dabbs, Associate Professor, MTSU Art and Design

More than 25 MTSU and Community persons signed up to join Douglas Dabbs for his recent Saturdays at Todd Workshop via Zoom. During the three-hour workshop each participant was taught how to use thumbnails, page design, word balloons, ink, and much more to tell their stories visually! Visit Douglas at https://www.mtsu.edu/art/DouglasDabbs.php

From Impulse to Impact Poetry Workshop: Writing What Matters to You in a Way That Speaks to Others

The MTSU Department of Art and Design is pleased to announce a poetry-writing Saturdays at Todd Workshop with recent Murfreesboro Poet Laureate and Author, Kory Wells!

From Impulse to Impact Poetry Workshop: Writing What matters to You in a Way That Speaks to Others

More Information and Signup at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0A4EABA62FA4FE3-from1

Whether you compose poems on your phone or scribble lines in a notebook, when you follow the urge to write, you’re heeding the call of something important. But how can you best follow that impulse and turn it into a written or spoken word piece that commands attention? In this workshop, we’ll explore some ways to get at our most meaningful material and consider numerous specific strategies for revising our work to maximize its impact on the reader or listener.

Audience: All levels welcome; while we’ll focus on poetry and spoken word, much of what we discuss will apply to the writing of all genres

Bring with you: Your favorite writing tools. We’ll take some time to generate new work, but feel free to bring a poem you’ve already started and would like to improve.

Class limit: Free and open to the public, registration required, 15 participants total. More Information and Signup at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0A4EABA62FA4FE3-from1

Sponsored in part by the Tennessee Arts Commission: https://tnartscommission.org/ Support the Commission’s efforts across Tennessee through the purchase of a specialty license plate: https://tnspecialtyplates.org/

Letterpress poster from Kathleen O’Connell’s Design and Print Saturdays at Todd Workshop

Saturdays at Todd Workshop, Design and Print a Letterpress Poster, was held on September 26, 2020, and conducted by Professor Kathleen O’Connell. The resulting poster features a quote in memory of the late U.S. Supreme Court Justice, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, “Fight for the Things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you.”