Mizzou Hosts Second First-Gen Student Art Exhibition

The University of Missouri's second annual First-Generation College Student Art Exhibition drew submissions from students across campus.

Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Fine Art

Empty framed canvases and panels hang along a warm brick wall in a library hall lit by soft window light. — The University of Missouri hosted its second annual First-Generation College Student Art Exhibition at Ellis Library on Thursday, Nov. 5, with eight pieces staying up through the semester. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

The University of Missouri hosted its second annual First-Generation College Student Art Exhibition in Ellis Library on Thursday, Nov. 5. Eight pieces from the exhibit will remain on the first floor of Ellis Library until the end of the semester.

Why it matters

The exhibition gives first-generation college students in Columbia a campus venue to showcase their work and encourages them to step out of their comfort zones. It also highlights the artistic talent within the University of Missouri's student body.

Eight pieces from the exhibition will be displayed on the first floor of Ellis Library until the end of the semester. The total number of submissions to the competition was not reported.

The players

Cathleen Fleck

Cathleen Fleck is the director of the School of Visual Studies at the University of Missouri, and she reviewed and judged the student submissions.

Darcy Holtgrave

Darcy Holtgrave is the manager of the MedOpp Advising Office at the University of Missouri.

The details

Artists working in many mediums were invited to apply through QR codes and emails sent across campus. The showcase also served as a competition, with first- through third-place winners receiving a prize and a goodie bag.

Thursday, Nov. 5: First-Generation College Student Art Exhibition held in Ellis Library.
End of the semester: Eight exhibit pieces remain on display on Ellis Library's first floor.

Legacy Context

The exhibition is the second annual edition of the University of Missouri's First-Generation College Student Art Exhibition, extending an existing campus program for first-generation students into the visual arts. Its second year suggests the event is building a recurring place in the university's student calendar.

Eight pieces from the exhibition remain on public display on the first floor of Ellis Library until the end of the semester. Visitors can view the work during regular library hours without a ticket.

The takeaway

The exhibition shows that campus arts showcases can give first-generation students a visible platform and a path to creative recognition. Students interested in participating can watch for future calls for submissions from the School of Visual Studies.