Unions' Public Art Blog

In honor of Black History Month, the Student Center is currently featuring displays that explore the history of the African American experience at the University of Missouri - Columbia.  In this post, I have decided to profile significant African American individuals from the history of the University. To learn more about Black History at Mizzou, be sure to stop by the Student Center and check out the display case in the Lower Lair Lounge and the square cases on the main level just outside of Mort's. Lucile Bluford A professional Journalist, Bluford applied to MU’s Journalism graduate program in 1939. She, along with the NAACP, sued the school; unfortunately, the court ruled in favor of the university. Mizzou gave Bluford an honorary doctorate in 1989. (Summer 1989, MIZZOU , Courtesy of University Archives) Lloyd Gaines In 1936, Lloyd Gaines, an honors graduate from Lincoln University, applied for admission to the University of Missouri School of Law. ...

The annual exhibition featuring views of MU campus during the chilly winter months is now on display. You can view these wintery scenes, which document 100 years of snow fall and ice storms on campus, both in the Student Center (in the square cases located just outside of Mort's) and in Memorial Union (in the display case inside of Stotler Lounge). Although, with this week's weather you could also just take a stroll around campus! The displays will remain up through the winter break. Here are some highlights:     The 1915 Savitar features "Campus Scenes in Winter - Univ. of MO."    In 1934 Batchelder art students worked together to build this majestic snow tiger.    The 1949 Savitar features photographs of the MU campus veiled in ice and the destructive power of harsh winter weather. In February 1979 a heavy storm hit Columbia that caused the University to close for the first time in recent memory.  As these images show...

  By the Sea 2013 acrylic on canvas A new exhibition is now on display across from US Bank in the MU Student Center featuring the vivid and expressive paintings of David Kontra. Originally from Ohio, Kontra lives and works in rural south-central Missouri in the small town of Norwood. Kontra is legally blind. He was diagnosed with a rare degenerative eye disease called retinitis pigmentosa when he was still a child and began drawing as a way to cope with depression. Retinitis pigmentosa is a condition that gradually causes people to lose their sight. Suffers must contend with severe tunnel vision, nystagmus (involuntary rapid eye movements), blind spots, and the eventuality of going completely blind. Today, Kontra retains less than five percent of his vision in his left eye, and his right eye can only perceive changes in light. The artist describes it as, “like looking through a straw with my left eye only.” As a result, the artist is unable to view his paintings i...

2013 Director's Creativity Showcase     The Missouri Mental Health Foundation, in collaboration with the University of Missouri – Columbia, is proud to present the 2013 Director’s Creativity Showcase. The display is located in the MU Student Center, in the wall cases in the Lower Lair Lounge and in the square cases located on the first floor outside of Mort’s. The display will remain on view until November 25, 2013.   MU Student Center Lower Lair Lounge display Debuting in 1979, the Director’s Creativity Showcase is an annual event that displays the creative works of the talented people served by the Missouri Department of Mental Health (DMH) and acts as an inspiration to all who create and experience these works.    The Showcase helps to acquaint the public with the talents of those who are served by DMH.  These are individuals with mental illnesses, developmental disabilities, or addiction disorders.  The artwork is created ...