College of the Ozarks is hosting “From Missouri to Mussoorie: An Ozark Artist’s Photographic Journey in India” through Nov.11, 2025. The exhibition is on display in the Boger Art Gallery in the Jones Learning Center, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
This exhibit is open to the public with no admission fee.
Last summer, Dr. Richard Cummings, professor of art at College of the Ozarks, traveled across the world for a faith-centered artist residency in India. The exhibit captures various cultural experiences from his time there, including some moments at the Taj Mahal in Agra. During his residency, he also created six paintings, which are now being exhibited in Delhi, India. They draw their inspiration from the Indian Ragamala painting tradition, made almost exclusively of recycled melted plastic that he found while traveling the country.
When asked what some of his favorite features in the exhibit are, he mentioned a photograph of a young boy in front of the mausoleum.
“I was able to capture him surrounded by ancient wonder, but in that moment, he was just being a little boy kicking an empty water bottle, like any little boy in any part of the world would do,” Cummings said. “It reminded me how even though our cultures are so different, we as humans really aren’t that different from one another in the areas that really matter.”
Cummings hosted a lecture and reception on Tuesday, Oct. 21, in the Gittinger Recital Hall for art students and the greater College community. He shared how enriching it was to explore and capture a different culture through art and photography.
“I got to meet new people who see the world through different eyes and have life experiences and daily practices that are completely foreign to our everyday experiences,” Cummings said. “The exhibit exposes our community to an unfamiliar part of the world, cultural practices, and religion, while emphasizing how we are all connected: image-bearers of God, worthy of dignity and love.”
Will De Oliveira, junior public relations major, attended the exhibit.
“This exhibit was an incredible cultural experience offered through the perspective of Dr. Cummings,” De Olivera said. “He showcased some of India’s beauty and gave a glimpse into God’s artistry across the world.”
The cultural pillar of the College is to cultivate an appreciation of the fine arts, an understanding of the world, and adherence to high personal standards.
Email bogergallery@cofo.edu or call 417-690-2255 for inquiries regarding the exhibit.
About Richard Cummings
Dr. Richard Cummings is a professor of art at College of the Ozarks where he has taught art and design since 2001. He has been the director of the College's Boger Art Gallery since 2004, and he spent numerous years on the board of the International Art and Faith Organization: Christians in Visual Arts [CIVA]. Cummings has organized many national and international exhibitions, has extensively exhibited his own artwork, and has had his artwork and writings on art and faith published in numerous books and scholarly journals. He received his B.A. in English Literature from Milligan University, his MFA in studio art from the University of Leeds in England, and his DWS from the Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies.