College of the Ozarks will be hosting Threshold, a multi-medium showcase highlighting the creative accomplishments of this year’s graduating studio art majors. The gallery is open to the public, April 27 – May 1, 2026, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

POINT LOOKOUT, MO. — College of the Ozarks will be hosting Threshold, a multi-medium showcase highlighting the creative accomplishments of this year’s graduating studio art majors. The gallery is open to the public, April 27 – May 1, 2026, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Guests from the community are invited to attend this exhibition, and all events are free and open to the public.

The exhibition features the work of the following seniors:

• Esther Bolton, ceramics major from Elbing, Kansas
• Emma Gifford, ceramics major from Bigelow, Arkansas
• Madeline Hodges, graphic design major from Sparta, Missouri
• Hailey Koester, painting major from Joplin, Missouri
• Sarah Tucker, painting major from Cedar Hill, Texas

The exhibit title, Threshold, was chosen by the five graduating senior studio art students, and juxtaposes themes of diversity and unity, celebrating each student’s unique artistic style, while also creating a single cohesive atmosphere.

Senior painting major Hailey Koester explains the meaning behind the name “Threshold.”

“The idea of a ‘threshold’ became meaningful to us as an invitation, a place to pause and step into human connection and the significance of moments,” Koester said. “Whether stepping into feelings of home, memory, nature, or even tension, imperfection, and brokenness, the exhibition asks viewers to notice the moments that make life beautiful.”

Visitors can expect to see a rich variety of media, including printmaking, painting, graphic and digital design, and pottery. Each piece is a personal reflection of the artists' experiences, faith, and journey through their time at College of the Ozarks.

“Across the exhibition, each artist brings a unique perspective,” Koester said. “Emma’s ceramic and print work holds a sense of home and comfort, grounded in themes of hospitality, generosity, and shared experience. Esther’s teapots and fiber work draw from nature and storytelling, emphasizing warmth, adventure, and quiet moments. Sarah’s detailed bird paintings explore ideas of beauty, wonder, nostalgia, and the fleeting nature of time, capturing both stillness and movement. Madeline’s graphic design work introduces a more edgy and evolving perspective, engaging themes of human complexity, imperfection, risk, and tension.”

The exhibition will open with a reception on Monday, April 27, from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Boger Art Gallery on the College campus. The evening will begin with the Senior Blessing, followed by a time for guests to view the artwork, meet the artists, and enjoy refreshments.

A senior recital will take place on Wednesday, April 29 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Gittinger Recital Hall. Each graduating senior will give an eight-to-10-minute slideshow presentation about their artistic journey from childhood to graduating from College of the Ozarks, including artist inspiration and the intersection of art and faith in their personal artistic work and statements.

Associate Professor of Art Michael Ashley, who guided the students through the exhibition process, described the event as more than just a gallery show.

“The senior exhibition is a celebration of the gifts and talents God has given our graduating studio art majors, to interpret the beauty of His creation which plays out in their individual lives and journeys,” Ashley said. “This is the opportunity to showcase and finish their work in a professional way and to set up and present it in a formal gallery. On Monday, April 27, they share what they have learned and accomplished with their families, fellow students, campus community, and the public. Each one of them has grown in artistic concept, creativity and craftmanship, but more importantly, in character and love as citizens of Heaven.”

Preparing for Threshold has been transformative for the artists. The group exhibition taught them to be more collaborative, timely, and thoughtful in their creative process. It also helped them become more intentional with space, materials, and visual language across different artistic media.

Senior graphic design major Madeline Hodges reflects on her experience creating this exhibit and how it will prepare her for life after graduation.

“This semester has been incredibly inspiring working with four other artists to build a gallery that displays each of our personalities through our individual works,” Hodges said. “Throughout this semester, I have found that it is important to stay curious and not to be afraid to take risks and experiment while creating. In the future, I hope to work in the music industry designing and photographing for bands and artists, continuing to work among other creatives to share ideas and work together to create beautiful things.”