Written by: Mekenzie Moffet
Over the summer, Ellis Library opened a new opportunity to get to know art and appreciate the work of those around you with the Museum of Anthropology and the Museum of Art & Archaeology. Those of you who are consistent in visiting the library may have passed another location a hundred times and passed by the changes that go on with exhibit cases and displays. Recently, Megan Ballengee, our amazing Community Engagement Coordinator shared her knowledge with me so that I could pass along what goes on behind the display cases.
The pictured exhibit case doesn’t have an official name, but if you ever want to check it out, it’s right across from the peer navigator desk on the first floor. This exhibit is run by various committees and displays a huge variety of different materials: projects from various classes or individual students, student organizations, heritage celebrations, artwork, and of course books. Just last month, up for display was artwork created by your librarians and faculty members. The exhibits are changed anywhere from one month to once a semester. On the second floor, there is also a long-standing exhibit curated by the State Historical Society, choosing new themes every year celebrating Black History that stays up for a whole semester.
Megan decides what to showcase by receiving requests, or just reaching out seeing if anyone would like to show off their talent. When I asked what was special about these exhibits? She answered that, “The exhibit area is a great opportunity for people to be able to share their work and for the library to make connections with the campus community. Exhibits provide learning opportunities for people viewing the exhibit and a much-needed break from studying!”
The current exhibit is in celebration of Homecoming (which is coming up on October 19). Special Collections and Archives shared some copies of the Savitar (the Mizzou yearbook) to display, and there is a lot of Mizzou spirit to come view! I know we’re all excited for Homecoming Week to come, but that doesn’t mean we can’t show off our tiger pride in the meantime.
