Feb. 12, 2026
Contact: Sara Diedrich, diedrichs@missouri.edu
Photos by Abbie Lankitus
Creativity takes center stage as the University of Missouri’s annual Chancellor’s Arts Showcase lights up the historic Missouri Theatre on Friday, Feb. 20. The evening is a celebration of Mizzou’s premier student artwork, performance and design, featuring the work of more than 100 Tigers across disciplines.
"The Chancellor's Arts Showcase is more than just an exhibition; it is a celebration of the arts, our community and the creative energy that brings us all together,” Cooper Drury, dean of Mizzou’s College of Arts and Science, said. “Mizzou and the College of Arts and Science create the space for learning and then bring the students’ work to the community to enrich our lives."
The showcase is free and open to the community. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and performances begin at 7:30 p.m.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Explore student paintings, sculptures, fiber art and architectural designs throughout the Missouri Theatre lobby and neighboring Columbia Art League gallery. The exhibit also spotlights custom clothing, apparel and costumes.
- Experience theatre and performance studies, featuring showstopping selections from “Into the Woods” alongside the classic “To be, or not to be…” soliloquy from “Hamlet.”
- Discover the stories behind the talent. Five Mizzou students — with majors spanning theatre, visual studies, architecture, textile management and music — will share their creative journeys and how Mizzou shaped their paths. Hear their inspirational experiences throughout the evening.
- Settle in for a showcase of digital storytelling and video work from seven School of Visual Studies students. These creative visions unfold in pieces ranging from one-minute hits to immersive four-minute stories.
- Hear from University of Missouri President Mun Choi on the importance of student art, design and performance — and why his own passion for the arts fuels his support for Mizzou Arts.
- Close the night with the world premiere of “Existential Vacuum,” a new work by Sinquefield Composition Prizewinner Dean Wibe, performed by the Mizzou Wind Ensemble. The prestigious prize is awarded each year by the Mizzou School of Music and the Mizzou New Music Initiative with support from Dr. Jeanne Cairns Sinquefield, Rex Sinquefield and the Sinquefield Charitable Foundation. Wibe’s piece will also be professionally recorded.
