Southeast Missouri State University will showcase creativity across River Campus on May 1 with two special events highlighting student talent, collaboration and support for future professional opportunities in the arts.
The evening begins with ARTrageous, a fundraising and engagement event hosted by the Department of Art and Design from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Art Annex. Designed to celebrate student creativity, ARTrageous features interactive experiences including live demonstrations in painting, ceramics, charcoal portraiture and print-based activities, along with gallery exhibitions showcasing visiting artists and alumni. Guests can also engage with students and faculty, purchase student artwork and enjoy live music from the steel drum band. Food and drinks will be provided by Port Cape, Many Good Things and River Ridge Wineries.
Proceeds from ARTrageous support student-centered initiatives within the Department of Art and Design, including experiential learning opportunities, exhibitions and professional development activities that help prepare students for opportunities beyond campus.
INTERESTED IN OTHER RIVER CAMPUS EVENTS?
Beginning at 7:30 p.m., SEMO will come together in Bedell Performance Hall for Celebrate the Arts, organized by the Holland College of Arts and Media (HCAM). The event will feature the Southeast Jazz Studio, students from the Dobbins Conservatory of Theatre and Dance, the Department of Music, original work by Bachelor of Fine Art (BFA) students from the Department of Art and Design, and the Department of Mass Media. Celebrate the Arts will also include two films from the Fault Line Film Festival—one created by a tv and film major from mass media and another animated film created by a student from art and design.
“Celebrate the Arts is a culminating event that brings together all departments of the Holland College of Arts and Media, showcasing the passion, creativity and dedication of our students while honoring their remarkable talents,” said Rhonda Weller-Stilson, dean of the Holland College of Arts and Media. “Years ago, we held Artrageous on a separate night. We are excited to bring them together and create a festive evening. We can’t thank our sponsors and patrons enough for supporting us during this event and the 2025-2026 season.”
Celebrate the Arts will include the following presentations and performances:
- River Winds Quintet
- Southeast Percussion Ensemble
- SEMO String Quartet
- University Chamber Choir
- Opera Excerpt
- Music Creation Technology
- Musical Theatre Students
- Film Screenings from the Fault Line Film Festival
Through this shared experience, students can present their innovative work to the broader community. This event plays a crucial role in supporting the students’ professional growth, as proceeds help fund national and international performance tours for SEMO students.
Celebrate the Arts is available for all audiences and sponsored by Saint Francis Healthcare System. Tickets range from $15.75-$19.25. ARTrageous is at 340 S Frederick Street and is $50 for entry. For more information about River Campus events, visit RiverCampus.org.