MTSU’s Todd Art Gallery (TAG)—located in the MTSU Art and Design Department—opens its Fall 2026 exhibition season on Saturday, August 8. Click for More Events
The first exhibition for this season is “Artistic Expressions: Let Your Voice Be Heard.” A group showcase featuring the work of 34 contemporary artists, Artistic Expressions explores themes such as identity, memory, the role of technology in our everyday lives, environmental change, and social issues.
Speaking to what attendees should expect from the showcase, TAG coordinator Eric Snyder says, “Artistic Expressions asks us to consider not only what artists have to say, but how their choices of material, imagery, and process lend form to that voice. The exhibition allows distinct perspectives to exist beside one another, creating connections, contrasts, and opportunities for
meaningful conversation.”
Artistic Expressions brings together artists working in a number of creative modalities, including drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, collage, graphic design, mixed media, and other digital processes. The exhibition highlights the many ways visual art communicates ideas and experiences that words may fail to capture.
Eric adds, “There are many luxuries in having a group show like this. For instance, we can present a wide range of perspectives. And regardless of who you are or how you live your life, the personal experiences, cultural reflection, and creativity offered in this exhibition are bound to have something for you.”
One of the exhibition’s most anticipated works is the return of “Crucifixion.” Created by Nashville artist Carlton Wilkinson, this participatory photographic and mixed-media piece centers on a Black male figure in a cruciform pose. As visitors from other art shows have observed the piece over time, many have added their signatures or personal remembrances t the piece. This active component has turned the work into a collective reflection on memory, sacrifice, and the humanity we share.
The piece gained an unexpected personal connection to MTSU during its previous appearance at the Todd Art Gallery in 2025. While viewing the work, Dr. Paige Medlock—president of the Tennessee Art Education Association and an MTSU art education faculty member—recognized
the signature of her late father among the many handwritten inscriptions. Her father had died
only months earlier.
Jimmy Mumford, chair of MTSU’s Department of Art and Design, said the discovery illustrates how an artwork can continue developing meaning long after its creation.
“A work can continue gathering associations, experiences, and relationships as it moves through the world,” Mumford said. “In this instance, Todd Art Gallery became the place where an artwork and a family memory unexpectedly met.”
On Aug. 27, the gallery will host a free Artists’ Panel at noon featuring Dayo Johnson, Destiney Powell, Fred H. Reaves, Reuben Torres, and Carlton Wilkinson. Immediately afterward, Wilkinson and Medlock will participate in a gallery conversation examining Crucifixion, discussing the artwork’s evolution, the unexpected discovery, and the ways art can preserve memory while fostering dialogue between artists and audiences.
Participating artists include: Daniel Arite, Barbara Higgins Bond, Natasha Campbell, Gail Clemons, Kimberly Dummons, Samuel L. Dunson, Dalia Garcia, Bri Garner, Barbara Hodges, Leroy Hodges, Shayla Holt, Sisavanh Houghton, David Ikard, Dayo Johnson, DaShawn Lewis,
Kimberly Manson, Michael McBride, Michael Mucker, Jimmy Mumford, Wee S. Ng, Destiney Powell, Jairo Prado, Maya Prado, Fred H. Reaves, Tony Rodriguez, Nadine Shillingford, James Threalkill, Ruben Torres, Tricia Townes, Betty Turney-Turner, Maya Turner, Jennifer Tweedie,
Carlton Wilkinson, and Donna Woodley.
The exhibition will be on view Aug. 8–29 in the Todd Art Gallery, located in Room 224A of MTSU’s Todd Art Building. A public opening reception begins at 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8.
Admission to the exhibition and associated programs is free. For more information, be sure to visit the Todd Art Gallery’s website and social media.
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