Center of Excellence for the Creative Arts at APSU

09/04/2026

The Department of Art + Design at Austin Peay State University is pleased to welcome Cesar Rivera as the first guest of the Fall 2026 Visiting Artist Lecture Series, generously underwritten by the Center of Excellence for the Creative Arts (CECA).

Rivera is an award-winning communication designer, educator, and U.S. Army veteran whose professional career spans design practice, higher education, entrepreneurship, and public service. He served as Chief Design Officer at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, where he led the CDC Visual Design Branch in visual communication, data visualization, and campaign design. He also served on the National Board of Directors of the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA).

For his lecture, “ADD: AI’s Deficit Disorder: Emerging Technologies from Gutenberg to GenAI,” Rivera will examine disruptive technologies throughout design history, from the invention of the printing press to contemporary generative AI and large language models, and consider what current data may reveal about the future of design work and work environments. A Q&A will follow.

Wednesday, September 9, 2026�
6:00 PM
�Trahern 220�, Austin Peay State University

A workshop with Rivera will follow on Thursday, September 10.

We invite students, faculty, and members of the broader community to join us for the opening event of the Fall 2026 Visiting Artist Lecture Series.

More information: www.ecesarrivera.com

Images: Courtesy of the Artist

09/04/2026

The New Gallery is pleased to present SPARK 2026, the APSU Faculty Triennial, featuring the work of full-time and part-time faculty, as well as staff who teach and work within the Department of Art + Design.

The exhibition will remain on view through October 2, with a full program of events and activities throughout the coming weeks.

Opening Reception: Wednesday, September 2
noon - 1:30 p.m. at the New Gallery

Scan the QR code or follow the link to explore the exhibition, meet the participating faculty, learn more about the work, and see the full September program.
https://sites.google.com/view/the-new-gallery-apsu/home
https://www.apsu.edu/thenewgallery/

08/15/2026

A remarkable connection between two sculptures and their respective collections.

The APSU Art Collection is honored to hold three sculptures by William Edmondson, including “Eagle”. The rendition of the “Eagle” is currently on view at the Art Institute of Chicago in the “Self, Made: Fourteen Modern Artists from the Richard and Ellen Sandor Family Collection” exhibition, on view until November 9, 2026.

Edmondson's work stands as one of the main pillars of APSU’s Folk Collection, alongside another notable work by Enoch Tanner Wickham.

Thank you to the Art Institute of Chicago for celebrating Edmondson's enduring legacy. Please visit the exhibition, or, if you are in Clarksville, TN, come explore the other works by William Edmondson on the second floor of the Art + Design Building on the APSU campus.

Images:
William Edmondson - "Eagle"
Gift of Dr. Joe Trahern and Family (2010)
© APSU. Archive photo
Enoch Tanner Wickham (E.T.) - “Two Sleeping Dogs”
© APSU. Archive photo
: William Edmondson. "Eagle," 1940s. Gift of Richard and Ellen Sandor. © The Art Institute of Chicago. Photo by Joe Tallarico, The Art Institute of Chicago

08/15/2026

The deadline is almost here!

There are only a few days left to apply for the New Gallery Artist-in-Residence at Austin Peay State University.

Do not miss this opportunity to develop new work, engage with our campus community, and culminate your residency with a solo exhibition at the New Gallery.

The application deadline is just around the corner.

Scan the QR code on the poster for details and apply today.

08/15/2026

The Department of Art + Design and The New Gallery, with the support of the Center of Excellence for the Creative Arts, are thrilled to announce that renowned director Tim Johnson will join the Visiting Artist Lecture Series in the upcoming 2026–27 academic year.

Generously sharing his time with our students and community, Tim will speak virtually about his creative practice, career, and experience as a director. Tim is best known for his long and fruitful career at DreamWorks as a director of animated features such as “Antz” and “Over the Hedge.”

We are especially delighted to see Tim wearing an APSU Art + Design T-shirt while holding an original collage created by recent APSU Art + Design program graduate Lily Goodowens. Tim declared, “Kapow! Mind. Blown. Her work is beyond lovely. It really moved me, seeing her adorable interpretations of all those familiar characters. I am truly grateful.”

We can’t wait to share more about this exciting virtual event. Stay tuned for further details!

Photo: Provided by Tim Johnson

04/15/2026

04/01/2026

Big dreams deserve a little extra support ✨

CECA’s Transformative Student Experience Grants are officially OPEN—but only until April 11! Whether you're planning something bold, creative, or completely outside the box, this is your chance to make it happen.

Apply now—link in bio!

03/16/2026

10/21/2025

10/21/2025

One week from today! Mark your calendars!

Department of Music, Austin Peay State University
Center of Excellence for the Creative Arts at APSU