OSU Museum of Art is leaning into student artworks
Thursday, February 26, 2026
Media Contact: Ashton Miller | OSU Museum of Art Marketing Specialist | 405-744-2783 | ashton.miller11@okstate.edu
“Lean Into Abstraction: A Student Showcase” opened at the Oklahoma State University Museum of Art on Feb. 24 and will be on view until April 18, 2026.
This exhibition features OSU students’ works that were based on objects from the OSU Museum of Art’s permanent collection.
Students visited the museum to study works from the permanent collection, then created their own artworks inspired by what they observed. Rather than attempting to replicate the works, they developed original designs shaped by their own interpretations.
Through a juried selection process, eight students made it into the exhibition. One student, Mars Mojica, a sophomore studying graphic design at OSU, based her artwork on a large metal pitcher. She made the artwork her own, using the pitcher’s industrial-looking shape as a starting point to explore plant life. Her design incorporates images of water lilies, dragon fruit, roses and hyacinths.
“I think exhibitions like this are really important because they help students gain experience and get eyes on their work before they enter the workforce,” Mojica said. “I also think highlighting students helps build community on campus.”
Professor Benjamin Murphy, assistant professor of studio art at OSU, has emphasized the importance of studying historic artworks for students. With this exhibition, students are not only able to study the works and create their own adaptations of them, but they also get to display their creations.
“The partnership between the OSU Museum of Art and the OSU Studio Art program provides one of the most elevated student experiences of the year,” Murphy said. “It’s a distinguished opportunity to exhibit at the museum. As an instructor, I’m delighted to celebrate student success in this prestigious venue.”
In 2025, the OSU Museum of Art partnered with 26 departments on campus, bringing in nearly 2,220 OSU student attendees. Exhibitions like “Lean Into Abstraction: A Student Showcase” help fulfill the museum’s educational mission by showcasing how the museum’s permanent collection can be used as a resource for students, faculty and the community.
This exhibition will be on view from Feb. 24-April 18, 2026. A closing reception will also be held to recognize the students involved in “Lean Into Abstraction: A Student Showcase” at 5 p.m. on April 17.