Delta State to host MFA thesis exhibition at Wright Art Center
Cleveland, MS (05/13/2026) — Contact: Nathan Duff FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Phone: (662) 846-4678
Email: nduff@deltastate.edu
Delta State to host MFA thesis exhibition at Wright Art Center
CLEVELAND, Miss. - The Delta State University Fielding Wright Art Center Gallery will host "Confluence," the Master of Fine Arts in Studio Art thesis exhibition featuring the work of Abigail Killian of Tyler, Texas and Patrick Adam King of Courtland, Mississippi, on display from May 12 through June 9.
The exhibition marks the culmination of the graduate work completed by students earning the MFA in Studio Art degree at Delta State. Killian's exhibition, "The Table Between Us," and King's exhibition, "Color Study and Perceptual Development," explore themes of memory, culture, perception, light and human connection through distinct artistic approaches.
"This exhibition represents the culmination of years of artistic development for these students," said Professor of Art Cetin Oguz. "Their work reflects the depth of creativity, technical skill and thoughtful exploration that has defined the program for many years."
Killian's work centers on the ways food connects people to culture, memory and shared experience. Through photographic compositions that combine portraits, prepared meals and cultural details, she explores stories inspired by conversations with individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds about meaningful meals and traditions.
Rather than documenting a single moment, Killian creates layered, surreal images that mirror the emotional and non-linear nature of memory. Drawing inspiration from artists including Cindy Sherman and Jerry Uelsmann, she combines multiple photographs into compositions structured around a 3-by-3 grid resembling the form of a plate.
Her process also incorporates handmade paper and spices associated with each culture represented in the work, emphasizing the sensory nature of food and the role of the table as a place where stories, traditions and differences coexist.
For King, light serves as the central focus of his paintings, whether depicting landscapes, still lifes or portraits. Influenced by the impressionists, American colorist Henry Hensche and mentor Sammy Britt, King approaches painting as an exploration of visual truth through color and perception.
King compares painting to music, describing light as the key and color as the notes required to express the scene accurately. His work reflects an ongoing study of observation and perception, encouraging viewers to slow down and recognize the beauty present in everyday life.
The exhibition will be displayed at the Fielding Wright Art Center Gallery located at 1003 West Sunflower Road on the Delta State campus. Gallery hours are Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The gallery is closed on weekends, holidays and semester breaks.
A free closing reception will be held Tuesday, June 9, from 4 to 6 p.m. Guests will have the opportunity to meet the artists and celebrate the legacy of Delta State's MFA in Studio Art program.
For additional information, contact coguz@deltastate.edu or visit the DSU website at www.deltastate.edu.
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About Delta State University: Delta State University is a four-year public institution whose nearly 2,800 students come from most U.S. states and more than 45 countries. Acknowledging its beginning as a teacher's college, the University sustains excellence in teacher education while continuing to expand offerings in traditional as well as unique fields of study. Programs such as those available through the Delta Music Institute, the Commercial Aviation Department, and the Center for Interdisciplinary Geospatial Information highlight the University's commitment to meeting the evolving needs of the students it serves with world-leading, industry-acclaimed programs. Situated in the heart of the Mississippi Delta, Delta State offers top-notch academic programs in business, arts, sciences, nursing, education, and more. DSU Athletics has won 15 national championships, 70 conference championships, and 37 regional titles.
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