University of Missouri students, faculty and staff are gearing up for the 22nd annual Chancellor’s Arts Showcase. It will take place beginning at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 25, at the Missouri Theatre. Admission is free and the event is open to the public.

“The showcase represents excellence in creativity from our students at MU. In many of these instances, the excellence has already been acknowledged with a previous award.” – Julia Gaines, School of Music Director

This year’s event features work from more than 100 students, faculty and alumni. In addition to art and fashion displays, attendees will be presented selections from the Department of Theatre’s recent musical production, RENT. The production recently received 11 certificates of merit through the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival. Students Anthony Blatter and Dani Major, along with alumna Raynesha Green, said they are excited to perform selections with the original cast and crew.

“The Kennedy Center gives out special recognition for different aspects of the show and we won all of them — costumes, ensemble, lighting and choreography,” Green said. “That’s a huge honor because it’s never happened before, and it’s not something we had to work extra for. It was just that they saw our show and wanted to highlight us for it.”

The showcase will also highlight works from the Division of Architectural Studies and the Division of Textile and Apparel Management — both new additions to the event.

Alumna Meghan Alexander said she is excited for her piece to be presented along with other works by textile and apparel management students. Alexander said she donated her project, a suspension garment, to the university after graduating. She was surprised when it was selected for the showcase. “I was tickled,” she said. “I had kind of forgotten about it, and when I got the email saying it was selected, I thought it was awesome.”

With the best of the best on display, Gaines is excited for the audience’s experience. “I hope they have an appreciation for the breadth of the arts programs we have at Mizzou and are impressed with the high talent,” she said.