Impressions: Black Spirit in America explores how art, poetry, writing, and other forms of expression embody the shared experiences of communities across the African diaspora as part of the collective story of Missourians and Americans. 

Featuring works by artists from diverse backgrounds, the exhibition highlights how Black experiences have shaped American history and culture. The exhibition showcases a range of perspectives, drawing from the museum's permanent collection with additional loans of art from Art Bridges Foundation in Bentonville, Arkansas.

The museum partnered with Donald Quist, associate professor in Mizzou’s Department of English, to develop a paired creative writing course as the Impressions exhibition planning process was underway. Students discussed and researched works of art, then prepared written impressions about selected works. 

Excerpts from those responses are included in special labels in the gallery, click here to view the Student Impressions responses.

Financial support for Impressions: Black Spirit in America was provided by Art Bridges and Missouri Humanities. 

Impressions: Black Spirit in America exhibition dates: October 2025 through May 2026 

Featured image: Faith Ringgold (American, 1930-2024), The Sunflower Quilting Bee at Arles, 1996, color lithograph, gift of Museum Associates (99.9)