University Galleries
The Murray State University Galleries serve the students and scholars of the Murray State community. The University Galleries host a wide range of thought-provoking exhibitions that advance cultural knowledge and serve as a laboratory for creative experimentation and expression. Through visiting artists, the University Galleries allow students and scholars to engage in creative and intellectual discourse with regional, national, and international contemporary artists and designers. Galleries’ events and exhibitions are free and open to the public.
Hours & Location
The Clara M. Eagle Gallery, the Eagle Upper Gallery, and the Mary Ed Mecoy Hall Gallery are located at 620 Fine Arts Building in Murray, Kentucky, on the campus of Murray State University.
The galleries are open Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m during each semester (though times may vary based on departmental needs).
The University Galleries are closed between exhibitions, university breaks, and all university closings. Check our social media for the most updated information.
Exhibitions
For information about exhibits on view and current hours, explore the University Events Calendar. Exhibition dates and event times vary each semester.
Facilities
- 3 gallery spaces with over 8,200 square feet of exhibition space
- Clara M. Eagle Gallery
- Mary Ed Mecoy Hall Gallery
- Eagle Upper Gallery
- Over 1,500 artworks in the collection
The Clara M. Eagle Gallery
The Eagle Upper Gallery
The Mary Ed Mecoy Hall Gallery
Programming
- Dynamic exhibitions for the Murray State and regional community
- Rotating exhibitions of visiting artists, faculty artwork, and collection artworks
- Biennial Juried Photomedia Exhibition: “The Elena Curris Juried Magic Silver Show”
- Annual KyAEA All-State Pennyrile/Purchase Regional High School Art Exhibition
- Rotating exhibitions of graduating seniors
- Annual OMAS Juried Student Show
- Gallery worker and internship programs give students hands-on experience
The Magic Silver Show: The Elena Diane Curris Juried Photomedia Exhibition
The Magic Silver Show began in the mid 1970’s as a juried exhibition designed to encourage, foster understanding, and reward those involved in photographic media. This biennial exhibition presents a survey of contemporary photo media in all aspects and genres of photography, film, video, and moving image.
The exhibition returned to Murray State in 2019 under the sponsorship of Dr. Constantine and Jo Curris, and is in memory of their daughter, Elena. Dr. Curris was the sixth president of Murray State. The exhibit is funded by an endowment to the visual arts by family and friends of Elena Diane Curris to memorialize her generous and adventurous spirit and to support the strength and reputation of the visual arts at Murray State.
Each year, an important contemporary curator or artist in photomedia is chosen to jury the exhibition. Previous jurors have included C. Rose Smith (2025), Frances Jakubek (2023), Sherri Nienass Littlefield (2021), and Bradly Dever Treadaway (2019).
Look for the upcoming call for entries on CaFÉ.
Support The University Galleries
You can donate directly to support the programming of the MSU University Galleries. From exhibitions to visiting artists, the University Galleries supports the educational mission of the Department of Art & Design at Murray State University.
Contact
For inquiries about exhibitions or future exhibition opportunities, contact:
T. Michael Martin
Professor of Art & Design
Curator/Director of University Galleries
Contact the University Galleries at 270.809.3052 or msu.eaglegallery@murraystate.edu.
Follow Us
Follow the Murray State University Galleries on social media to see what exhibitions and events we are hosting.
