Rose and Gladys: The Trailblazing Creative Work of Rose O’Neill and Gladys Wheat

May 11 – Oct 31, 2026
Where

William Guitar Little Missouri Gallery of Art

SHSMO Center for Missouri Studies

605 Elm St.

Columbia, Mo.

American illustrator, artist, and writer Rose O’Neill (creator of the Kewpie comic character) and Boone County artist and illustrator Gladys Wheat were two extraordinary women artist illustrators who spent a significant part of their creative lives in Missouri. During the early 20th century, both overcame the pervasive sexism of their era, helping to pave the way for the success of today’s talented women artists. This exhibit showcases a selection of artworks by these women, as well as case with objects related to Gladys Wheat’s work as an author and printmaker.