Marita Gootee

Marita Gootee is a Professor of Art at Mississippi State University's College of Architecture, Art, and Design, specializing in photography. With 35 years of academic experience, her visual research explores themes of self-identity and the human relationship with the world, expressed through diverse artistic styles unified by a singular conceptual voice.

• Education: MFA in Art from Indiana State University (1985), BA in Art from College of Mount St. Joseph (1981)

Research Focus: Gootee’s work bridges experimental techniques—from early crayon-colored rock art to contemporary photographic practices—with introspective themes about personal and universal understanding. She recently presented a lecture on Contact to Encaustic at the 2025 SPE Annual Conference in Reno, NV.

Scientific Achievements: Her exhibitions include prestigious venues such as the National Museum for Women in the Arts (Washington D.C.), Songzhuang International Photo Biennale (China), and Fotonostrum (Barcelona). Key accolades include the Julia Margaret Cameron Award for Women Photographers and recognition at the Worldwide Photography Gala Awards.

• Research Affiliations: Fred Carl, Jr. Small Town Center; Gulf Coast Community Design Studio