Transylvania University honors 2026 Juried Student Art Show winners

Morlan Gallery is spotlighting the works of talented Transylvania University students from a variety of majors in the annual Juried Student Art Show.

The winners were announced during a reception last week in the gallery. The free, public exhibition runs through May 14.

Award winners

The following Pioneers were recognized for their excellent works in a wide range of media:

• Dean's Purchase Award: Layne Martin - "Forgotten Buildings"
• Visual Arts Committee Purchase Award: Sophia Schmer - "Sky & Sea"
• Gallery Worker Choice Award: Forever Tungate - "Sunlit Daydreams"
• Use of Materials: Catie Taylor - "Lyra's Lighthouses"
• Strong Use of Color: Noah Porter - "Brothers"
• Attention to Detail: Sophia Schmer - "Dancer"
• Innovative Approach: Madalyn Stump - "Appalachian Futurisms"
• Confidence in Craft: Hannah Judy - "Hues of Pink"
• Evocative Content: Myles Moore - "Self Portrait In Blue"
• Narrative Approach: Katie Axon - "Nadine"
• Eclectic Perspective: Linda Rivera Reyes - "130 Mood - B&C"
• Clarity of Message: Samuel Schultz - "Make a Real Connection"
• Abbott Girard Scholarship: Myles Moore and Liv Galligan

The show is open Mondays through Fridays from 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m. in Morlan Gallery, located in the Mitchell Fine Arts Center at the corner of West Fourth and North Upper streets. Parking is available behind the building.

Dean's Purchase Award

Established in 2001 to recognize superior student artists and build a permanent collection of their works, the Dean's Purchase Award went to Layne Martin for his photography "Forgotten Buildings."

Andrew McMichael, executive vice president for academic affairs and dean of the university, presented Martin with the award at the reception. "Layne, I am very pleased to have selected this piece to be added to Transylvania's permanent art collection," he said. "Thank you for your hard work and creativity."

McMichael also read a gallery write-up of it during the reception, saying the work "positions us behind condemned structures, forcing our attention toward the graffiti-covered, boarded-up neglect we often avoid. By doing so, he reminds us of the honesty that lives in rawness. He reminds us of the neglect so keenly felt by our fellow citizens. He reminds us of our shared humanity."

Check out scenes from the reception.