The Art Department's Catherine J Smith and Cathy P Walling galleries present Art and Design Expo 2026, a juried student exhibition organized by the Smith Gallery and the Department of Art featuring outstanding student work from across campus. It will be on view February 10- Feb 26 at the Smith Gallery at the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts and the Walling Gallery in Wey Hall
Hannah Castro, Bunny Bust, Stoneware, acrylic paint
Art and Design Expo is an annual exhibition hosted by the Art Department that is open to all students at Appalachian State University. Students submit work in any media that pertains to the production of art and design such as prototypes, digital renderings and examples of fashion, furniture, interior and graphic design, printmaking, painting, performance art, installation, video, photography, sculpture, ceramics, metalwork and fibers.
The exhibition this year was juried by Michael Manes, co-founder and co-director of Manes Collection and Cohab Space, High Point, NC. Over three hundred pieces were submitted by students with less than sixty being selected. Students selected for Art Expo have the chance to win several awards including Best in Show ($300), 1st prize ($200), 2nd prize ($150), and 3rd prize ($100). A People's Choice Award ($150) will also be selected through votes collected during the exhibition.
Abby Hauser, Portrait of Lily, Oil on canvas
Included are works by: Azaria Anderson, Kenia Arellano, Emily Boggs, Kate Burns, Riley Brown, Hannah Castro, Eric Cooke, Ian Demus, Derek Elms, Scarlett Eversole, Mia Finelli, Alice Giardini Granato, Lillie Gifford, Alissa Goble, Jasper Gonzalez, Ava Kate Graham, Haley Grimbeek, Grace Guevarra, Gavin Gurley, Julian Guzman, Abby Hauser,Colvin Harvey, Brennan Hazle, McGuire Hill, Mairin Jacquot,Molly Jameson, Wills Koeniger, Jade Lovio, Mel Mandell, Kamryn McGuirt, Mason Mckay, Matthew McKean, Ethan Meyers, Justin Moore,Zoe Moore, Joshua Morrison, Brandon Mullins, Molly Newton, Lulu Nowicki, Chandni Patel,Mazzy Patella, Alyson Pritchard, Tobias Puma, Grace Reaves, Lindsay Reese, Cate Russell, Margaret Schupp, Adam Smalley, Whitney Taylor, Casey Thomas, and Allison Walter.
A public reception and award ceremony will be held in honor of the students exhibited on Thursday, Feb 19 from 5-7pm at both galleries. Awards winners will be announced along with food, music, and honors.Admission is Free at both spaces, and the galleries are open 10-5pm, Monday-Friday.
Wills Koniger, I love you so big, Powder coated steel, birch plywood, aluminum
Media Contact: Contact: Jennie Carlisle, Director, carlislejk@appstate.edu.
About the Department of Art
One of seven departments within the College of Fine and Applied Arts, the Department of Art at Appalachian State University prepares students to explore art, identity, expression, and creative problem-solving, while challenging them to push beyond their previous limits by discovering new connections to culture. The department offers degrees in art and visual culture, art education, graphic design, studio art, photography, and graphic communications management, with minors in art history, studio art, photography, and graphic communications management. Learn more at art.appstate.edu.
Molly Jamison, Winters Comfort, Cyanotype on 100% white and cream cotton
About the College of Fine and Applied Arts
Appalachian State University's College of Fine and Applied Arts is a dynamic and innovative group of seven academic departments, bringing together a variety of perspectives, experiences, and real-world education to provide unique opportunities for student success. The college has more than 3,500 undergraduate and graduate majors. Its departments are Applied Design, Art, Communication, Military Science and Leadership, Sustainable Development, Sustainable Technology and the Built Environment, and Theatre and Dance. Learn more at cfaa.appstate.edu.
About Appalachian State University
As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, cost-effective education for all.
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