WKU Student Juried Art Show Awards Winners
The annual exhibition at the Fine Arts Center celebrates student talent with awards across various artistic media.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Fine Art
The Western Kentucky University Department of Art and Design recently hosted its annual Student Juried Art Show reception and awards ceremony. Students submitted work including oil paintings, sculptures, and computer animations for review by an external juror.
Why it matters
The annual event provides a platform for students to display their creative efforts to the public and receive professional critique. By inviting a guest juror to select award recipients, the department encourages artistic growth and offers recognition for top-tier student work.
Juror T. Michael Martin of Murray State University evaluated submissions to grant accolades such as Best of Show and Best painting. The exhibition displays these pieces alongside other student works throughout the gallery run.
The players
WKU Department of Art and Design
This academic department manages the Fine Arts Center and oversees student artistic development at Western Kentucky University.
T. Michael Martin
He serves as the external juror for the show and holds an affiliation with Murray State University.
Presley Compton
The student artist was awarded the Best of Show honor for their featured work.
Ashlyn Smith
This student artist was recognized with first place and the Best painting award.
Elyse Wilcox
The artist received third place overall for her specific submission.
The details
Presley Compton earned the Best of Show award for the piece Anywhere but here, while Ashlyn Smith secured first place and the Best painting title. Maria Boggess took second place with the piece Body Pillow, and Elyse Wilcox received third place for The Boba Shop.
Timeline
The Student Juried Art Show reception was held on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026.
The gallery exhibit remains open on weekdays until Nov. 11, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
University art exhibitions serve as a critical bridge between academic training and professional exhibition standards. This show reflects broader institutional efforts to simulate real-world art market feedback for students before they graduate.
Residents can view the student exhibition on weekdays between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. The gallery is located at the Fine Arts Center on the university campus and remains open to the public through the conclusion of the show.
The takeaway
Supporting university-level art shows offers a window into emerging trends and techniques favored by the next generation of creators. Visitors interested in current student perspectives should plan their visit to the gallery before the November deadline.
Further reading
Learn more about the local art scene by visiting Bowling Green Fine Art.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WKUHerald.
