Indiana University Kokomo faculty, students, and alumni were well represented at the 127th Annual Exhibition by Indiana and Ohio Artists at the Richmond Art Museum. Minda Douglas, associate professor of fine art, won the Kevin McCurdy and Lisa Caiazzo Purchase Award for her print “Monarch Watch.” Anna Marcum, a recent BFA graduate, received the Johnson Family Merit Award for her self-portrait and had another painting selected. Aaron Pickens, associate professor of fine art and new media, had two oil paintings juried into the show, and junior Zoe Callender had her painting “Market Fish” selected. The exhibition runs through January 10, 2026.
This story matters because it highlights the importance of regional juried exhibitions in validating the work of emerging and established artists, particularly those from smaller university programs. Faculty member Aaron Pickens emphasized that applying to shows and receiving external recognition builds students' confidence and prepares them for professional careers. The inclusion of student work alongside professional artists demonstrates the quality of instruction at IU Kokomo and provides students with real-world experience in the art world, reinforcing the value of community engagement and persistence in the face of rejection.