The Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission and the State Museum of Pennsylvania have announced the winners of the 58th Annual Art of the State 2025 exhibition. From over 2,300 entries, 96 works were selected across five categories—painting, craft, sculpture, photography/digital media, and work on paper—with cash awards totaling $5,300. First-place winners include Polly Bech (Craft), Judith Pekala Hawkins (Painting), Mary Elizabeth Kulesa (Photography/Digital Media), Brynn Hurlstone (Sculpture), and Libby Soffer (Work on Paper). The exhibition runs through September 14, 2025, at The State Museum of Pennsylvania.
This annual juried exhibition, established in 1968, serves as a vital platform for showcasing Pennsylvania's artistic talent, from emerging to established artists. By highlighting diverse works from across the Commonwealth, Art of the State reinforces the cultural significance of state-level arts programming and provides public access to contemporary regional art. The awards also recognize the role of community engagement through the Art Docents' Choice Award, underscoring the intersection of institutional support and grassroots appreciation for the visual arts.