Lander Announces 2026 Juried Art Exhibition Winners

The deep love of the arts and support of Lander’s student artists was on full display at the Lander Art Gallery Thursday evening, Feb. 5, as faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends of the University gathered to celebrate the artwork selected for Lander’s 2026 Juried Art Exhibition. On display through Tuesday, Feb. 17, this year’s exhibit featured some of the best work produced by Lander students in a wide variety of media. Winners were also announced, with awards given for first, second and third place in a number of categories.

Best in Show

The Barbara Kinard Cornett Award for Best in Show was awarded to Scarlett Smith, of Travelers Rest, for her acrylic painting, “Far from the Tree.” Smith’s award represents the inclusive environment of Lander’s Department of Art since her academic major is psychology.

“Scarlett’s work embodies the dedication and vision we see growing in our classrooms – and in our studios – every day at Lander,” said Dr. Misty Jameson, associate dean of the College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences. “Her success also highlights what is possible for students who pursue a rich liberal arts education. We encourage students to study multiple subjects, and in so doing, to prepare for multiple career possibilities.”

Also winning awards were the following students:

Photography

• First place, Sylvia Dobbe, for the entry, “Tick Tock.”
• Second place, Sydney Kemp, for the entry, “The Fool.”
• Third place, Kylie DeLeo, for the entry, “Hands of Love.”

Ceramics

• First place, Cathryn Burger, for the entry, “Round n’ Round.”
• Second place, Shine Kim, for the entry, “Pomegranates.”
• Third place, Kel Haltinwanger, for the entry, “Silence.”

Graphic Design

• First place, Mack Belenky, for the entry, “Noggin.”
• Second place, Brianna Sanaa Skeete, for the entry, “Brioche & Butter.”
• Third place, Maisie Cheek, for the entry, “Amarit Silk.”

Drawing

• First place, Olivia Martin, for the entry, “Complexity of a Still Life.”
• Second place, Eddie Heron, for the entry, “Clowns Embrace.”
• Third place, Jenna Tunison, for the entry, “I Want You to Be Loved”

Painting

• First place, Vanessa Steele, for the entry, “Flame of Light.”
• Second place, Hayden Hamilton, for the entry, “Master Study.”
• Third place, Kylie DeLeo, for the entry, “Collage of Frustration.”

Sculpture

• First place, Cathryn Burger, for the entry, “Overgrown.”
• Second place, Alyssa Drakes, for the entry, “Accountability.”
• Third place, Antony Turner, for the entry, “Fayn.”

The Juried Art Exhibition is an annual event from the College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences at Lander University, which aims to produce successful alumni who are leaders in their chosen fields, and in their communities. For a full list of upcoming events, or to explore the college’s degree programs, please visit www.lander.edu/cohass.