57th Annual Juried Undergraduate Exhibition

Marie T. Cochran received degrees from the University of Georgia (BFA) and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (MFA). She is a self-described cultural pollinator. As an artist, curator, educator, curator and artist, Cochran creates projects and artwork that address a sense of place and community. Her work is often grounded in interdisciplinary dialogues focused on social justice and cultural equity. She has exhibited

extensively throughout the Southeast and nationally. Throughout her 30 year career, she has taught at colleges in Georgia, New Jersey, Maryland, and North Carolina. Cochran is a former WCU School of Art faculty member. Most recently she was a 2020-2022 Lehman Brady Visiting Professor at the Duke University’s Center for Documentary Studies and the UNC’s American Studies Program. Cochran is the founding curator of the Affrilachian Artist Project, which celebrates the intersection of cultures in Appalachia and nurtures a network of individuals and organizations committed to the sustainability of a diverse region. She is returning to Duke University for a year-long residency in 2025.

Undergraduate students enrolled at Western Carolina University are eligible to submit artwork for consideration. “Undergraduate” is defined as any student enrolled in a 400 level course or below during the current academic year. Artwork must have been created during the students’ time at Western. Art majors and non-art majors are welcome to apply. Artwork previously exhibited in a Juried Undergraduate Exhibition at the WCU Fine Art Museum is not eligible for consideration. Artwork previously exhibited in a BFA Portfolio Exhibition may be submitted for the juror to review.

Best in Show - Kylie Chatham, Duality
Chancellor’s Award # 1 - Carlen Davis, So Close But We Don’t See Eye to Eye
Chancellor’s Award # 2 - Jessica Rial, Caution Wet Floor
Chancellor’s Purchase Award - Valeria E. Ramos, Helena
BCFPA Dean’s Award - Daniel Velazquez Perez, Mother Nature
Museum Director’s Award - Zoila Carrasco, Tell Me Who
Diane Withrow Coyle Award in Drawing - Carlen Davis, So Close But We Don’t See Eye to Eye

Media Awards
2-D Media - Valeria E. Ramos, Helena
2-D Media - Lily Tran, Sticks & Glitter
3-D Media - Wren Petersen, Sanctuary
3-D Media - Julian Parker, Aftermath
Time-Based Media - James Wood Boone, I’m outside, please
Design - Natalie Fletcher, Community Club

Art Materials Awards
Art Materials Award #1  - Nancy Peneff, Fragile, Lady Justice, and Red
Art Materials Award #2 - Angel F. Volpe, Obey/Disobey Verb Booklet
Art Materials Award #3 - Alexis Bumgardner, Special Endeavor
Art Materials Award #4 - Madison Haggard, Que Será, Será

Thank you to our sponsors for your continued support of our students and exhibitions! If you would like to learn more about Blick Art Materials, please visit the link.