Palette Perspectives 2026 Exhibition
Welcome to the Art of Education University’s annual student art show, Palette Perspectives, celebrating our students’ extraordinary artwork. In our studio courses, these talented art teachers have refined their skills, blending creativity with educational insight in their work. Each piece represents the dual spirit of learning and teaching, showcasing their journey as both artists and educators.
Palette Perspectives showcases artworks selected through a rigorous process by a panel of jurors, emphasizing the talent and high standards of artistic and educational excellence within our art teacher community. This curated collection celebrates both artistic achievement and the significant role of art education.
Best in Show
Emily Steffen
Cornugon’s Rest, 2025
Alcohol based markers on Bristol Board, 14 x 15 in
Category Winners
Best in Ceramics & Sculpture
Marlee Davis
A Trio of Choices, 2025
Ceramics | 10.5 x 30 x 6 in
Best in drawing
Libby McArthur
Now, you are just a stranger with all my secrets, 2025
Prismacolor Fineliners and Bristol paper | 8 x 10 in
Best in Digital Illustration & Graphic Design
Laura Weed
Synthesis of Charlotte and the Cat, 2025
Procreate and Apple iPad Pro | 13 x 11 in
Best in Fibers
Emily Wellentin
Lake Kawaguesaga, 2025
Roving, yarn, pipe cleaners, gold thread, transparencies, gold ink | 8.5 x 11 x 2.5 in
Best in Painting – Tempera & Acrylic
Claire McCarter
The Good Chair, 2025
Acrylic paint | 24 x 17 x 0.25 in
Best in watercolor
Stacey DeCaro
Watercolor Series: Lights, 2025
Watercolor on paper | 7.5 x 11 in
Best in photography
Derek Martínez Rivera
La Hamaca, 2025
Canon Rebel T6i, iPhone 12 Pro, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Lightroom, Procreate
Best in printmaking
Jaisee Starr
Beetle over Skull, 2025 Acrylic paint, block printing ink, and EZ cut block | 20 x 16 in
People’s Choice & Jury’s Choice Winners
Jury’s Choice
Sarah Butler
Desire, 2025
Watercolor paints and gold paint marker on watercolor paper | 11 x 14 in
People’s Choice
Sarah Felgenhauer
Wheezie, 2025
Acrylic paint, canvas, paint pen | 10 x 8 x 1 in
People’s Choice
Kelsey Jarkowsky
Rainy Day, 2025
Watercolor paint | 8 x 10 in
People’s Choice
Michele Plyler
Majestic, 2025
Wet-on-wet techniques, glaze, watercolor on cold press, frisket | 9 x 12 in
Watch the Live Exhibition
View All Winners and Finalists
Painting – Watercolor
Painting – Tempera & Acrylic
Graphic Arts and Digital Media
Drawing
Fibers
Ceramics & Sculpture
Photography
Printmaking
Exhibition Jurors
Learn more
Check Out Our Online Studio Courses
We offer engaging hands-on studio classes you can take online from the comfort of your home. In each course, you’ll learn incredible, advanced media techniques and create your own body of work.
More importantly, you’ll learn exactly how to teach these techniques in the real world of art education.
