Several University of Kentucky students have been selected to present their work in the 2026 University Open annual exhibition hosted by LexArts. According to their website, the University Open is one of the largest juried exhibitions in Kentucky, featuring work by undergraduate artists from colleges and universities across the Commonwealth and showcases some of the state’s finest emerging talent. Selected artworks will be on view in the ArtsPlace Gallery, 161 North Mill Street, Lexington, KY 40507 through June 30, 2026.
Students from the UK School of Art and Visual Studies were strongly represented in this year’s exhibition, earning first place, third place and two honorable mentions — continuing a long tradition of recognition for UK student artists in the statewide competition.
Open to undergraduate students pursuing Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees at Kentucky colleges and universities, the University Open accepts a wide range of media, including painting, sculpture, photography, mixed media and digital art. Artists may submit up to three works for consideration, with selections made by a guest juror. The competitive exhibition provides students the opportunity to present their work in a professional gallery setting, gain visibility, and engage with Kentucky’s broader arts community.
“The University Open is an event that our students look forward to each year,” said Ruth Adams, director of the UK School of Art and Visual Studies (SA/VS). “The exhibition offers them the opportunity to share their work with the community and see how their work stands alongside peers from across the state. The continued success of our students in this exhibition speaks to their talent and the dedication of our faculty, and we are so proud of them!”
This year’s exhibition awards were announced during the LexArts Gallery Hop opening reception on May 15, and the following students were selected for the 2026 University Open:
1st place - “Hung (Accusitive)” by David Marquez, a double major pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in art studio and a degree in mechanical engineering, Alvaton, Kentucky.
3rd place - “The Little Things” by Alexander Hines, art studio, Lexington, Kentucky
Honorable mentions include:
- “bound” by Caroline Colman, art studio, Doylestown, Pennsylvania (May 2026 graduate)
- “Work from Home” by Chloe Bramble, a double major in marketing and art studio (May 2026 graduate)
Other University of Kentucky students who were selected to participate are:
- Eman Robele, a double major in arts administration and art studio, Louisville, Kentucky
- Abigale Page, Bachelor of Fine Arts in art studio, Lexington, Kentucky
- Gabriel Rios, digital media design, Crestwood, Kentucky (May 2026 graduate)
- Anna Zheng, a double major in digital media design and arts administration, London, Kentucky (May 2026 graduate)
- Kayla Raglin, criminal justice major with a minor in photography, Lexington, Kentucky
- Kenna Canterbury, art education, Frankfort, Kentucky
- Mira Abernathy, architecture, Lexington, Kentucky
- Jeffrey Bradford, art studio, Lexington, Kentucky
- Calista Petrie, secondary English education major with an interdisciplinary arts minor, Elkton, Kentucky
- Caroline Leonard, art education, Louisville, Kentucky (May 2026 graduate)
- Dan Howell, art studio, Lexington, Kentucky
- Majessa Ballard Dunn, art education, Lexington, Kentucky
- Adalyn Boutcher, art studio, Hawesville, Kentucky
The University Open, first established in 2006, highlights the depth and diversity of student work across Kentucky’s higher education institutions. In addition to exhibition opportunities, participating artists may offer works for sale, with proceeds split between the artist and LexArts. Artwork from the 2026 University Open will remain on view at ArtsPlace Gallery through late June. For more information visit, https://lexarts.org.