Ivy Tech Community College’s Fine Arts Department in Indianapolis hosted the 11th Annual Student Show Awards Ceremony on Friday, Feb. 21, celebrating the incredible talent and creativity of its student artists. The event showcased the diverse artistic achievements of Ivy Tech students, while also highlighting the College’s commitment to fostering a vibrant arts community. It was held virtually over Zoom as the campus explores new ways to repurpose its physical gallery space.

The ceremony, which was attended by faculty, staff, and students, honored a wide range of artistic disciplines, including painting, digital work, mixed media, 3D art, and more. Awards were accompanied by generous prizes, including art supply packages, gift certificates, and even a four-week ceramics class, courtesy of local sponsors such as Griffy’s Art Supply, United Arts and Education, and Bloomington Fine Art Supply.

A Celebration of Talent and Courage

Alex Moore, the juror for this year’s show, praised the students for their courage and dedication. 

“Being a part of this and getting a glimpse at the stage in each of your art journeys has been truly inspiring,” Moore said. “There’s a lot of creativity and talent in this group of students. It takes courage to put your artwork out there, especially when there are acceptance and rejections on the line. I hope everybody feels really proud of what they’ve done.”

Moore’s words resonated throughout the ceremony, as faculty and staff echoed the sentiment, commending students for their hard work and perseverance. The event not only celebrated the winners but also acknowledged the importance of participation and the growth that comes from sharing one’s art with the world.

Award Highlights

This year’s awards recognized a variety of outstanding works, including:

  • Best in Show: Adreanna Spellman for Can You Braid My Hair?, which earned a $250 gift certificate to Blick Art Materials.
  • Faculty Award: Antonio Ford for Clown Study, receiving a $150 gift certificate to Blick Art Materials.
  • Best Painting: Keyla Marroquin-Hernandez for A Night Downtown, awarded a $100 gift certificate for Golden Artist Paints.
  • Best Digital Work: Antonio Ford for Clown Study, sponsored by United Arts and Education and Bloomington Fine Art Supply.
  • Best Mixed Media: Laura Holmes for Creating Reality from Outside In, a video piece that captivated the audience.

Other notable awards included the Best 3D Award, which went to Adreanna Spellman for Desire and Decay, and the Best Drawing Award, presented to Nevaeh Parks for Hysteria.

For those interested in viewing the virtual exhibition, all of the students’ work is on the Ivy Tech website's Art Gallery page. 

A Community of Support

The ceremony concluded with heartfelt thanks to the sponsors, faculty, and students who made the event possible. Faculty members emphasized the importance of students continuing to submit work to future exhibitions, encouraging them all to share their art with the world. 

“Your work is meant to be shared, it’s meant to be seen, and it’s meant to be recognized,” Liz Wierzbicki, program chair of fine arts at Ivy Tech Indy, said. “We are here to help you do just that.”

As Ivy Tech looks ahead, the 11th Annual Student Show Awards Ceremony stands as a testament to the College’s dedication to nurturing creativity and building a supportive arts community. Whether through virtual exhibitions or future gallery spaces, Ivy Tech remains committed to providing students with the tools and opportunities they need to succeed.

About Ivy Tech Community College

Ivy Tech Community College is Indiana's largest public postsecondary institution and the nation's largest singly accredited statewide community college system, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana and also serves thousands of students annually online. It serves as the state's engine of workforce development, offering associate degrees, long- and short-term certificate programs, industry certifications, and training that aligns with the needs of the community. The College provides a seamless transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana, as well as out of state, for a more affordable route to a bachelor's degree.