LibArt winners crowned among program’s largest turnout
LAWRENCE — KU Libraries’ LibArt program, a year-round, juried exhibition of student art in library spaces at the University of Kansas, celebrated its 14th year with a reception recognizing student artists and awarding cash prizes. This year’s show, which runs August to May, features 146 pieces throughout five KU Libraries locations, the largest display in program history.
The libraries honored 18 works in nine categories at the reception Oct. 30. Best in Show was awarded to Liam Kille, a junior from Overland Park studying illustration, animation and French, for his mixed media piece, “Le Renard,” a study of 18th century portraitist Joseph Ducreux’s “Le Discret” rendered as an anthropomorphous fox.
“It's super exciting to win because I plan on going to France this summer for study abroad, and (the prize money) will definitely go towards my funds for studying abroad,” Kille said.
Students from a wide range of majors submit work to the LibArt program, some taking part in their first exhibit experience. Local artists selected as judges evaluate the artwork and provide feedback to students for the competition portion of the program.
“LibArt is unique in the way which it provides an opportunity for non-art majors to showcase their talent,” said Rebecca Schroeder, operations manager at Murphy Art & Architecture Library and chair of the LibArt committee. “It’s rewarding to see the students bring their friends and family to the different library branches on campus to view their pieces on display.”
This year’s LibArt exhibition includes diverse work from KU art and design students as well as from students majoring in mathematics, computer science, physical education, mechanical engineering, social work, accounting and other subjects.
“Know that your work brightens our spaces,” Dean of Libraries Carol Smith said to the artists. “It makes us think and feel and dream, and it’s perfectly and entirely at home with libraries where we are constantly creating, leaning into curiosity and discovery, and coming together to be inspired.”
LibArt award honorees receive cash prizes, this year totaling more than $2,000, made possible through support from KU Endowment and donors Michael and Kathryn Hughes.
The 2024 LibArt Award Recipients:
Best in Show: “Le Renard,” by Liam Kille
Jewelry and Metalsmithing: Best in Category, “Laurel Leaves,” by Aubrey Sanchez. Honorable mention, “Keeper of the Pearls,” by Grace Billman.
Photography: Best in Category, “Color-blinded,” by Anh Hoang. Honorable mention, “Midnight Perch,” by Nathan Gibson.
Fabric/Textile: Best in Category, “Quetalcoatl,” by Meg Overbaugh.
Ceramics: Best in Category, “Vaca en el Táscate,” by Liliana Ramos. Honorable mention, “A Jeweler’s Tapestry,” by Aubrey Sanchez.
Mixed Media: Best in Category, “Textile Exile,” by Katie Grear. Honorable Mention, “Coffee,” by Barbara Tharas.
Drawing: Best in Category, “How My Dad Is,” by Maral Bat. Honorable Mention, “The Lonely Grave of Paula Schultz,” by Zoe English.
Painting: Best in Category, “Reflections of Absence,” by Meredith Kucera. Honorable Mention, “Eternal Blue,” by Amy Baber.
Graphic Design/Digital: Best in Category, “No Rest for Skeletons,” by Alexa Boyd. Honorable Mention, “Resurgence,” by Cindy Tran.
Video/Animation: Best in Category, “Fractured Figures,” by Norea Menold. Honorable Mention, “Choreographed Confinement,” by Molly Stover-Brown.
Printmaking: Best in Category, “New Yorker,” by Lujiang Li. Honorable Mention, “External Bifuraction” by Katie Grear.