Student artists recognized at KU Libraries’ celebration of 2026 LibArt exhibition
LAWRENCE — University of Kansas Libraries’ LibArt program, a year-round, juried exhibition of student art displayed throughout library spaces, celebrated a diverse exhibit of student work and recognized award recipients Sept. 17 at a reception in Watson Library.
In its 16th year, the LibArt show includes 228 pieces of artwork from 101 students in 49 different majors, highlighting creative expression across KU. The artwork is displayed in five KU Libraries locations on the Lawrence campus and remains available for viewing through the end of April.
KU Libraries Dean Carol Smith said in her remarks at the ceremony that artists included not only KU’s art and design students, but students majoring in mathematics, computer science, human biology, Japanese, civil and mechanical engineering, journalism, social work and more.
“There is a notable increase in the diversity of LibArt submissions over the past few years,” said Rebecca Schroeder, operations manager of Murphy Art & Architecture Library and chair of the LibArt committee. “We’re reaching majors outside of the fine arts and encouraging those students to submit their work. We’ve heard from students that LibArt is their opportunity to display their creative side outside of their chosen field of study.”
Reflecting the breadth of work featured in the exhibition, prizes were awarded to 24 works in 15 categories spanning a wide variety of mediums and subjects.
“Thousands of people see the LibArt pieces as they explore our libraries, make discoveries, and find moments of inspiration and reflection,” Smith said. “Together, the colors, shapes and textures enrich and enliven our spaces and reflect the welcoming sense of community that makes our libraries so special.”
The LibArt committee, chaired by Schroeder and made up of KU Libraries staff, partners with KU faculty and staff, local artists, educators and museum professionals to judge submissions and award $5,400 in prizes.
Beyond the awards themselves, students said the program offers encouragement, visibility and confidence as emerging artists.
“I struggle a lot with getting myself out there and forcing myself to put stuff out,” said Emily Storm, an illustration and animation major from Hartsville, South Carolina, who was awarded Best in Category in Digital/Graphic Design. “This is an opportunity to get out of my comfort zone.”
“I’ve done the show the past two years, and it just makes me feel like I’m really connected to KU because I often see my artwork in the libraries,” said Elliot McCurdy, an illustration and animation major from Wichita. “It makes me feel like I’ve left my mark on KU.”
This year’s Best in Show award was presented to Bella LeJuerrne, a 2026 graduate from Topeka, for the animation “Golden,” which was inspired by an encounter with a stray dog on a trip to Paris.
“I just always loved storytelling, and I've always loved animation,” LeJuerrne said. “I grew up watching Disney films, and that's kind of the stuff I loved watching when I was little, that I wanted to inject into my film I made.”
LeJuerrne said her connection to KU Libraries went beyond exhibiting her work. As an illustration and animation student, she frequently visited Murphy Art & Architecture Library to explore books featuring the art and design behind animated films.
“My favorite thing to do was to go into the Art and Architecture Library and find ‘The Art of’ books, like ‘Incredibles’ and ‘Brave,’ Disney and Pixar and other studio animated films, and use those as inspiration for my projects and my animated films like ‘Golden,’” she said.
Ted Gard, a visual arts major from Lee’s Summit, Missouri, who earned Best in Category in Printmaking, said one of LibArt’s greatest strengths is the way it brings together students from a wide range of backgrounds and interests.
“It invites everyone, not just artists, not just printmakers, not just whoever's doing art on the daily. It's just people who like to make it,” Gard said.
LibArt award honorees receive cash prizes made possible through support from KU Endowment and the generosity of KU Libraries donors Michael and Kathryn Hughes.
“It’s an honor for us to be here and to have some small part in recognizing the really amazing talent and creativity in so many students,” Michael Hughes said. “Whether you receive an award or not, all the entrants should be congratulated for sharing your creativity and a part of yourself for so many other people to experience and appreciate.”
The 2026 LibArt Award Recipients:
Best in Show
“Golden” by Bella LeJuerrne, illustration & animation
Drawing
Best in Category: “In Bloom” by Liana Starr, architecture
Honorable Mention: “Lion Skull Study” by Morgan Toedman, visual communication
Ceramics
Best in Category: “My Mother’s Garden” by Oliver Paget, visual art
Honorable Mention: “Ripple: Sake Set” by Natalie Slutsky, visual art
Fiber/Textiles
Best in Category: “Life Shroud” by Stella Crandall, digital marketing, advertising & PR
Honorable Mention: “Morning, Dove” by Ashleigh Robek, visual art
Graphic Design/Digital
Best in Category: “The Guild” by Emily Storm, illustration & animation
Honorable Mention: “Dog Days of Summer” by Waverly Altis, illustration
Metalsmithing
Best in Category: “The Phoenix Egg” by Lorena Surducan, graduate student in music therapy
Honorable Mention: “Unrequited Love” by Aubrey Sanchez, chemistry
Mixed Media
Best in Category: “Mother Meets Mother” by Talia Kostya, physics & astronomy
Honorable Mention: “Womanhood” by Lily Godsil, classical languages
Painting
Best in Category: “Bag of Animal Cookies” by Amy Baber, history of art
Honorable Mention: “Metro” by Jesse Gutierrez, visual art
Printmaking
Best in Category: “Testimony” by Ted Gard, visual art
Honorable Mention: “Macroorganisms” by Claire Blair, visual art education
Photography
Best in Category: “Aurora Borealis” by Phoenix Stewart, photography
Honorable Mention: “Temple” by Gia Washburn, psychology
Video/Animation
Best in Category: “Golden” by Bella LeJuerrne, illustration & animation
Honorable Mention: “Tall” by Kate Wegner, animation
Wellness Award
“What Remains of Home” by Eric Pabon, photography
Michael and Kathryn Hughes Award
“Potter Lake” by Mariah Prophet, visual communication & illustration
Common Work of LibArt
“Resplandor renacido//Radiance reborn” by Oscar Gonzalez, graduate student in printmaking
Dean’s Choice Award
“Up My Alley” by Emma Olson, visual art.