Western New Mexico University’s Expressive Arts Department and Francis McCray Gallery of Contemporary Art hosted the 2026 Student Juried Art Exhibition. A spring cultural highlight, the exhibition showcased Southwest artists’ technical mastery and conceptual depth, developing the region’s next generation.
This year’s collection highlights WNMU’s unique “applied liberal arts” identity. The university encourages students to blend traditional craftsmanship with contemporary social and environmental themes.
“The Student Juried Exhibition is a meaningful part of what we do as a teaching gallery within the Expressive Arts department,” said Director of the Francis McCray Gallery Jill Winburn.
Winburn said the exhibition lets students present work professionally and receive feedback from an external juror.
WNMU’s Francis McCray Gallery of Contemporary Art is named after the esteemed artist, educator, and past resident of Silver City, Francis McCray. It hosts five exhibitions per year and is located on the beautiful WNMU campus. Deepening the understanding and appreciation of art is at the heart of this teaching and research gallery.
Honoring Outstanding Student Artists
Organizers announced the 2026 awards during the late January opening reception, recognizing outstanding achievements in various categories. These honors validate student artists and enhance their professional portfolios, preparing them for careers in the arts and creative industries.
According to a WNMU report, the awards included:
- Phoebe Lawrence Ceramic Award – Erika Cozine, “Depletion”
- Light Art Space Award for Photography – Riata Lindley, “Ephemeral and Eternal”
- Watercolor Society Award – Sally Tilton, “A strand of Pearls”, Watercolor”
- Honorable Mention – Leticia Marquez, “Building Blocks”, Sculpture
- 3rd Place – Rylee Myers, “All the little things moving in the night”, Drawing
- 2nd Place – Caleb Macias, “Freaky Fresh Product Line”, Graphic Design
- 1st Place – Gabe Farley – “Slightly Familiar Channels”, Sculpture
The displayed works reflect the region’s geographic and cultural influences while incorporating broader and more personal experiences. From experimental ceramic forms to high-fidelity digital compositions, the exhibition demonstrates the diverse perspectives fostered within WNMU’s Expressive Arts Department.
“There’s something transformative about seeing your artwork thoughtfully installed on the walls of a gallery — it often shifts how students see their own work and strengthens their confidence as artists. When that experience is supported by classmates, faculty, family, and the broader community showing up to celebrate them, it becomes even more powerful,” said Winburn.