Winners Announced for the 14th Annual State Employee Art Exhibition

More than 40 employees receive recognition for their artistic excellence

Dover, Del. (March 24, 2025) – Creativity and artistic expression were on full display at the 14th Annual Delaware State Employee Art Exhibition, where employees and their families shared their talents with the community. Hosted by the Delaware Division of the Arts, this highly anticipated exhibition ran from February 25 – March 21, 2025, at the Arts Center/Gallery at Delaware State University in Dover. With an impressive 209 submissions from State of Delaware employees and their immediate family members, the exhibition provided a platform to celebrate creativity, recognize artistic excellence, and highlight the diverse talents within the state workforce.

The winners were officially announced on March 9, 2025, at a special awards ceremony held at the Delaware State University Arts Center/Gallery. The event drew an audience of 300 attendees, including state employees, family members, and community supporters. Attendees heard from Governor Matt Meyer, Secretary of Human Resources Yvonne Anders-Gordon, Delaware Division of the Arts Director Jessica Ball, and Deputy Director Kristin Pleasanton, who all shared inspiring remarks about the importance of the arts in fostering creativity, connection, and innovation within the state workforce.

“This exhibition is a testament to the immense creativity within Delaware’s state workforce and their families,” said Jessica Ball, Director of the Delaware Division of the Arts. “Art has the power to inspire, connect, and strengthen communities, and it’s wonderful to see how these employees bring that creativity into their professional and personal lives.”

“Providing an opportunity for state employees and their families to showcase their creative work fosters an appreciation for the arts in unexpected places,” said Kristin Pleasanton, Deputy Director of the Delaware Division of the Arts. “The enthusiasm and talent on display this year were truly inspiring, and we are honored to celebrate these artists.”

The exhibition was more than just a competition; it was a showcase of artistic passion and innovation. Through a range of mediums—painting, photography, sculpture, works on paper, craft, and mixed media—participants demonstrated the power of visual storytelling. Beyond the awards, the event fostered a sense of community, underscoring the importance of the arts in professional and personal life.

Submissions for the 15th Annual State Employee Art Exhibition will begin to be accepted in mid-December 2026. For more information on next year’s deadlines (when posted), visit the Division’s website.

A gallery of winning artwork can be found here.

2025 Delaware State Employee Art Exhibition Winners:

(Click names to see their artwork)

Best of Show ($400): Brianna Shetzler, Department of Education, Clayton

Art Education Award ($200): Nawal Noon, Department of Education, Newark

People’s Choice Award:

Online: Kayleigh Vodvarka, Department of Education, Bridgeville

In-Person: Rick Slocum, Department of Health and Social Services, Smyrna

Special Awards:

Abstract: David Chambers, Voices (2024, Painting), Department of State, Smyrna

Landscape: Jung Marie Kim, Department of Education, Middletown

Monochrome: Cassie Hilliard, Department of Education, Magnolia

Pets: Sandra Henning, Department of Education, Frederica

Marine Life: Annabelle Taylor, Delaware Technical and Community College, Georgetown

Portrait: Sharif Sadiq, State Housing Authority, Seaford

Professional Category:

First Place ($350): Donald Doheny, Department of Education, Bridgeville

Second Place ($250): Cindy Morris, Department of Education, Hockessin

Third Place ($150): Sallyanne McLaughlin, Department of Education, Greenwood

Honorable Mentions: Caitlyn Rudolph (DOE, Vineland, NJ), Marciana Esteves (DHSS, Milford), Rick Burrow (DOE, Camden-Wyoming)

Intermediate Category:

First Place ($350): Elizabeth Chen, Department of Education, Middletown

Second Place ($250): Chloe Hannah, Department of Education, Camden

Third Place ($150): Michael L. Conlan Jr., Department of Health and Social Services, Wilmington

Honorable Mentions: Logan Farro (DHSS, Greenwood), Hyo Lee (DSU, Dover), Grume Abraham (DOT, Newark), Sydney Horton (OMB, Dover)

Amateur Category:

First Place ($350): Maureen McCambridge, Department of Education, Houston

Second Place ($250): Brady Lamers, Department of Finance, Middletown

Third Place ($150): Akane Miyazawa, Department of Education, Middletown

Honorable Mentions: Ben Ables (DOE, Georgetown), Ashley Jensen (DOE, Camden), Adenike Davidson (DSU, Dover)

Teen Category:

First Place ($150): Sophie Rissmiller, Department of Education, Coatesville, PA

Second Place ($100): Nathanael Taylor, Department of Education, Milton

Third Place ($50): Kendall Hill, Department of Education, Middletown

Honorable Mentions: Kamora Jones (DOT, Wilmington), Chase Puszkarczuk (DOE, Wilmington), Leah R. Cooper (DOF, Milford), Kaitlyn Ritts (DOE, Greenwood)

Youth Category:

First Place ($150): Elly Wendel, Department of Education, Wilmington

Second Place ($100): Leah Citron, Department of State, Wilmington

Third Place ($50): Izzabella West, DNREC, Camden

Honorable Mentions: Christopher Saxton Jr. (DNREC, Camden), Hannah Parnell (DOE, Wilmington), Norah Parnell (DOE, Wilmington), Sabrina Rambo (DNREC, Harrington)

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Contact: Andrew Truscott, Program Officer, Marketing and Communications

302-577-8280, andrew.truscott@delaware.gov

About the Delaware Division of the Arts
The Delaware Division of the Arts is an agency of the State of Delaware. Together with its advisory body, the Delaware State Arts Council, the Division administers grants and programs that support arts programming, educate the public, increase awareness of the arts, and integrate the arts into all facets of Delaware life. Funding for Division programs is provided by annual appropriations from the Delaware General Assembly and grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. For more information about the Delaware Division of the Arts, visit arts.delaware.gov or call 302-577-8278.

About the National Arts Program

At the National Arts Program, we empower organizations across the country to host art exhibitions that showcase the creativity of their employees and families. By fostering a strong and inclusive community that builds confidence, encourages risk-taking, and values self-expression, we grow and strengthen workplaces and communities. We ensure that creativity is recognized and validated, sometimes for the first time, with prizes, scholarships, and awards programs. Learn more at https://nationalartsprogram.org/.

Delaware Division of the Arts Opens 14th Annual State Employee Art Exhibition

Celebrating Employee Creativity and Encouraging Connection and Innovation

Dover, Del. (February 26, 2025) – The Delaware Division of the Arts is proud to host the 14th Annual Delaware State Employee Art Exhibition, showcasing the artistic talents of state employees and their immediate family members. The free exhibition will be open to the public from February 25 – March 21, 2025, at the Arts Center/Gallery at Delaware State University in Dover.

This year, 209 State of Delaware employees and their family members submitted artwork to compete for awards and cash prizes. Categories include Adult (Amateur, Intermediate, and Professional), Teen, and Youth, with winners receiving monetary awards ranging from $50 to $400. A Best of Show and People’s Choice Awards will also be presented.

Beyond recognizing artistic talent, the exhibition underscores the importance of creativity in the workplace and its role in fostering innovation across state agencies. “Creativity is at the heart of innovation, and Delaware state employees embody that every day—whether through problem-solving, collaboration, or finding new ways to serve the people of Delaware,” said Governor Matt Meyer. “This exhibition reminds us that the arts are woven into the fabric of who we are and that the ingenuity that drives artistic expression also fuels our innovative work across state government.”

By providing state employees an outlet for creative expression, the exhibition highlights the significance of recognizing and nurturing talent in and out of the workplace. Studies have shown that engaging in the arts enhances problem-solving skills, boosts morale, and fosters an environment of innovation. “Art is an integral part of our daily lives. It inspires, connects, and enriches our communities, often in ways we may not even realize,” said Delaware Division of the Arts Director Jessica Ball. “This exhibition is a powerful reminder that the arts and creativity thrive within our state agencies, reflecting the diverse talents and passions of our employees.”

Visitors are invited to join Division and Arts Center/Gallery staff for a special, celebration event and awards ceremony on Sunday, March 9, from 12-4 p.m. Gallery visitors will be able to view the exhibition, congratulate the winners, and enjoy light refreshments, activities, and giveaways.

Exhibition Hours:

Monday: Closed to the public

Tuesday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Wednesday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Thursday-Friday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Saturdays, March 1 and March 8: 12 – 4 p.m.

Sunday, March 9: 12 – 4 p.m.

Full visitor information can be found here.

Sponsored by the National Arts Program in support and cooperation with the State of Delaware and the Delaware Division of the Arts, the exhibit is judged by professional artists and visual art professionals. The Delaware State Employee Art Exhibition is designed to give artists at all skill levels a unique opportunity to exhibit their creative work and to compete for cash prizes.

Participants must be a current employee, or immediate family member of a current employee of the State of Delaware. All entries must be the original work of the applicant and completed within the last three years.

Virtual Gallery:

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Contact: Andrew Truscott, Program Officer, Marketing and Communications

302-577-8280, andrew.truscott@delaware.gov

About the National Arts Program

The Mezzanine Gallery to Exhibit Jennifer Small’s “Walking in the City”

Wilmington, Del. (February 4, 2025) – The Delaware Division of the Arts’ Mezzanine Gallery will showcase “Walking in the City,” an exhibition by Jennifer Small. The exhibition of paintings runs from January 20-February 28, 2025, with a Meet-the-Artist Reception on Friday, February 7, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. In 2023, Jennifer Small received an Artist Opportunity Grant from the Division for an intensive workshop in Italy, and this exhibition features the paintings that were created after that project.

“Walking in the City” chronicles a single day in Venice, Italy—Sunday, July 23, 2023—through representational abstract painting. This collection invites viewers to explore textures, shapes, patterns, and colors collaged into compositions that celebrate the beauty found in the everyday. Small explains, “Each painting is a compilation of observations recorded through photographs and video clips, with titles inspired by real-time commentary I noted during my walk. The palette reflects the interplay of Venice’s rich historical past with its vibrant present.”

Small’s artistic process combines photography, video documentation, and abstract painting to capture the essence of her daily experiences. Describing her method, Small says, “I view my surroundings through a unique lens, transforming mundane spaces and objects into compelling formal elements. These observations are then synthesized into vibrant, abstract compositions that immortalize specific moments in time.”

This combination of drawing and collage merge her observations into abstract structures that explore both shallow and deep spatial dimensions. Using acrylic paint and spray paint, she juxtaposes loose, painterly applications with more precise, hard-edged elements. She elaborates, “My goal is to challenge viewers to connect with abstract painting in a personal yet universal way, elevating the humble and unnoticed aspects of daily life to something grand and meaningful.”

Jennifer Small, originally from Pennsylvania, holds a BFA in Painting and a BS in Art Education from Millersville University, as well as an MFA in Painting from Savannah College of Art and Design. Her work has been featured in exhibitions across major cities including Philadelphia, Washington, DC, New York, Richmond, Raleigh, Columbus, Savannah, and Chicago. Her artistic journey has also been highlighted in publications such as Artist Talk Magazine, Art Seen Magazine, New American Paintings, and Studio Visit Magazine. Currently, Small resides in Wilmington, Delaware, where she works as a painter and visual designer.

The Mezzanine Gallery is located on the second floor of the Carvel State Office Building at 820 N. French Street, Wilmington. It is open weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Images in the banner: “Puffs of Green Interrupt the Gray” (2024), acrylic & spray canvas, 48”x36”. “Shapes Created by the Light are Changing” (2024), acrylic & spray canvas, 48”x36”. “The Sun Acts Like a Spotlight” (2024), acrylic on canvas, 48”x36”.

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Contact: Andrew Truscott, Program Officer, Marketing and Communications

302-577-8280, andrew.truscott@delaware.gov

The Delaware Division of the Arts, a branch of the Delaware Department of State, is dedicated to cultivating and supporting the arts to enhance the quality of life for all Delawareans. Together with its advisory body, the Delaware State Arts Council, the Division administers grants and programs that support arts programming, educate the public, increase awareness of the arts, and integrate the arts into all facets of Delaware life. For more information about the Delaware Division of the Arts, visit arts.delaware.gov or call 302-577-8278.

Delaware Division of the Arts and The Biggs Museum of American Art Open Award Winners XXIV Exhibition

Twenty Delaware artists receive significant award from the Delaware Division of the Arts

Dover, Del. (April 22, 2024) – The Biggs Museum of American Art has opened the exhibition, Award Winners XXIV, marking the 24^th consecutive year of hosting this exhibition in partnership with the Delaware Division of the Arts. Showcasing the exceptional work of Delaware’s Individual Artist Fellowship recipients, the exhibition is on view from April 18 to July 28, 2024. An opening reception, awards ceremony, and public performances were held on April 18 in partnership with Delaware State University at the Schwartz Center for the Arts, a short walk from the Museum.

Each year, the Delaware Division of the Arts recognizes outstanding artists through its Individual Artist Fellowships, offering monetary awards and public recognition. The fellows are selected based on the exceptional quality of their work, creativity, and skill in various art forms. This year, the Division received applications from 149 talented artists across disciplines such as choreography, composition, writing, visual arts, and more. Their work samples were reviewed by out-of-state arts professionals.

“We are thrilled to host our 24^th Award Winners XXIV exhibition at The Biggs. This year, we have decided to incorporate works by Visual Arts, Folk Art, and Literature fellows on the first and second floors of our museum, interspersed among our permanent collection, to showcase works by contemporary makers in dialogue with museum objects. It is remarkable to see how artists approach similar themes and techniques across generations.,” said the Biggs Museum Curator, Laura Fravel. “Participating in this annual exhibit allows us to connect with the incredibly talented local artists in our community. This year, we also are fortunate that one of the fellowship recipients, Rebecca Raubacher, has a solo exhibition at The Biggs that coincides with Award Winners XXIV and our visitors will be able to explore her work in greater depth.” Rebecca Raubacher: Horses & Other Creatures opened on March 14 and remains on view on the museum’s third floor through July 7.

Award Winners XXIV features the work from artists from across the state, including fellowship recipients from Arden, Dover, Lewes, Long Neck, Newark, Rehoboth Beach, and Wilmington. This year, one fellow was selected in the Masters category, ten in the Established category, and nine in the Emerging category. Their diverse creative expressions will be showcased in this group exhibition, which emphasizes the exceptional talent and artistic vibrancy within the Delaware arts community.

“Each year, the Award Winners exhibition showcases the remarkable talent of Delaware’s Individual Artist Fellowship recipients, offering a vibrant tapestry of creativity and skill across various art forms,” said Jessica Ball, Director of the Delaware Division of the Arts. “It’s inspiring to witness the diverse expressions of our local artists in dialogue with the museum’s permanent collection, highlighting the enduring relevance of art across generations.”

The exhibition will premiere at the Biggs Museum of American Art and subsequently travel to CAMP Rehoboth and the Cab Calloway School of the Arts, creating various opportunities for the public to engage with and appreciate these remarkable works.

The museum is open Thursday through Sunday from 10 AM – 5 PM. For more information, please visit the Biggs Museum website www.theBiggsMuseum.org or contact the museum at 302-674-2111.

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Interviews with The Biggs, DDOA or Individual Artists available upon request.

DDOA Contact: Andrew Truscott, Program Officer, Marketing and Communications, 302-577-8280, andrew.truscott@delaware.gov

Biggs Museum of American Art Contact: Kerri Lacey, Director of Marketing & PR, 302.760.5305, kerri.lacey@thebiggsmuseum.org

The Biggs Museum of American Art, located in Dover, Delaware, celebrates the rich artistic heritage of the United States through its outstanding collection of American fine and decorative arts. With rotating exhibitions, educational programs, and community collaborations, the Museum aims to inspire a deeper appreciation and understanding of American art. For more information visit: www.theBiggsMuseum.org

Delaware Division of the Arts presents “Patterns for Saturn” by Aaron Terry – Opens June 2

Wilmington, Del. (May 25, 2023) – The Delaware Division of the Arts’ Mezzanine Gallery presents 2022 DDOA Individual Artist Fellow Aaron Terry’s exhibition, “Patterns for Saturn,” running June 2-July 28, 2023. Guests are invited to attend a Meet-the-Artist Reception on Friday, June 2 from 5:00-7:00 p.m.

Aaron Terry, a Wilmington resident and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Art & Design at The University of Delaware, created site-specific work for the Mezzanine Gallery located in the Carvel State Office Building. Terry made a series of screen printed fabric wall hangings that provide a contrast to the hard surfaces and neutral palette of the building.

Aaron Terry’s work dances between sculptural, sonic, and printed materials that present visual allegories of personal politics embedded in the color, flash, and cadence of today’s rapid-fire media parade. Sourcing from personal drawings, recordings, sound bites and news media, the work resurrects new conversations with old ghosts, and questions the potential for a better future. As visual pop and politics synthesize in continuous flux to create an extended detournement; Terry utilizes repetitive sonic and visual elements to reinvigorate progressive ideas nested in music and cultural references that have devolved and diminished through false familiarity over time. His work grapples with finding “truth” in a sea of today’s excessive media.

Patterns for Saturn considers the importance of dreamlife: time spent outside of lived reality. This includes a loose sense of meditation: time spent shaking off contemplation and frustration with today’s crushing sense of political and cultural hooliganism. Abstract patterns and a soundtrack blanket the walls of the gallery, to remove the viewer from the space: the Carvel State Office Building in Wilmington, DE. This is both a respite from and a comment on the architecture and atmosphere of state and governmental buildings in general. The visual patterns and sounds produced in the space are meant to provide a space for escape, contemplation, and meditation.

Terry’s work has been seen in ten solo exhibitions and over 30 group shows, as well as a half-dozen murals and installations. He is a member of Philadelphia’s Vox Populi artist collective. In 2022, Terry received a Delaware Division of the Arts Fellowship in Visual Arts: Works on Paper.

The Mezzanine Gallery, open weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., is located on the second floor of the Carvel State Office Building, 820 N. French Street, Wilmington. Please note that the Gallery will be closed on June 19 and July 4 in observance of holidays.

Image: Aaron Terry. “Salad Daze”, Screen Print on Denim. 44”x96”. 2022.

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Contact: Andrew Truscott, Program Officer, Marketing and Communications

302-577-8280, andrew.truscott@delaware.gov