Published:
Andrew Forsterling, Ryker O’Neil, Grace Phares, Topacio Martinez, juror Sydney Vize, Angela Naomi Cortes, Ashley Schmoll, Daisy Blunt and Justyce Watson
Eight Black Hawk College students recently were honored for their artistic talent in the 2025 Student Art Exhibition at the Quad-Cities Campus.
The juried competition garnered 62 entries with 24 pieces selected for the show by juror Sydney Vize.
Justyce Watson of Rock Island won Best in Show with “Despite Everything, I’m Still Me,” an acrylic painting on canvas.
Best in Show – “Despite Everything, I’m Still Me” – acrylic painting by Justyce Watson
Daisy Blunt of Coal Valley took 2nd Place with “Boom Box,” a three-dimensional piece consisting of cardboard, acrylic paint and hot glue.
Receiving honorable mentions were:
- Topacio Martinez of Rock Island – “Outside” – ink and acrylic paint
- Ryker O’Neil of East Moline – “Waterfowl of the Mississippi” – photography
- Grace Phares of Rock Island – “Sunday Morning” – gouache and Posca pens
- Ashley Schmoll of Orion – “Polaroid” – cardboard relief
Additional honorable mentions:
- Angela Naomi Cortes of East Moline – “Untitled” – acrylic on canvas – awarded by Annie Oldenburg
- Andrew Forsterling of East Moline – “Oh-Wah (The Visionary)” – acrylic on canvas – awarded by Terrance Gray
View photos from the awards reception (Facebook)
For more information about exhibits in the ArtSpace Gallery, email ArtDesign@bhc.edu or visit Black Hawk College Art and Design on Facebook.