Published:
May 8, 2026
Kaylee Hanson, Nininahazwe Brigitte, Ashley Schmoll, Daisy Blunt, Abigail Hicks and Justyce Watson
Six Black Hawk College students were honored for their artistic talent in the 2026 Student Art Exhibition at the Quad-Cities Campus.
The juried competition garnered 50 entries with 27 pieces selected for the show by juror and BHC alum Abi Kongkousonh Frey, interim marketing director for Quad City Arts.
Justyce Watson of East Moline won Best in Show with “False Idol,” an oil painting on canvas.
“False Idol” – oil painting by Justyce Watson
Other award winners:
- 2nd – Abigail Hicks of Moline – “Self Portraits” – acrylic
- 3rd – Daisy Blunt of Coal Valley – “Curated Perception” – acrylic on wood panel, mixed media, foam, cardboard and clay
- Honorable mention
- Nininahazwe Brigitte of Rock Island – “For the Culture” – acrylic
- Kaylee Hanson of Coal Valley – “Be You” – clay
- Ashley Schmoll of Coal Valley – “Diptych (Toying with Reality)” – photography
For more information about art and design programs at Black Hawk College, visit Art, Design and Performing Arts or email ArtDesign@bhc.edu.