2026 Student Annual

University Galleries of Illinois State University is pleased to present the 2026 Student Annual from April 8 through May 3, 2026. All events are free and open to the public.

Since 1974, the Student Annual has showcased new artwork produced by students at Illinois State University. This exhibition has offered many students the first opportunity to have their work reviewed by professionals outside the University. Each year, two external arts professionals determine which works are selected for the exhibition and which works receive awards.

The Wonsook Kim School of Art is pleased to present the 2026 Marshall Dulaney Pitcher Award to BFA student AJ Westley. This award honors outstanding students in the visual arts who demonstrate exceptional artistic talent, dedicated studio practice, and academic excellence. 2026 marks the 56th anniversary of this prestigious award, which was established by the Pitcher family in memory of painting student Marshall Pitcher. University Galleries has traditionally dedicated exhibition space within the Student Annual to winners of the Marshall Dulaney Pitcher Award.

This year, the opening events will take place in two locations. University Galleries will be open for extended hours on the first day of the exhibition: April 8 from 9:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. The awards ceremony will take place at the Normal Theater at 4:30 p.m.

The 2026 design juror is Rebecca Tegtmeyer. The 2026 studio juror is Nazafarin Lotfi.

Exhibition Images

AJ Westley Educator Handout

• Wednesday, April 8, from 9:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
  Opening day with extended hours.
• Wednesday, April 8, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
  Student Annual Awards Ceremony at the Normal Theater (209 North Street, Normal, Illinois)
• Friday, April 10, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.
  Independent drawing hour. Spend time looking closely at artworks in the exhibition and drawing at your own pace. Materials provided.
• Saturday, April 11, from 11:00 a.m. to noon
  Sensory-friendly art-viewing hour. The lights will be dimmed, and video volumes will be turned down.
• Saturday, April 11, from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m.
  All-ages art-making workshop. This workshop is based on artworks in the exhibition. Materials and instruction provided. Registration required.
• Wednesday, April 29, from noon to 1:00 p.m.
  Independent drawing hour. Spend time looking closely at artworks in the exhibition and drawing at your own pace. Materials provided.