WVU Libraries’ Alumni Art Show: Celebrating 250 Years of Freedom & Independence
West Virginia University (WVU) Libraries is pleased to announce the 2026–27 WVU Alumni Art Show, presented in recognition of the United States' 250th anniversary—a milestone that invites both celebration and critical reflection. WVU alumni artists from all backgrounds and disciplines are invited to submit work exploring the themes of freedom and independence—past, present, and future.
This exhibition will celebrate the diverse perspectives of WVU alumni, highlighting the complex and evolving meanings of freedom and independence through visual art. Works may reflect personal or collective experiences, historical narratives, political interpretations, or future visions of liberty and autonomy.
Inspired by artists like Faith Ringgold, whose story quilts explore themes of racial justice and liberation, and Barbara Kruger, known for her provocative text-based works on power and autonomy, this exhibition encourages alumni to consider how freedom manifests across time and identity. West Virginia has a rich artistic legacy of exploring independence and resilience. The works of Blanche Lazzell, a West Virginia-born modernist known for her innovative white-line woodcuts, reflect a pioneering spirit that challenged artistic conventions. Also, contemporary West Virginia artists like Lady D, known for her soulful music performances and fabric work, address civil rights and social justice.
The exhibit aims to foster a dialogue about the meaning of freedom and independence today, encouraging artists to reflect on their experiences and the broader societal shifts that continue to shape these concepts. Through this celebration of alumni creativity, WVU Libraries seeks to acknowledge the complexities of our nation’s past while envisioning inclusive and transformative possibilities for the future.
Exhibit Details:
Exhibit Location: Downtown Library (Main Campus) — If the response is strong, additional works may be displayed on WVU's other campuses.
Exhibit Dates: August 2026 - May 2027
Submission Deadline: December 31, 2025; artists submit digital images only
Jurying of Work: January 1 - February 28, 2026
Artists notified by March 1, 2026
Artists deliver original work by May 1, 2026 (artist will assume this cost)
WVU Libraries ships original work back end of May, 2027 (WVUL will assume this cost)
Submission Guidelines:
Work must highlight themes of freedom and independence.
Open to all WVU alumni.
All media welcome (painting, photography, sculpture, mixed media, textile, digital, etc.).
Size Limit: No larger than 4 feet in any direction.
Weight Limit: Maximum weight of 10 lbs.
Up to 3 pieces may be submitted per artist.
Artwork must be ready to hang or display (with appropriate hardware included).
Information required on the submission form: Name, Graduation Year, Degree/Major, artist statement (150 words) related to theme, 1-3 .jpgs (300 dpi), artwork information (title, media, date, dimensions), understanding of security, insurance, documentation and shipping. Optional: pronouns, website, interest in participating in public programs.
Security & Insurance:
Please note that while the exhibit space is on the main floor, in view of desk workers during open hours, there is no dedicated security for the exhibition. WVU Libraries provides insurance coverage up to $1,000 for each piece. Artists should consider this when selecting their submissions.
Documentation & Research Repository:
By submitting to this exhibition, you agree that images of your work, exhibition design files, photographs, and related materials, if accepted, will be digitized and preserved as part of the WVU Research Repository. This ensures that your work and the exhibition itself will remain accessible as a resource for future research and scholarship.
How to Submit:
Complete the submission form at: https://forms.gle/V8QxPHB2wDPXkDg58
Attach 300 dpi images of your work (JPEG or PNG format) saved as lastname_firstname_title
Include title, medium, dimensions, a brief artist statement (150 words max)
Selection Process:
Submissions will be reviewed by the WVU Art in the Libraries Committee, along with faculty from the WVU College of Creative Arts, based on the above guidelines. Artists will be notified of their selection status by March 1, 2026.
Questions?
For more information, please contact: Curator, Sally Brown, sally.brown1@mail.wvu.edu
We look forward to seeing how our alumni reflect on 250 years of American freedom and independence!