Iowa Central's Spring Visual Art & Photography Exhibition

Public Information Office
5/5/2025

On the evening of May 1, the Art & Technology Building Gallery at Iowa Central Community College was transformed into a vibrant celebration of student creativity during the annual Spring Visual Art & Photography Show. The event welcomed students, faculty, and community members to experience the exceptional talent showcased by Iowa Central’s arts students.

Guests enjoyed a stunning gallery of student-created artwork and photography, accompanied by live music from Jared Benson that added to the energetic atmosphere. Attendees also enjoyed a spread of appetizers prepared and served by the Culinary Arts students.

A special highlight of this year’s show was the presence of guest juror Tim Adams, a respected artist best known on campus for the sculpture installed outside the newly renovated Center for Performing Arts. In addition to selecting the evening’s award-winning pieces, Adams shared valuable advice with the students. He reminded them to always title their art so that viewers can develop their own interpretations, to carry a sketchbook at all times, and to travel—especially when facing creative blocks. “The more travel you can do, the better your art career, and the smarter you are,” Adams advised, encouraging students to explore the world as a source of growth and inspiration.

Award Winners

Fine Art Photography

• 1st Place: Brayden Huse

• 2nd Place: Emma Wright

• Honorable Mention: Aliyah Henry

Commercial Photography

• 1st Place: Bill Wright

• 2nd Place: Veronica Studer

• Honorable Mention: Hannah Bloomquist

2D Design

• 1st Place: Catie Britt (also selected for the President’s Award)

• 2nd Place: Vanesa Wirtz

• Honorable Mention: Everett Polka

3D Design

• 1st Place: Rhonda Faye Auradou

• 2nd Place: Klair Heim

• Honorable Mention: Lydia Johnson

Drawing

• 1st Place: Daiton Billings

• 2nd Place: Andee Malanaphy

• Honorable Mention: Elizabeth Ascherl

Painting

• 1st Place: Samara Taylor (also awarded Best of Show and Dean Hailey Taylor’s Selection)

• 2nd Place: Lydia Johnson

• Honorable Mention: Ivanna Becerra

Graphic Arts

• 1st Place: Jordan Leach

• 2nd Place: Kaylene Klein

• Honorable Mention: Samuel Guddall

Special Awards

• President’s Selection: Catie Britt

• Dean Hailey Taylor’s Selection: Samara Taylor

• Vice President of Instruction Dr. Stacy Mentzer’s Selection: Brett Hoffman

• People’s Choice Award: Payton Marshall

• Best of Show: Samara Taylor