Northern Kentucky University (NKU) is known for several art and design galleries, including its 2025-26 fall exhibition, which featured “América” by Tina Gutierrez from her “The Art of Luthier: Crafting Ancient Sound” collection. In addition to the fall exhibition, NKU is also hosting a Spring 2026 Juried Student Exhibition.
The annual exhibition features two external jurors, and winners receive many awards. To be eligible for the application, the participant must currently be a student of NKU, and must have taken an art class during the last academic year. The application for potential participants was opened Friday, Jan. 30, and closed Friday, Feb. 20.
The exhibition, however, is open March 9 through 26. The reception for the gallery is Thursday, March 26 from 5-7 p.m., with the award ceremony starting at 6 p.m.
An external juror will review submitted artworks and will professionally curate the Juried Student gallery. During the jurying process, artwork will be judged using certain criteria, including effective use of color, consistent thematic body of artwork, and more.
The exhibition will be judged by two external jurors. Jason Franz, the first juror, is a Cincinnati-based artist and educator and a co-founder of the nonprofit Manifest Creative Research Gallery and Drawing Center. Keith Neltner, the second juror, is the owner and creative director of Neltner Small Batch, a design studio from Camp Springs, Kentucky.
According to NKU’s “Frequently Asked Questions” part of their site, the artwork submitted must have been produced in the past two years, and high school artwork is not eligible. Also, pieces of artwork do not have to be put up for sale during the exhibition, but some arrangements would need to be made regarding this.
Art teachers Andrew Eckerle and Stephanie Beiting discuss their interest in art, and how their mindsets have evolved over time. Eckerle claims that his mindset has remained somewhat consistent throughout his art career.
“I knew [in high school] that [art] was meaningful to me, and it could be very moving and meaningful to others, I don’t feel like [my opinion] has ever changed. My ideas of what I love [have] changed, but my overall belief in art… itself has not,” Eckerle said.
Stephanie Beiting’s overall sentiment for artwork, however, has changed over the years. Not only have her skills evolved, as have Eckerle’s, but also her attitude.
“I think I have a deeper appreciation for other art that I may not have appreciated when I was younger. For example, Chuck Close: I don’t think I had the true understanding for… how fantastic his artwork was when I was sixteen versus now at forty one,” Beiting said.
Creative, artistic students are also creating their own artwork now, albeit not for NKU’S Spring Exhibition. Both in and out of the classroom, students express themselves creatively through art.
“[While] most of my pieces aren’t very emotional… there’s one that I’m working on right now that is about… body image,” Marlee Henry (10) said.
Art’s impact seems to be more than superficial, holding a special place in one’s heart. Familial history and a childhood connection to art also seem to further an interest in art later in adolescence. Eli Schiller (11) shares his view on artwork, and how it can be interpreted in each and every way.
“[For] a bit, I… saw art as something [that has] no real value, [as]… a useless subject. Even now, I can say it’s still true. Art isn’t gonna [make you] extremely happy… or make you the richest man in the world, or make you explore the world; But it will let you express yourself and have a bit more freedom,” Schiller (11) said.
The NKU 2026 Juried Student Exhibition features professionally curated designs, and pieces that are both visually interesting and appealing. While the deadline for artwork submission has long passed and is unavailable to those who aren’t current NKU students. Visitors are welcome to enjoy the exhibition Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m, during the window from March 9 to the 26.
