Our region is shaped by the power of its landscapes, its histories, and its people. Rooted in Power: Place, People, and Possibility invites Marshall University students, faculty, staff, and our Appalachian community members to explore and express what “power” means in the context of Appalachia today.
This exhibition seeks works that elevate, challenge, and expand our understanding of Appalachian power in its many forms — personal, collective, cultural, environmental, creative, and political. We welcome submissions in all visual media, literary forms, and hand-crafted works that reflect the lived experiences, complexities, and diverse voices of our region.
Works not meeting these requirements WILL NOT be considered for exhibition.
We encourage, but do not require, submissions of interactive or participatory works that foster dialogue, reflection, or community connection. This year, the exhibition will complement the Appalachian Studies Association Conference, taking place at Marshall University, March 19-21, 2026.
Our theme is inspired by the 2026 ASA Conference theme, “Power of a Place, Power of Its People.” Join us as we celebrate the power, resilience, creativity, and evolving identity of Appalachia through the eyes and voices of its people.
Open to all Campus & Community artists.
Artists may enter as many pieces as they wish for jurying. All visual media is welcome. We will be performing both virtual and in-person jurying for this exhibition. The jurors reserve the right to eliminate any work that does not meet the standards of quality for the exhibition. To participate, please fill out each section of the online form and include 3–5 high-quality pictures for each piece of submitted artwork OR complete the printable form for each piece and attach it to the back of the work. The prospectus with the link to the online entry form, as well as tangible entry forms for in-person submission, can be found at the front desk of the Visual Arts Center or the Circulation Desk at Drinko Library.
Entries will be accepted electronically by the submission deadline, or in-person by the final drop-off deadline.
* Entries will be accepted electronically by December 2, 2025 or in-person on December 4 & 5, 2025. All entries must be submitted by December 5, 2025 at 4:00 p.m.
** For dropped off, in-person submissions, artists will only be contacted if their submission(s) is not accepted for exhibition.
*** Please contact Michelle if you need to pick up your artwork after 4:00 pm Students who are leaving campus before the May 7, 2026 – May 15, 2026 pick up dates can make arrangement to collect their artwork before these dates.
Contact Michelle Alford, Library Information Systems Technologist at michelle.alford@marshall.edu or 304-696-6674.