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.
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 8:00 p.m.
** For dropped off, in-person submissions, artists will only be contacted if their submission(s) is not accepted for exhibition.
*** Please contact Diane or 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.
Discarded Blenko glass pieces creates an image.
Medium: Photography
Discarded Blenko glass cull creates an interesting photo.
Medium: Photography
Discarded Blenko glass pieces created an image.
Medium: Photography
Stewart Hall (oldest building on WVU campus) is reflected in Student Union Mountain.
Medium: Photography
Medium: Wood/Metal
The people of WV are strong, tough, and can be very determine.
Medium: Watercolor
The music runs deep through the hills of WV.
Medium: Pastel
Spirituality and religion is a deep aspect of the WV population.
Medium: Watercolor
Strong foundation to build on, solid all thru.
Medium: Wood
This piece is a declaration of identity, place, and community. I believe power comes from the proclamation of your beliefs and your ability to stand by them against the odds and the oppressors. Those who believe in Appalachia and its people, and are proud of their connection to it, exhibit a sense of strength and power.
Medium: mixed media on canvas
As a born and raised Appalachian, I have grown a fondness for the more gritty, handmade, and folksy spirit of the region. Being Appalachian, at its core, is about having a fighting spirit, making your voice be heard no matter what, learning to be loud and proud of who you are and where you came from. I strive to carry that resistant and defiant attitude though my practice, and my work, using taboo topics and harsh criticisms to shed light on injustice or marginalized communities who are often forgotten about. I do not want my work to just be a pretty picture that means nothing and collects dust on a wall. I want my work to change minds and challenge thoughts and ideas that may have been so engrained in the viewers' minds, that they hadn't even thought to question them. But most of all I want to create a dialogue with my viewers about how they chose to interact with the world and other people. This work is an ode to West Virginian/Appalachian culture, which speaks about our wildlife, our coal industry, and our culture.
Medium: Terracotta and Underglaze
The concept of power runs like an electric current through Amyah’s story. Power is not only about personal achievement; it is about the ability to overcome obstacles, to lift others up, and to transform adversity into growth. By spotlighting Amyah’s journey, this project becomes a beacon—showing that true power is found in unity, in courage to persevere, and in the will to shape a brighter future. It is a reminder that each step forward, no matter how small, charges the collective strength of a community, inspiring others to realize and wield their own power.
Medium: Acrylic/ Charcoal/ Graphite on paper
While exploring West Virginia, I am often awestruck by the grandeur of nature; the harmony of rippling golden fields, the depth of tree-encrusted valleys, and the quietness of rocky mountaintops. In these moments, I find myself as one as I can be with the world. Duet is a visualization of this unity, showing how parallel humankind often is with the natural world.
Medium: 35mm film photography prints
Lone Star is a poetic video art piece that combines the structure of RPG video games with the imagery of the traditional cowboy, or rural man. While it is an exploration of the complexities that we often face within solitude, grief, and one’s own death, it is also speaks on the Appalachian upbringing and the effects of a place on identity. Link to watch video below: https://youtu.be/FHNcIwcUn3c?si=vT0tnJt3lHAzI2ov Note: I know video is an unconventional medium to exhibit in a library setting, however, I believe it fits the theme for this year's show. If chosen, I am willing to discuss potential ways to show this work without disrupting the library's visitors!
Medium: video, 4 minutes 11 seconds
Appalachian power is achieved through education. Thousands of people, maybe millions have made Marshall University possible: lumberjacks have provided trees for lumber, architects have designed buildings, bricklayers have built walls, scientists have added to the wealth of knowledge to learn, young journalists and their educators have written the Parthenon since 1898, and archivists have made it possible to view every edition. The list of people who have made Marshall University is endless. With deep appreciation for the people who have created Marshall University and those who continue to make it an institution that is growing and changing to meet the current and future needs of students and our committee, I joyfully painted this campus map as it looks in 2025. Profits from the sell of reproductions of this work will provide mini-grants to area public school teachers.
Medium: Watercolor and black ink
Living in rural West Virginia, junk vehicles left to rust in the elements are a common sight. It is part of the white trash/redneck/hillbilly stereotype most outsiders seem to perceive us as. I take parts from these neglected vehicles, and rather than letting them go to waste, I give them a new life. Something that subverts the narrative that we are ignorant fools with no appreciation of art. Using brute force and welding, I shape junk into something delicate yet sturdy, that everyone can appreciate.
Medium: Ferrous metals
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.
Works not meeting these requirements WILL NOT be considered for exhibition.
More details are available in the full
Contact Diane Palmieri, Staff Librarian at palmierid@marshall.edu or Michelle Alford, Library Information Systems Technologist at michelle.alford@marshall.edu.