2025 Delaware State Employee Art Exhibition

Creativity is at the heart of innovation, and as public servants, you demonstrate it every day—whether through problem-solving, collaboration, or finding new ways to serve the people of Delaware. Today, I want to take a moment to celebrate another expression of that creativity: the 250 talented employees who submitted artwork for the 14th Annual Delaware State Employee Art Exhibition.

This exhibition is a reminder that the arts are not separate from our daily lives—they are woven into the fabric of who we are. The same ingenuity that drives artistic expression also fuels the work we do across state government. Your ability to think differently, see new possibilities, and express unique perspectives is what makes Delaware stronger.

To each of you who submitted your work: congratulations. Your creativity is inspiring, and I encourage you to continue developing your craft. More importantly, I urge you to bring that same creative spirit into your work each day. Delaware benefits when its public servants lead with imagination, innovation, and heart.

Thank you for sharing your talents with us, and I look forward to seeing all the ways you continue to make our state a better place—both through your art and your service.

– Governor Matt Meyer

On behalf of the Delaware Division of the Arts and the Delaware State Arts Council, I want to extend my sincere congratulations and appreciation to all 250 artists who submitted their work for the 14th Annual Delaware State Employee Art Exhibition. Your participation in this showcase is a testament to the incredible creativity that exists within our state workforce, and we are honored to celebrate your talents.

Art is an integral part of our daily lives. It inspires, connects, and enriches our communities, often in ways we may not even realize. Creativity is not confined to the studio—it is found in the innovative solutions we bring to our work, the ways we serve the public, and the perspectives we bring to our roles across every Division. This exhibition is a powerful reminder that the arts and creativity thrive within our state agencies, reflecting the diverse talents and passions of our employees.

Whether you are an experienced artist or exploring your craft, I applaud you for sharing your work with us. Your dedication to artistic expression is not only personally rewarding but also enhances the cultural fabric of our state. I encourage you to continue refining your skills, pushing creative boundaries, and finding new ways to share your artistry with others. Once again, congratulations to all who submitted their work. Thank you for inspiring us with your creativity, and we look forward to seeing how your artistic journey continues to evolve.

– Director Jessica Ball

Exhibit Dates: February 25 – March 21, 2025

People’s Choice Voting: February 25 – March 20, 2025

Reception: March 9, 2025

Click here for a visitor’s guide and map of Delaware State University’s campus.

Sponsored by the National Arts Program and the Delaware Division of the Arts, this program is designed to give Delaware state employees and their families, at any skill level, a unique opportunity to exhibit their artwork and compete for ribbons and cash prizes. Each year, the exhibit is judged by different professionals in the visual arts.

2025 National Arts Program Award Winners

Best of Show: Brianna Shetzler, Carrying the World, Craft, Department of Education, Clayton

People’s Choice Award (Facebook): TBA

People’s Choice Award (Ballot): TBA

Art Education Award: Nawal Noon, Eye, Works on Paper, Department of Education, Newark

Special Awards:

Abstract – David Chambers, Voices, 2024, Painting, Department of State, Smyrna

Landscape – Jung Marie Kim, Columnar Joint, 2025, Painting, Department of Education, Middletown

Monochrome – Cassie Hilliard, Till Death, 2024, Photography, Department of Education, Magnolia

Pets – Sandra Henning, Snowed In, 2025, Works on Paper, Department of Education, Frederica

Marine Life – Annabelle Taylor, Lantern Fish, 2024, Works on Paper, Delaware Technical and Community College, Georgetown

Portrait – Sharif Sadiq, Deep Thoughts, 2022, Painting, State Housing Authority, Seaford

Professional:

First Place – Donald Doheny, Sounds of Silence, 2022, Painting, Department of Education, Bridgeville

Second Place – Cindy Morris, Peace on the River, 2024, Mixed Media, Department of Education, Hockessin

Third Place – Sallyanne McLaughlin, Moonlit Woods, 2024, Works on Paper, Department of Education, Greenwood

Honorable Mention – Caitlyn Rudolph, Twist on a Cone, 2024, Works on Paper, Department of Education, Vineland, NJ

Honorable Mention – Marciana Esteves, Canción de Coquí, 2025, Mixed Media, Department of Health and Social Services, Milford

Honorable Mention – Rick Burrow, The Atlantic Sightseers, 2024, Painting, Department of Education, Camden-Wyoming

Intermediate:

First Place – Elizabeth Chen, We Move in Circles, 2024, Mixed Media, Department of Education, Middletown

Second Place – Chloe Hannah, Rosie and Graham, 2025, Works on Paper, Department of Education, Camden

Third Place – Michael L Conlan Jr., Night, 2025, Painting, Department of Health and Social Services, Wilmington

Honorable Mention – Logan Farro, Reality Check, 2024, Painting, Department of Health and Social Services, Greenwood

IHonorable Mention – Hyo Lee, It Snowed Last Night, 2025, Works on Paper, Delaware State University, Dover

Honorable Mention – Grume Abraham, Joy of Abyssinia, 2025, Painting, Department of Transportation, Newark

Honorable Mention – Sydney Horton, Orange’s Eyes Peeled, 2024, Painting, Office of Management and Budget, Dover

Amateur:                   

First Place – Maureen McCambridge, Self, 2022, Mixed Media, Department of Education, Houston

Second Place – Brady Lamers, Come Around Sundown, 2018, Photography, Department of Finance, Middletown

Third Place – Akane Miyazawa, ほほえみ Smile, 2022, Mixed Media, Department of Education, Middletown

Honorable Mention – Ben Ables, Northwaters Sunset Solitude, 2024, Photography, Department of Education, Georgetown

Honorable Mention – Ashley Jensen, Eastern Veil Nebula NGC6692, 2024, Photography, Department of Education, Camden

Honorable Mention – Adenike Davidson, Masked Delights, 2024, Craft, Delaware State University, Dover

Teen (13-18 years old):

First Place – Sophie Rissmiller, Desensitization, 2024, Mixed Media, Department of Education, Coatesville, PA

Second Place – Nathanael Taylor, Rowboats at Rest, 2022, Works on Paper, Department of Education, Milton

Third Place – Kendall Hill, Bou the Monkey, 2022, Painting, Department of Education, Middletown

Honorable Mention – Kamora Jones, Vintage Reflections, 2024, Painting, Department of Transportation, Wilmington

Honorable Mention – Chase Puszkarczuk, Creativity of the 70s, 2024, Painting, Department of Education, Wilmington

Honorable Mention – Leah R Cooper, Sweet Bliss, 2025, Works on Paper, Department of Finance, Milford

Honorable Mention – Kaitlyn Ritts, Ballet, 2024, Works on Paper, Department of Education, Greenwood

Youth (12 years and under):

First Place – Elly Wendel, Eye of Color, 2025, Mixed Media, Department of Education, Wilmington

Second Place – Leah Citron, Rose Quartz the Shoulder Dragon, 2024, Craft, Department of State, Wilmington

Third Place – Izzabella West, Mr. Pickles, 2024, Painting, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, Camden

Honorable Mention – Christopher Saxton Jr., Big Blue, 2024, Sculpture, DNREC, Camden

Honorable Mention – Hannah Parnell, Horseshoe Crab, 2025, Craft, Department of Education, Wilmington

Honorable Mention – Norah Parnell, The Bacon, 2024, Works on Paper, Department of Education, Wilmington

Honorable Mention – Sabrina Rambo, Before the Leaves Fell, 2025, Painting, DNREC, Harrington