Three Honored with Dean of the Libraries’ 2026 Student Arts Awards

The Art in the Libraries Committee and Dean of West Virginia University Libraries, Karen Diaz, has selected Aliannah Noriega-Freeman, art and design student; Kaya Collings, an art education student; and Timothy Butcher, an art and design graduate student, to receive the 2025 Dean of Libraries’ Student Arts Award.

Noriega-Freeman won for, “Hidden Fellow,” a 3-dimensional painting of green plants, yellow flowers with pink sky background, and silhouette of a figure in the background.

“This was my first time using 3D elements, so I knew immediately that I wanted to approach this by framing my focal point with them. Additionally, I wanted my focal point — this person — to be somewhat ghost-like, because in this context, they are the light source of the painting,” said Noriega-Freeman.

Collings won for, “Build Your Own Kaya,” a two-layer silkscreen print featuring a paper doll accompanied by magnetized, interchangeable dresses and accessories. The paper doll and accessories are a lithography print with watercolor overtop. The doll has moveable joints which allow its limbs to be moved and posed. The watercolor wash adds depth to the doll and accessories, while the silkscreen print is inspired by vintage commercial doll packaging.

“My work explores the deconstruction of self-identity into a commercialized product. The title “Build Your Own Kaya” transforms my name and image into a customizable commodity,” said Collings. “The print is displayed within a sealed plastic bag to further the narrative of the artwork being a product meant to be distributed. The detail image included in the submission shows how the print looks within the plastic. This artwork serves as an exploration and critique on the ways we shape ourselves to be accepted. When you deconstruct your identity to suit the needs of others, you often lose sight of your true self.”

Butcher won for, “Abstracted Appalachian Landscape,” an abstract expressionist and modernist landscape ink drawing inspired by practical mystic traditions and historical works of surrealism. This body of work combines intricate, abstracted landscapes to create a transportive viewing space suggestive of the mystical patterns in the image-making process.

“I am thrilled to have been chosen for the Dean of Libraries Award. I have loved the many fabulous art shows in the libraries - I make certain to visit whenever they rotate. The focus that the Art in the Libraries initiative places on Appalachian culture, local histories, and community engagement is so exciting, and I am honored to be included this semester!” Butcher said.