Franklin College Artist in Residence David Cunningham, M.F.A., has earned statewide praise recently with two of his pieces selected into renowned juries.

Cunningham was awarded Best in Show at Minnetrista’s 35^th Annual Juried Art Show. His piece, an oil painting titled “Corn Dogs,” will be on display through Sunday, May 4 at the Minnetrista Museum and Gardens in Muncie. The self-portrait features the artist with his youngest daughter at the Indiana State Fair. He describes the painting as an inverse universe – a dream of he and his daughter in another dimension.

The 35^th Annual Juried Art Show at Minnetrista Museum and Gardens celebrates creativity via various mediums of artistic expression across the state. The art show features paintings, digital media, sculptures, ceramics, jewelry, photography and textiles. The diverse collection of art exemplifies Indiana’s enriching and wide-ranging art community. Pieces displayed in this show can be found in Gallery 1 of the Center Building.

Cunningham’s drawing, “I See Your Heart in All You Do,” was selected for inclusion in the Indiana Artists Club’s 93^rd Annual Juried Exhibition at the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields. It is one of only two drawings selected for the show. The piece will be on display and available for purchase through Friday, May 16.

Indiana Artists Jury is an extension of the Indiana Artists Club, which was founded in 1917 by the most prominent artists in the state. The club sponsors three statewide exhibitions, lectures, demonstrations and workshops in efforts to garner artistic interest, represent artists and educate the public. This year’s jury features 45 pieces created by professional artists currently living and working in Indiana. Cunningham’s piece is one of the two drawings accepted in the entire show. This piece was inspired by the ancient symbolism and beauty in rocks and is titled after the lyrics of a worship song.

To Cunningham, art communicates and connects audiences to the artist’s expression. “Having a piece selected means I succeeded; I spoke to a stranger through the language of paint and pencil,” said Cunningham.

Cunningham joined Franklin College in 2003 after receiving his bachelor’s degree from the University of Evansville and his master’s degree from Indiana University. Cunningham’s work has been featured in solo and group exhibitions across the country. His work is included in several public and corporate collections, including St. Meinrad Monastery, the University of Evansville, Fifth Third Bank and Vectren Corp. His talent has been recognized through numerous awards and honors throughout his career. Cunningham continues to create outside of his role as professor because art is an essential part of his identity.

“Drawing and painting are how I study the world and myself. There’s also a deep joy in making something that resonates with others. When someone connects with my work, it feels sacred. Those moments remind me why I keep creating,” Cunningham said.

For more information, contact the Franklin College Office of Communications at (317) 738-8185.

By: Katie Thoman ’26

Franklin College Pulliam Fellow