Two artists with connections to Franklin College received recognition in this year’s Hoosier Salon juried exhibition, both earning cash prizes and having their work selected for purchase: Professor and artist in residence David Cunningham and senior Jaynie Salyers.

Cunningham earned second place in the portraiture category for his entry, “Beloved.” His other entry, “The Quiet Gathering,” was purchased by a patron. Salyers, a triple major in art history, painting and pre-art therapy, received recognition as an outstanding first-time exhibitor for her painting, “Reflections of Justice,” which also was purchased by a patron.

As Salyers’ Painting II professor, Cunningham said he was especially proud to see his student earn recognition in her first juried exhibition. “Artists have tried for years just to get into this show, and Jaynie was selected and won an award on her first attempt. That’s epic,” Cunningham said.

For Salyers, the recognition was a significant milestone as well as her first opportunity to introduce her work to a large public audience. “I was honestly awestruck,” Salyers said. “I didn’t even notice (the award) at first until my dad started tapping me. I remember thinking, ‘Dang, not only did I get accepted, but I won an award!’”

Salyers said having her painting purchased was equally exciting. “It showed me that I can create artwork that people genuinely want and appreciate, and it really validated my decision to make art a major and pursue it as part of my future,” she said.

Salyers credits Cunningham with encouraging her to submit her work to the Hoosier Salon and challenging her to take her development as an artist seriously. Besides painting classes, she has taken art history courses with him. “Learning from David has influenced how I approach my work,” Salyers said. “It has helped me understand composition, subject matter and how the relevance and meaning of art can change over time. I’ve learned how important the audience is to a piece because people connect with artwork when they can find meaning or something to reflect on.”

Cunningham’s paintings have been exhibited in solo and group exhibitions in galleries and museums throughout the United States, and his work is found in public and private  collections. He is the recipient of numerous awards and honors, including Best of Show in the Fort Wayne Museum of Art’s Contemporary Realism Biennial and the Swope Museum’s Wabash Valley exhibit. He joined the Franklin College faculty in 2003 and teaches painting, design, ceramics and issues in contemporary art.

Salyers is a graduate of Franklin Community High School. Her career aspirations after graduating from Franklin College include working in arts administration while continuing to create her own artwork. She has worked part time as a barista for four years and also hopes to eventually open a café that features an art exhibition space.

View Cunningham’s and Salyers’ work at hoosierartsalon.org/hoosier-art-salon-annual-exhibition/.

The Hoosier Salon exhibition opened in August at the Indiana State Museum in Indianapolis. According to the museum’s website, 284 artists applied for this year’s exhibition, submitting 528 original artworks, including paintings, sculptures, glasswork and mixed media. Ultimately, Hoosier Salon judges selected 123 artists, representing 38 Indiana counties, for the exhibition. Artists from five other states and New Zealand — all with Indiana connections — also were included. The exhibition, which marks the Hoosier Salon’s 102nd year, will continue through Oct. 25.

Photo credit: Qbert Studio