This year’s USM 2026 Juried Student Art Show is now on display at the USM Art Gallery. There were cash prizes for each Best in Show, for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. It’s always invigorating to see what art students come up with in subject matter and their use of a medium. This year’s show has many unique pieces, well expressed in their choice of material.

The sculpture, painting, photography, ceramics are all well crafted. There are several pieces that are on the edge of being surreal. Some of the more interesting pieces are the sculptures.

Lydia Laslavic’s piece, “Oystah,” is a fabric “pillow” with beads, ribbons and a disco ball that has a colorful, soft aesthetic.
Other pieces of note are several ceramic sculptured pieces by Crystal Reynolds, using shaped vessels. They form into mounds in various sizes. The use of the glaze extends the design.

One piece of construction that is truly unique and inventive is a wire sculpture, “The Photonic Healing Machine,” by David G. Stevens. It is designed to be worn on the hand and head. Added to the originality of this piece is an accompanying, descriptive video (complete with its own commercial). This and all the pieces presented are well worth viewing.

The 2026 Student Art Show runs through March 24 at 37 College Ave., in Gorham. Go to https://usm.maine.edu/gallery/hours/ for gallery days and hours.

The Winners

1st Place Best-in-Show
“To Some I am Prey”
By Coffin
2nd Place Best-in-Show
“Courtney Elisabeth’s Folklore”
By Courtney Rog
3rd Place Best-in-Show
“Bare”
By Alyssa Letendre