Tuesday, June 10, 2025

Muskegon Community College (MCC) has revealed the winners of its 61st Annual Student Art Exhibition, an event that honors the creativity and dedication of MCC’s student artists.

Spanning work created during the past three semesters, this long-standing competition showcases talent across a variety of artistic disciplines. This year, eight student artists were recognized with cash awards for their work.

Judged by Juror Tatsuki Hakoyama, Assistant Professor Kendall College of Art and Design, top honors went to Francesca Sipe for her creation of “Paper Bird,” while Marissa Nienhouse’s work “Pagan Calendar’” was chosen by the college as the recipient of the President’s Purchase Award, which will now become a permanent part of the college’s art collection.

“I continue to be inspired year after year by the originality and passion our students bring to their work,” said MCC Art Instructor Erin Hoffman. “Their ability to translate ideas into compelling visual art is a reminder of the creative potential thriving here at MCC.”

MCC President John Selmon also praised the student artists, noting, “The level of talent on display is truly remarkable. At MCC, we remain committed to fostering a learning environment where artistic expression is not only encouraged but celebrated.”

The awards ceremony took place on Monday, June 2, but the exhibition will remain open to the public—free of charge—through the summer at the MCC Overbrook Art Gallery.

See below for a full list of this year’s award recipients and their featured works.

PLACE AWARDS $100 Each

1.” Untitled” Kellie Leutscher 

2.” Stories That Were Never Told” Jean Garduno Rodriguez 

3.” Self-Portrait” August Hawley 

4.” Monopoly Metaphorical Box” Carter Thompson  

$200 THIRD PLACE: ”Duality” Al Connelly  

$300 SECOND PLACE: ”Not Afraid” Anna Whynot  

$400 FIRST PLACE: “Paper Bird” Francesca Sipe  

PRESIDENT’S PURCHASE AWARD: $300 “Pagan Calendar” Marissa Nienhouse