Collegian T he Cameron University
www.aggiecentral.com
Monday, March 2, 2026
Angelica Martinez
Managing Editor The Seventh Annual Student Art Competition and Exhibition took place from 6 - 8 p.m. Feb. 19 in the Cameron University Teaching Art Gallery. The event showcased student artwork to Cameron students, faculty, staff and members of the Lawton community while celebrating the dedication and creative growth of Cameron’s art department students throughout the academic year. When guests entered the gallery, they stopped at a table of snacks and refreshments before viewing the artwork. Conversations filled the space as attendees moved from piece to piece. The gallery walls featured a range of media and styles, and each work reflected hours of careful planning, experimentation and craftsmanship. After attendees had time to view the exhibition, organizers began the awards ceremony. The juror presented awards for the top three two-dimensional works, the top three threedimensional works and three honorable mentions. She also presented an Award of Exceptionalism to a student who demonstrated significant artistic growth and maintained positive, supportive relationships within Cameron’s artistic community. Lou Baggett, an artist and instructor of painting, drawing and pottery, served as the juror for the competition. She evaluated each piece based on content, technical skill and overall effort, considering how successfully each artist communicated their ideas through visual form. Mallory Cajas won first place in the twodimensional category for her piece, “La Cocinera: Study in Motion.” This marks the second consecutive year Cajas has earned first place in
the category. Her painting portrays working women in a kitchen surrounded by bright colors, with the food they prepare displayed prominently in the foreground. “Historically, the female canon has been tied to a sensualized, passive or weakened portrayal. Women are often depicted as victims or as femme fatales, rather than full, complex individuals,” Cajas said. “I want to challenge that. My goal is to paint women simply existing, with strength, presence and dignity, without forcing them into stereotypes. Why can’t normal people be celebrated? There is a power in everyday humanity, and I want my work to reflect that reality.” Melissa Heilig earned second place in the twodimensional category for “Creative Difference,” and Mathew Gonzales placed third for “A Mother’s Guidance.” Daijah WatsonKyser won first place in the three-dimensional category for her multimedia sculpture, “Broco.” The piece transforms a table leg into the iconic elongated neck of a brachiosaurus dressed as a cowboy in a Wild West desert scene, making him “the tallest dino-cowboy in the West,” as she describes. The sculpture combines humor with technical problemsolving, blending found objects and sculpted elements into a cohesive and imaginative work. Watson-Kyser said she drew inspiration from childhood imagination and whimsy. “I think a lot of people don’t want to get too deep into art because it can seem so philosophical,” she said. “I like to keep it lighthearted and joyful.” Isabel Bryant earned second place in the threedimensional category for her sculpture “Howdy,” and An Nguyen Dang placed third for “Dream Key.” Organizers presented the Award of Exceptionalism to Noah
Adachi. Faculty and peers recognized him not only for his artistic growth but also for his active support of fellow students. “Being in an environment where I can see other artists and interact with them is so rewarding,” Adachi said. “It’s so exciting because not only do I get to grow as an artist — I get to see other artists grow. That’s always been something I’ve liked about art — it’s the ability to connect.” Honorable mentions included Heather Frampton’s “Controlled,” Keilah Carraza’s “Bottle StillLife” and Kayla Bryant’s “Picnic Scene.” As the awards ceremony concluded, visitors explored the gallery once more. Several fan favorites emerged, including Kaylee Ataddley’s “Monster Devouring His Owner,” which features a monstrous Labubu toy devouring a comparatively small human. The piece offers a twist on Francisco Goya’s 1820 painting “Saturn Devouring His Son,” reimagining the classical composition with a modern, playful yet unsettling subject. Another notable piece was Jason Mitchell’s “Schreckensfahrt,” which translates to “Terrifying Ride.” The work depicts a Volkswagen fitted with tarantula-like legs in place of wheels, creating a surreal and slightly eerie image that drew double takes from viewers passing by. The exhibition will remain open through March 12, located in the art building for students and community members to view the artworks.
Volume 114 Issue 4
Top-to-bottom: • Daijah Watson-Kyser / Bronco / Multimedia • Mallory Cajas / La Cocinera: Study in Motion / Oil on canvas • Kaylee Ataddlety / Monster Devouring His Owner / Oil on Canvas • Jason Mitchell / Schreckensfhart / Print • Mathew Gonzales / A Mother's Guidance / Oil on Canvas
Photos and graphics by Angelica Martinez
What’s Inside Wheel of Scholarship returns! Page 2
A web of reviews Page 4
Career prep on and off campus Page 5