The Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission and the State Museum of Pennsylvania announced the winners of its 58th Annual Art of the State exhibition, showcasing exceptional artistic talent from across the Commonwealth. This year, 96 works were selected for exhibition from more than 2,300 entries, with cash awards totaling $5,300 presented to winning artists.
Art of the State is an annual juried exhibition, established in 1968, that highlights the diverse work of Pennsylvania artists. The exhibition at The State Museum of Pennsylvania celebrates over five decades of creative expression in the Commonwealth. Featuring works across five distinct categories—painting, craft, sculpture, photography/digital media, and work on paper—Art of the State offers a compelling glimpse into Pennsylvania’s rich artistic tapestry, from established masters to emerging talents.
“For nearly six decades, Art of the State has been a beacon for Pennsylvania’s artistic spirit, and this 58th exhibition proudly continues that legacy,” said Bill Lewis, PHMC Vice Chair. “The sheer diversity and incredible skill on display, spanning every style and medium imaginable, vividly illustrate the powerful role art plays in our Commonwealth. We are honored to present these compelling works and urge everyone to come celebrate the creativity that defines us.”
A distinguished panel of expert jurors meticulously reviewed and selected the 96 exhibited works from more than 2,300 entries submitted by artists from across Pennsylvania. This year’s awards juror, renowned artist and curator Denise Ryner, then determined the first, second, and third place recipients in each category.
First-place winners hail from Bucks, Delaware, Philadelphia, and York counties. The State Museum’s Art Docents Corps independently voted to select its 2025 Docents’ Choice Award, which was presented to an artist from Snyder County.
Cash awards were presented in each of the five categories: a first prize of $500, a second prize of $300, and a third prize of $200. The Art Docents’ Choice Award winner received an additional $300.
The public is invited to experience the exhibition at The State Museum of Pennsylvania through September 14, 2025.
Craft
- First Place: Polly Bech, “Merging”, 2024
- Second Place: Jóh Ricci, “Serendipity” 2025
- Third Place: Quay San, “Vase with Sgraffito”, 2024
Painting
- First Place: Judith Pekala Hawkins, “Branches”, 2024
- Second Place: Emily Stroud, “Night Walk”, 2023
- Third Place: Kenneth Batista, “Falling Water II”, 2024
Photography/Digital Media
- First Place: Mary Elizabeth Kulesa, “Oxford Circle”, 2022
- Second Place: Michael Hower, “Geared Up”, 2024
- Third Place: Tony Ragusea, “Stunt Kite Over Beach (Blue)”, 2023
Sculpture
- First Place: Brynn Hurlstone, “Moment By Moment”, 2024
- Second Place: Amy Forsyth, “Legacy”, 2024
- Third Place: William Brady Jr, “Red Head”, 2023
Work on Paper
- First Place: Libby Soffer, “In the Shadows”, 2024
- Second Place: Anne Finucane, “Debby’s View”, 2024
- Third Place: Marilyn Narey, “Shorelines: How do you mark the edge of the sea?”, 2024
The State Museum Art Docents’ Choice Award
- Winner: Ann Piper, “Untitled (Sanaa)”, 2024
