40+ state employees win in 14th Annual Art Exhibition

More than 40 employees from the State of Delaware received recognition for their artistic talent at the 14th Annual Delaware State Employee Art Exhibition, held at the Delaware State University Arts Center/Gallery in Dover.

Running from Feb. 25 to March 21 the exhibition showcased an impressive 209 submissions from state employees and their immediate family members, offering a vibrant display of creativity and artistic expression.

“This exhibition is a testament to the immense creativity within Delaware’s state workforce and their families,” said Jessica Ball, Director of the Delaware Division of the Arts. “Art has the power to inspire, connect, and strengthen communities, and it’s wonderful to see how these employees bring that creativity into both their professional and personal lives.”

Kristin Pleasanton, Deputy Director of the Division of the Arts, added, “The enthusiasm and talent on display this year were truly inspiring. We are honored to celebrate these artists and their contributions to the cultural landscape of Delaware.”

The exhibition featured a variety of artistic mediums, including painting, photography, sculpture, mixed media, and craft. The event was not just about competition but also served as a platform to celebrate the diverse creative talents within the state’s workforce.

Brianna Shetzler from the Department of Education was awarded the prestigious Best of Show honor and a $400 prize for her exceptional work. In addition to the top award, the ceremony recognized outstanding achievements in various categories, including abstract, landscape, monochrome, pets, marine life, and portrait.

The People’s Choice Award, voted on by exhibition visitors, was presented to Kayleigh Vodvarka from the Department of Education for her online submission and Rick Slocum from the Department of Health and Social Services for the in-person category.

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The competition also featured professional, intermediate, amateur, teen, and youth categories, with winners receiving monetary prizes for their impressive works. Notable first-place winners included Donald Doheny (Department of Education, Professional Category), Elizabeth Chen (Department of Education, Intermediate Category), and Maureen McCambridge (Department of Education, Amateur Category).

The success of this year’s event has set a high bar for future exhibitions, with submissions for the 15th Annual Delaware State Employee Art Exhibition scheduled to open in December 2026.

For more information on next year’s submission details and to view a gallery of the winning artwork, visit the Delaware Division of the Arts website.

2025 Delaware State Employee Art Exhibition Winners:

*Click name to view the person’s art

Best of Show ($400): Brianna Shetzler, Department of Education, Clayton

Art Education Award ($200): Nawal Noon, Department of Education, Newark

People’s Choice Award

Online: Kayleigh Vodvarka, Department of Education, Bridgeville

In-Person: Rick Slocum, Department of Health and Social Services, Smyrna

Special Awards

Abstract: David Chambers, Voices (2024, Painting), Department of State, Smyrna

Landscape: Jung Marie Kim, Department of Education, Middletown

Monochrome: Cassie Hilliard, Department of Education, Magnolia

Pets: Sandra Henning, Department of Education, Frederica

Marine Life: Annabelle Taylor, Delaware Technical and Community College, Georgetown

Portrait: Sharif Sadiq, State Housing Authority, Seaford

Professional Category

First Place ($350): Donald Doheny, Department of Education, Bridgeville

Second Place ($250): Cindy Morris, Department of Education, Hockessin

Third Place ($150): Sallyanne McLaughlin, Department of Education, Greenwood

Honorable Mentions: Caitlyn Rudolph (DOE, Vineland, NJ), Marciana Esteves (DHSS, Milford), Rick Burrow (DOE, Camden-Wyoming)

Intermediate Category

First Place ($350): Elizabeth Chen, Department of Education, Middletown

Second Place ($250): Chloe Hannah, Department of Education, Camden

Third Place ($150): Michael L. Conlan Jr., Department of Health and Social Services, Wilmington

Honorable Mentions: Logan Farro (DHSS, Greenwood), Hyo Lee (DSU, Dover), Grume Abraham (DOT, Newark), Sydney Horton (OMB, Dover)

Amateur Category

First Place ($350): Maureen McCambridge, Department of Education, Houston

Second Place ($250): Brady Lamers, Department of Finance, Middletown

Third Place ($150): Akane Miyazawa, Department of Education, Middletown

Honorable Mentions: Ben Ables (DOE, Georgetown), Ashley Jensen (DOE, Camden), Adenike Davidson (DSU, Dover)

Teen Category

First Place ($150): Sophie Rissmiller, Department of Education, Coatesville, PA

Second Place ($100): Nathanael Taylor, Department of Education, Milton

Third Place ($50): Kendall Hill, Department of Education, Middletown

Honorable Mentions: Kamora Jones (DOT, Wilmington), Chase Puszkarczuk (DOE, Wilmington), Leah R. Cooper (DOF, Milford), Kaitlyn Ritts (DOE, Greenwood)

Youth Category

First Place ($150): Elly Wendel, Department of Education, Wilmington

Second Place ($100): Leah Citron, Department of State, Wilmington

Third Place ($50): Izzabella West, DNREC, Camden

Honorable Mentions: Christopher Saxton Jr. (DNREC, Camden), Hannah Parnell (DOE, Wilmington), Norah Parnell (DOE, Wilmington), Sabrina Rambo (DNREC, Harrington)