JURIED COLLEGIATE EXHIBITION

Juror:
Clare Elliott

West Gallery
July 11 - August 29, 2026

Opening Reception:
Saturday, July 11, 6pm-9pm

Redbud Arts Center Presents Emerging Visions: A Celebration of Collegiate Talent.

Get ready to be inspired! We are a passionate young non-profit dedicated to nurturing emerging talent and are thrilled to announce this year's Collegiate Exhibition, Emerging Visions. We will be presenting fresh perspectives and creativity of Houston's promising art students. We warmly invite the community to join us in celebrating these extraordinary young voices.

The opening reception for Emerging Visions will take place on Saturday, July 11th, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Redbud Arts Center and we are honored that Clare Elliott, Houston-based independent curator and fine art appraiser, will be the juror for our Collegiate Juried Exhibition. Elliott will be responsible for selecting the top three Best of Show awardees for this year’s exhibition. Prices will include an exhibition in 2027 in the East Gallery for first place, $300 for second place, and $200 for third place, as well as honorable mentions.

This special evening offers the public the opportunity to meet some of the incredibly gifted student artists, and immerse yourselves in an atmosphere buzzing with creativity and the excitement of discovery.

"At Redbud, part of our mission is to champion young artists and provide them with a platform,” says Tanja Peterson, Executive Director. This exhibition shows the dedication, passion, and talent flourishing within our collegiate community. Be surprised and inspired by diverse mediums, powerful stories, and inventive concepts.

Emerging Visions is a foundational steppingstone for students, fostering connections within the local art scene and inspiring both their peers and the wider community.

Join Redbud in championing these young talents and celebrating the bright future of art in Houston. Come, connect, and be amazed!

CLARE ELLIOT
JUROR

A Houston-based independent curator and fine art appraiser, Clare Elliott has more than two decades of experience organizing exhibitions, conducting research, and writing and lecturing about modern and contemporary art. For twenty-two years she was part of the curatorial team at Houston’s prestigious Menil Collection. She is the author of Forrest Bess: Seeing Things Invisible and Artists We’ve Known: Selected Works from the Walter Hopps and Caroline Huber Collection. She is currently the principal of Elliott Art Advice, a boutique art advisory that helps collectors build and manage their art collections. Elliott completed a B.A. in Art History and Economics from the University of Texas at Austin, and an M.A. in Art History from the Williams College–Clark Art Institute Graduate Program in the History of Art. She is a member of the International Society of Appraisers.

AWARDS

First Place:

Jai España, How Could You Have Known?

Second Place:

Hailey Harvey, Imprints Emerging

Third Place:

Dulce Gamez Rivera, La Herencia

Honorable Mentions:

Taylor Bolton, The Crown

Desiree Calderon de Fawaz, Canned I

Aaron Herrera, Interference

Chloe Hudspeth, Reaching Towards What Remains

Mikayla Malik, Judith & Holofernes

A.J. Ogden, Idler

Oghenetega Okperuvwe, Goldilocks

Emily Ramirez, Party Favors

Beyond Emerging Visions:
Professional Development Series

Beyond Emerging Visions extends the exhibition experience through a series of professional development programs designed to help emerging artists navigate the art world. Led by curators, collectors, jurors, and arts professionals, these informal sessions offer practical insights into building a sustainable artistic career, developing professional relationships, and gaining a deeper understanding of the contemporary art landscape. Open to present and past participating artists, the series fosters meaningful dialogue, learning, and connection beyond the gallery walls.

Meet the Juror Clare Elliott

Meet the Juror offers a unique opportunity to hear directly from the exhibition juror about the selection process, what stands out in successful submissions, and insights into building a professional art practice. Participants are encouraged to ask questions and engage in an open conversation about the contemporary art world.

Meet the Gallerists Carla Bisong and Tanja Peterson

Meet the Gallerist offers practical advice on working with galleries, including the dos and don'ts of approaching a gallery, presenting your work professionally, and building lasting relationships within the art world.