SKYCTC launches new art gallery with student exhibition as inaugural event

Bowling Green, KY – Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College (SKYCTC) will celebrate the grand opening of its new art gallery with the debut of the 2026 Student Juried Exhibition, showcasing the creative talents of its students.

Located on the College’s main campus at 1845 Loop Drive in Bowling Green, the new gallery is housed within the newly renovated Robert and Mary Tincher Campus and Community Center, centrally positioned to serve as a vibrant cultural hub for students and the community.

The SKYCTC Art Gallery’s inaugural exhibition will feature a diverse collection of student artwork, highlighting exceptional pieces created in studio art courses as well as independent projects. The 2026 Student Juried Exhibition opens April 13 and will include works across a variety of media, including oil painting, photography, and collage.

The exhibition received 65 entries from 42 SKYCTC students, with 39 works selected for display by juror Abbi Ruppert, Art Program Coordinator at Owensboro Community and Technical College. The selected works represent a wide range of artistic styles and techniques, reflecting both classroom projects and independent creative exploration.

“The new gallery space is providing a professional space for students to exhibit their work,” said David Jones, Art Professor at SKYCTC. “It will give access to other visiting artists' work to be experienced by the students, the college and the community as well.”

“We are excited to open this new gallery space and provide our students with a professional venue to display their work,” said Gallery Director Leslie Nichols.. “This exhibition reflects the creativity, dedication, and artistic growth of our students, and we are proud to share their talents with the community.”

Awards totaling $600 will be presented, including a Best of Show honor. Winners will be announced during the Reception and Awards Presentation on Wednesday, April 22. The reception is free and open to the public, and community members are encouraged to attend and experience the exhibition.

The SKYCTC Art Gallery aims to serve as a dynamic space for artistic expression, collaboration, and community engagement, further enriching the cultural landscape of the region.

Exhibition Dates:
April 13 – May 5, 2026

Reception & Awards Ceremony:
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Award presentation at noon

For more information about the exhibition or the SKYCTC Art Program, please contact:
Leslie Nichols, leslie.nichols@kctcs.edu or David Jones, cdavid.jones@kctcs.edu.