Every artistic career begins with a period of discovery—a time when artists are developing their voices, taking creative risks, and seeking opportunities for their work to be seen.

The Statewide Emerging Artists’ Annual (SWEAA) was created to support artists at this pivotal stage. Now in its second year, this competitive juried exhibition brings together artists from across Utah who are still building their careers. They may be university students or recent graduates, self-taught artists, artists returning to their practices after significant gaps, or individuals whose creative journeys have followed less traditional paths.

SWEAA is both a showcase and an incubator. It gives emerging artists the opportunity to present their work in a professional gallery, reach new audiences, and have their work considered by an established arts professional. Selected artists are eligible for unrestricted cash awards, and the artist receiving Best in Show will be offered a solo exhibition at BDAC in 2027.

By creating meaningful visibility and professional connections for artists at the beginning of their careers, SWEAA strengthens Utah’s broader arts community. The exhibition recognizes that emerging artists are not simply preparing to make an impact in the future—they are making meaningful work now.

Read more about why SWEAA was created.

2026 Guest Juror

Christopher Lynn is an interdisciplinary artist, curator, writer, and educator based in West Valley City, Utah. He is Associate Professor of Historical, Critical, and Cultural Studies in Art at Brigham Young University and was named a 2025 Utah Artist Fellow in Visual Arts.

Lynn’s experience spans artistic practice, academic teaching, writing, institutional leadership, and contemporary curatorial work. He has held leadership and curatorial positions at SPACES in Cleveland, the Center for Book and Paper Arts at Columbia College Chicago, DePauw University, and the Gallery of Contemporary Art at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs.

Lynn also has a continuing connection with BDAC. In 2024, he participated as an artist in BDAC’s Statewide Annual exhibition. His return as the 2026 guest juror reflects the interconnected arts community SWEAA seeks to foster—one in which artists contribute their experience and help create opportunities for those who follow.

Learn more about Christopher Lynn and his role as guest juror.

2026 Artists

Jennifer Farley
Megan Guidry
Antonio Herrera
Ruby Lee
Andrew Patteson
Jillian Elder
Samantha Killinen
Rosanna Lynne Welter
Nicholas Ioan Lazaroae
Anne Flynn
Sara Stoddard
Samuel Carpenter
Valentine Reynolds
Priscilla Stewart
Melanie Fischer
Rylee Richey
Steven Bohls
Scott Durrant
Allison McKinney
Payden Mouritsen
Susan Flores
Hannah Taylor
Pablo Cruz-Ayala
Kaylene Eldredge
Joyce Banda
Dao Nguyen
Tiara Cook
Dallin Orr
Mylie Derrick
Michelle Lewis
Heather Olsen
Margot Shepherd
Xhantall Aguilar
Allison Jones
Madilyn Graffis
Pamela Beach
Eli Kerns
Sydney Porter Williams
Douglas Butler
Jeremiah Parkin