Want to learn more about some of our student artists, or see more from them?
Keep reading to find out what their inspirations are, and where you might be able to see more of their work!
Emily Veksler
Chemistry BA, pre-med, anticipated 2026
Emily Veksler is a junior year chemistry major on the pre med track. She likes to do creative stuff to destress from science classes and is involved in several literary magazines on campus.
"Art has always been my number one hobby. I decided I didn’t want to pursue it professionally, but I still love drawing, and I find that the skills I learn for art can transfer to other stuff! For example, being able to draw 3D objects has been helpful in understanding calculus and organic chemistry, and drawing my notes helped me ace anatomy. Art helps me relieve the stress of my studying, too."
Emma Loy is currently pursuing her MFA in painting and drawing at the University of Iowa. Originally from East Tennessee, she obtained her BFA in Studio Art from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Her work is an investigation of person and object via short story and familial narratives. Following her undergraduate degree, Emma held a yearlong appointment as the Artist-in-Resident in Exhibitions at the Appalachian Center for Craft, at Tennessee Tech University.
"As an artist who is new to Iowa, I find the literary atmosphere and art communities of Iowa City to be rich. Whether I need to do research in the Art Library, local vintage shops, or glean inspiration from the Stanley, the resources are here. The city is also full of history and myth, which is interesting source material."
"This self-portrait is my largest. I wanted to portray queer joy, silliness, and intertwining flora. It is based on a reference image of me as a potted plant costume for Halloween."
Erik Moon is a fourth-year older undergraduate student at 32 years old. He is from Davenport, Iowa. Erik is anticipating graduating with his BA in Art in Fall 2025. However, he has enjoyed his time in Art classes so much he considers applying for BFA clearance. Erik has a tender approach to art, and specializes in portraits. He used to make commissioned pet portraits for others. Before going back to school, he worked as a registered dental hygienist. Erik is much happier than in his previous career. For future plans, Erik considers the possibility of an MFA or getting an Art Education teaching license.
"After being diagnosed with schizophrenia in 2011, I have found art to be my best therapy. Due to this, I am so grateful for my experience at the University of Iowa. Before last summer, I had attempted college here several times beforehand. I withdrew every single time before now. I believe my commitment to art has allowed me to find personal success. I hope my art can bring representation to those with severe mental illness."
"As humans, we have the capacity to feel both hollow and happy at the same time. Through the subjective faces, the artworks question our understanding of identity, which is challenged through the familiarity of the faces depicted. The extravagant handles of the ceramics draw a parallel to the opulence of 18th-century design, when ceramics were crafted to conform to rigid social standards. Similarly, we today "style" our appearances, attitudes, and behaviors to align with societal expectations. Decorative elements like leafy tendrils and rococo swirls create a tension between the beauty of the natural world and the tactile qualities of the clay. This contrast mirrors the conflict between nature’s fluidity and humanity’s desire to control and embellish. The humorous yet often prickly characteristics of the works stand in contrast to the seductive, glossy glaze, creating a dichotomy that is both otherworldly and inviting. This tension draws us in, urging us to confront the delicate balance between surface allure and the raw, imperfect truths beneath. It serves as a visual metaphor for the complexities of human existence, where beauty, fragility, and authenticity coexist, challenging us to embrace the contradictions within ourselves and the world around us. To be extra, over the top and flamboyant."
Faye Hadfield is an international student from Middlesbrough, UK studying on the ceramics MFA at the University of Iowa and will graduate in 2026.
Megan Andress
History, Religious Studies, and Ancient Civilization, anticipated 2026
@meganandress.photo @meganandress.art
Megan Andress is a third-year undergraduate from Dubuque, Iowa. She is majoring in history, religious studies, and ancient civilizations with plans to graduate in May 2026. Megan likes to explore topics of her historical research through art, often including subjects such as early Christianity or war in the 20th century. After graduating, Megan plans to go on to study library and archival science. Outside of class, Megan works as a direct support professional and enjoys sewing clothing for herself.
"While I'm not an art student, I've always tried to incorporate art into my studying or projects wherever I can. Art is such a fundamentally important and everlasting part of the human experience, which you really need to keep in mind when studying history. Actually doing the research and making art yourself, through the lens of somebody in the past, allows you a deeply personal relationship with them. Going through those motions helps to explain a lot about how certain processes were followed or why certain symbols and shortcuts were taken. You can only do so much discussion about a topic until your understanding stagnates - I can learn all I want about historical costuming, for example, but until I have the needle and thread in my hand, I can't possibly have a full appreciation for the difficulty of the craft. I've been very lucky at Iowa to have had professors who encourage artistic exploration of academic subjects, and that has really allowed me to learn and thrive."
"Having a Blast #2" is the second entry in Megan Andress' Great War themed print series. She uses simplified blood and explosive effects to obscure facial details, implying the impersonal and anonymous quality of death in war. A total of 14 prints were made from this block. Megan uses a variety of photos from the time period as well as her own photography of modern World War I reenactments to inform her pieces. This piece was referenced without use of copy methods from an uncredited photo of doughboy training provided by the National Archives and Records Association (NAID 533637).
Olivia Till is a 2nd year Medical Lab Science major. She is originally from Dubuque, IA but has been living and working in the Iowa City area for the past 7 years. Olivia works as a lab technician but has always loved the arts. She hopes to pursue a career in both the arts and science in the future. Olivia currently creates and sells art as a hobby.
"I have always wanted to have a career in art, I love creating and building things. Although my current career is in a more science field, doing art has always brought me joy and I hope in the future I'll be able to do even more of it."
"By confronting the mortality of my grandmother, I have begun to shed layers of inherited trauma through conversations with my remaining matriarchy. My work centers on interpreting healing, motherhood, and the effects of generational trauma through photography, performance, and working with ephemeral materials."
Sammie Correa is an artist and art educator from Washington D.C. who is currently receiving her MFA from the University of Iowa. She has two BFA degrees in Photography & Film and Art Education from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) in Richmond, VA. For almost 10 years, she has taught in the public school system as a high school photography teacher, as well, in museums and galleries across the DC, Virginia, Maryland, and Mexico.
"My art has allowed me to begin addressing the cycles of generational trauma within my family dynamic. Through this, I’ve been able to create a supportive community of fellow creatives that have made this process possible. "
Jack G. TaylorMFA, Painting and Drawing; secondary in Printmaking, anticipated 2027 | |
Kayla WhitworthEnglish and Environmental Policy, Sustainability Certificate, anticipated 2025Kayla Whitworth is a fourth-year undergraduate student from Council Bluffs, IA. |
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Nicolai McVeyBFA Drawing, anticipated 2026 |
Dana Cabrera |
Jennifer MillerMFA Book Arts (Center for the Book), anticipated 2025 | |
