Delta National Small Prints Exhibition Opens, 2026 Purchase Awards Announced

JONESBORO – The 2026 Delta National Small Prints Exhibition (DNSPE) is now open. 

Juror Ann Johnson reviewed hundreds of submissions, selecting 55 pieces from three countries, including art from 21 states.  
 
“Each artist brought a distinct voice and vision to their work, utilizing both traditional and experimental techniques,” said Johnson.  
 
In her artist statement, she said entries for DNSPE reflected strong technical skill paired with the visible passion that the artists showcased for printmaking.  
 
Johnson, who holds a master’s degree in fine arts with a concentration in printmaking, said selecting the pieces was not easy. 
 
“I was so impressed by the creativity, craftsmanship and dedication of the artists,” Johnson added. “Thank you to all the artists who submitted their work – you have challenged and elevated the field of printmaking, and I am sure the work will excite and inspire viewers of this exhibition.” 

Johnson selected prints to receive purchase awards. The award-winning art pieces become part of BAM's permanent collection. Others received merit awards. 

The purchase award-winning entries include: 
 
Best in Show: Les Wyatt Purchase Award (underwritten by Jeanne and Dr. Les Wyatt of Dallas): “Portrait of Echo Smith: OK Educatin’,” 2025, linocut, woodcut and lithograph, by Mark Sisson.  

Second Place: Betsey DeWitt Purchase Award (in memory of Betsey Wyatt DeWitt): “Intertwined (Johnathan Jasper Wright),” 2025, mixed media collage, silkscreen on Speedball Arnheim paper, by Zaire Miles-Moultrie.  
 
Third Place: College of Liberal Arts and Communication Purchase Award (underwritten by Dr. Cherisse Jones-Branch and Dr. Jill Simons of Jonesboro and Dr. Gina and Billy Hogue of Bay): “Headdress: Grace,” 2024, intaglio and paper cut, by Tammy Harrington.  
 
Honorable mention: A-State Art + Design Faculty and Staff Purchase Award (underwritten by Jeanne and Dr. Les Wyatt of Dallas): “Finally Caught Your Eye,” 2025, screenprint, by Daija Essien.  
 
Honorable Mention: A-State Students Purchase Award (underwritten by Jeanne and Dr. Les Wyatt of Dallas): “Stratified Distance,” 2025, double-layered hand-marbled mulberry paper mounted on panel, by Molly Kaderka.  
 
Honorable Mention: Lindquist Purchase Award (underwritten by Chucki and Curt Bradbury Jr. of Little Rock): “Mòi Ông Bà Nội, ăn Spaghetti,” 2023, silkscreen, by Paige Nguyen.  
 
Les Christensen Excellence in Art Purchase Award (underwritten by Julie Bates of Little Rock): “Journey to Water,” 2025, monotype, intaglio and drawing, by Heather Conyers.  
 
Lindquist Purchase Award (underwritten by Chucki and Curt Bradbury Jr. of Little Rock): “Residue,” 2024, reduction mokuhanga, by Raluca Iancu.  
 
Chucki Bradbury Art Purchase Award (underwritten by a special endowment in honor of Chucki Bradbury): “Root,” 2024, photopolymer with handmade mushroom paper chine collé, by Yuqi Liu.  
 
Delanie and Eric Atchison Purchase Award (underwritten by Delanie and Eric Atchison of Little Rock): “Out,” 2025, mezzotint and screenprint, by Erin Wohletz.  
 
Merit Awards include:  
 
Curtis Steele Merit Award (underwritten by Curtis Steele of Jonesboro): “Scorpion Women Fight,” 2025, linocut, by Francisco Magallán. 
 
BAM Staff Merit Award: “The Noctambulist,” 2024, photopolymer etching with chine collé, by Michelle Martin.  
 
Arkansas State Merit Award: “High Tower,” 2025, collagraph, by Dominique Simmons.  
 
In addition to these award-winning pieces, which are part of DNSPE, there are 42 other pieces included in the 30th anniversary exhibition. All of the artwork included in the 2026 show may be seen through Wednesday, March 18, at Bradbury Art Museum.  
 
Museum hours are 12 p.m.–5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Admission is free. For more information about Bradbury Art Museum or to learn how to support future exhibitions, one may call the museum at 870-972-3687.