RCSJ Student Art Show Highlights Passion, Creativity, and Achievement

Vineland – On Friday, May 8, 2026, the RCSJ Student Art Show awards ceremony and reception was hosted at the Arts and Innovation Center in Millville from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Student work was displayed in the gallery highlighting creations in drawing, printmaking, painting, and 3-D/sculpture.

Seventy-five student pieces were exhibited revealing the depth and breadth of the program’s curriculum. Over 50 family members, friends, faculty, and staff attended the event to support these artists and celebrate their achievements.

Jackie Sandro-Greenwell, director of RCSJ’s Fine Arts and Clay College, curated the show and led the event. She opened the reception, thanking attendees and complimenting her students. “Each piece in this exhibition reflects the creativity, passion, and dedication our students bring to their craft. Their talent and hard work are truly inspiring, and it’s an honor to celebrate their artistic achievements,” said Sandro.

RCSJ leadership in attendance included Brenden Rickards, RCSJ president, Jim Piccone, vice president & chief administrative officer of the Cumberland campus, and Marcela Savelski, dean of Communication and Creative & Performing Arts.

“I’m astounded by the creativity, passion, and dedication reflected in this incredible work. As college leaders, it is our responsibility to ensure the arts remain accessible and available to every student and the communities we serve. We are proud to support you as you pursue your interests, share your voice, and follow your dreams,” said Rickards.

Before Piccone presented the student awards, he shared, “The beautiful thing about art is that you can create it throughout your life’s journey. We are so happy that you decided to continue your artistic journey with RCSJ and wish you nothing but the best as you move forward in your career or academic pursuits. Congratulations!”

The student art show exhibit was juried by Gina Furnari, an RCSJ adjunct instructor who also teaches a non-credit watercolor class.

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RCSJ Student Art Show 2026 awards

Best in Show

''Self Medicated'' by El Zielinski

Drawing

1st· ''Vane'' by Vanessa Ordonez-Figuera

2nd: ''Venus'' by Emily Avalar

Honorable Mention: ''Mother'' by Selene Broadwater

Honorable Mention: ''Broken Reflection'' Vera Bucci

Honorable Mention: ''Freaky Statue'' Jordan Werner

Honorable Mention: ''Cold Shoulder'' Sam Davis

Printmaking

1st: ''Pen Ran'' by Kevin Eang

2nd: ''Peaceful World'' by Veronica Santos

Painting

1st: ''Superman” by Jesus Lopez

2nd: ''Grown'' by Dylin Cho

Honorable Mention: ''Softly Spoken'' by Isabel Oliver

Honorable Mention: ''Lemon Still Life" by Elizabeth Peters

3D/Sculpture

1st: ''Self-Medicated" by El Zielinski

2nd: ''Tea Set'' by Tracie Muir

Honorable Mention: Kaieem Walker

Honorable Mention: ''Vase'' by Jesus Lopez

Dean Savelski reflected on the importance of creativity and artistic expression during the event. “If we don’t have art, we are not human,” said Savelski, emphasizing the essential role the arts play in culture, connection, and personal expression.

For more information about the CCPA division, please visit RCSJ.edu/CCPA.