EMERGE X: Tenth Annual Emerging Artist Exhibition

The EMERGE exhibition is a juried + invitational exhibition with a focus on young, emerging artists either currently in school, recently graduated, or showcasing strong commitment to their artistic practice, if not pursuing traditional schooling.

24 artists were selected from 100+ submissions during our open-call this Spring, and will have their work on display at the Gallery from June 11th to July 25th, 2026. 

Featured artists include: 

Emmanuel (Kstony) Asamoah, Cory Lynn Caulfield, Clara DeWeese, Madaline Gardner, Grace Heth, Tahlia Hightower, Megan Koeppel, Daša Kulikova, Madeleine Landaker, Katy Layman, Ashton Nelson, Jane Nichols, Adele Park, Carson Parris, Anna Perdue, Elise Rise, Arden Shostak, Manavi Singh, Helen Trout, Samantha Van Heest, Margaret Walker, Lucy Wellborn, Inga Wilhelmy, and Douglas Williamson

ABOUT THE EXHIBITION's HISTORY

In the Spring of 2012, Bond Millen Gallery Gallery founder Page Bond launched EMERGE I as an exhibition to support graduating VCU MFA students & connect with the VCUarts community at-large. When the gallery was reimagined under Ashley Millen in 2023, moving to a new location on Cary Street Road, the annual EMERGE exhibition was revitalized with an open-call format, enabling us to connect with a broader range of young artists. 

Giving a voice to young artists is essential for understanding the current landscape of the contemporary art world and for cultivating a more sustainable and dynamic creative community. Emerging artists bring fresh perspectives and reflect the cultural moment in ways that are both immediate and forward-looking.

In addition, the exhibition places a strong emphasis on education by guiding participating artists in gallery presentation best practices and offering insight into the fine art market. We hope this experience helps bridge the gap between artistic practice and professional development, equipping featured artists with the tools needed to navigate and sustain a career in the art world.

As EMERGE continues to evolve, our goal is to keep building on this momentum—fostering meaningful connections between collectors and emerging artists, while expanding our reach both locally and internationally.