Emerging Artist Program

  • Art
  • Emerging Artist Program

Congratulations to the 2026-27 Emerging Artists!

Liz Bunnell, Angeline Domeyer, and Zibby Hanifl


The objective of the Emerging Artist program is to offer St. Olaf graduates an intensive “Artist in Residence” experience to better prepare them for graduate school or a professional career in the arts. The program is designed for self-motivated artists and curators who wish to make visual arts the core of their professional future. In the academic year after graduation, Emerging Artists receive a stipend for art materials, create and exhibit their own artwork, and make positive contributions to the community of art students, faculty, and staff. They also act as mentors to undergraduate art students and help facilitate community events, including the department gathering in the fall and the juried exhibition in the spring.

Senior Studio Art majors who wish to apply for the Emerging Artist Program should meet with their Art-343 advisor to discuss their application. Advisors will recommend candidly whether or not the student should apply and may provide feedback on a draft of the letter of application.

The Emerging Artist program is generously supported by the Leean Carpenter Endowed Fund.

Exhibition Schedule

Work in Progress Show

November 6 – December 3, 2026

Opening Reception: November 6, 2026, 4:00-6:00pm

Groot Gallery, Center for Art and Dance
Come to view work currently in progress by the Emerging Artists.

Carleton College EA & St. Olaf College Emerging Artist Showcase

January – February, 2026
Reception: Date TBD, 6:00-8:00pm
Northfield Arts Guild

The Northfield Arts Guild is proud to present this dynamic, engaging collection of work brought to you collaboratively by Carleton and St. Olaf artists.

EA Show
at the Q.Arma Gallery

May, 2026 (Exact dates will be forthcoming)
Reception: TBD 

Q.Arma BLDG
Second Floor Gallery (Q2)
1224 Quincy Street NE
Minneapolis, MN 55413

History of the Emerging Artist Program

An in depth article on the history and impact of the Emerging Artist Program

In 1982, Professor Arch Leean initiated the program as an “Alumni Artist in Residence,” lasting 3 and ½ months during the fall semester. The alum was given a studio space and small stipend with the intent of developing an extended body of work and an “open studio environment” that encouraged numerous interactions with undergraduate art students. After 4 successful years, it became clear that it was difficult for alumni to get 3+ months release from their work schedules. In 1988, the program shifted to offer studio space, a small stipend for materials, and portfolio development for two recent graduates. Steven Carpenter ’82 supported the materials stipend for four Emerging Artists for nearly three decades. In 2011, an endowed fund was established with generous support from Steven Carpenter, Beth Christiansen and Wendell Arneson, and other alumni and friends of the program.

With the ongoing support of the Art Department, the program has supported art alumni, giving them a year of mentorship, studio space, materials fees, portfolio development, and opportunities to act as mentors to undergraduate students.

Meet the Emerging Artists!

Liz Bunnell

Angeline Domeyer

As an artist who has cycled through mediums, it means something when a medium anchors itself in my practice. For me right now, that is secondhand textiles. I am enamored by the interwoven history nestled within each fabric. Textiles require labor in some form, and my goal is to make that a labor of love. Love does not come simply, however. I hope to harness the complicated specificity of textiles that can be both intimate and messy or mundane and extraordinary. Honoring textiles’ portable nature, I intend to reimagine my studio space, engaging with my community throughout my process.

Zibby Hanifl

Drawing and painting have always been the foundation of my practice, and I’m especially interested in exploring how imagery can become a catalyst for connection. I’m drawn to everyday materials and processes that carry traces of touch or create connection. I’m excited by the possibility of experimenting with scale, surface, and mixed media- integrating elements like reclaimed materials to create pieces that feel both intimate and communal.