University Employee Wins First Place at Seven States Biennial Art Exhibition
Contact: Hannah Thompson | (405) 574-1362
Emmo Maddox, an employee at the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma and class of 2022 alum, has been awarded first place at the Seven States Biennial Exhibition for her art piece titled ‘Toy Guns.’ The announcement was made at the exhibition’s opening on September 13th, 2025, at the Nesbitt Gallery.
“I feel very proud of my piece for placing best in show.” Quoted Maddox. “It was unexpected since there were so many great pieces in the show, but I feel so honored to have been selected.”
‘Toy Guns’ is a mixed-media sculpture that comments on the pervasive nature of violence in society. “’Toy Guns’ is a commentary on gun violence in America." Maddox explains. "The toy-like appearance is representative of how guns are viewed in this country – more or less like playthings. The pedestal is made up of 20,000 beads, which, as of 2023, was the number of people that were directly affected by gun violence instituted specifically by semi-automatic weapons.”
Maddox, who has been a creative force for most of her life, has managed to maintain her passion for art while working for the university’s Marketing and Communications department as the digital marketing manager. On November 1st, 2025, Maddox will be celebrating the opening of her very first solo exhibition in the Nesbitt Gallery. The exhibition, titled ‘Un-Herd’, will offer an immersive, interactive experience whilst challenging predetermined relationships similar to that of predator and prey. The opening of ‘Un-Herd’ will be held from 3 – 6 p.m.
“This show will be an important conversation that needs to be had,” Stated Maddox. “I think that we need to pay closer attention to how we treat living things in general – strangers, bugs that we find on the ground, or the squirrel that runs in front of your car. I just hope to get people thinking.”
Maddox’s first place win is a testament to her dedication and unique artistic vision. You go, girl.
About the Seven States Biennial Exhibition:
The Nesbitt Gallery, located on the campus of the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma, is home to the Seven States Biennial, a highly anticipated jurored art exhibition. Occurring every two years, this event showcases the incredible talent of artists from Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Kansas, Colorado, and New Mexico. The competition not only offers a platform for artists to present their work but also awards over $11,000 in prizes, providing a significant opportunity to the winning artists.