Shepherd University Art Students Bring Agricultural Innovation Center to Life Through Collaborative Public Art Project

ISSUED: 16 April 2026
MEDIA CONTACT: Hans Fogle

SHEPHERDSTOWN, WV - Shepherd University art students have partnered with the University's Agricultural Innovation Center at Tabler Farm to create a series of hand-painted artwork now displayed throughout the site's 158-acre agricultural property. The artwork features depictions of the produce, plant life, and insects found at the Center, adding a welcoming and educational element for students and visitors.

"This project is a great example of how our students can apply their creativity in meaningful, real-world settings," said Sonya Evanisko, art professor in Shepherd University's Department of Contemporary Art, Communication, and Theater. "Students not only showcased their artistic capabilities, but also worked within a defined direction, considering color, style, and purpose to meet the needs of the space."

The collaboration gave art students the opportunity to engage with a new client and subject matter, translating agricultural themes into cohesive, compelling designs that align with the overall look and feel of the Agricultural Innovation Center. The project also enhances the site's visual identity.

"We're thrilled to see this partnership come to life," said Madison Hale, Tabler Student Farm coordinator at the Agricultural Innovation Center. "The students' work adds color, character, and a sense of place to the Center, while reinforcing the connection between the arts and sustainable agriculture."

Visitors to the Agricultural Innovation Center can view the artwork throughout the site, where it serves as both a creative showcase and a reflection of Shepherd's hands-on approach to education.

For more information about Shepherd University's Art Department and Agricultural Innovation Center, visit shepherd.edu.

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