SOMArts Cultural Center: 2026 Murphy & Cadogan Art Awards Ceremony (opening reception)

SOMArts is proud to partner with the San Francisco Foundation to present the 2026 Murphy and Cadogan Contemporary Art Awards Exhibition, a focused look at the future of the Bay Area visual arts. Join us for the opening reception and awards ceremony on Friday, October 16, 7–9 PM.

RSVP to the opening https://donate.somarts.org/murphycadogan2026-opening

Murphy Award

Mingqi Ma, California College of the Arts

Cadogan Award

Alyssa Aviles, Stanford University

eva birhanu, California College of the Arts

Anna Isabelle Bruey Sedano, San Francisco State University

mark thomas duffy, University of California, Berkeley

Alex Ehmer, California College of the Arts

Samantha Maria Espinoza, San Francisco State University

Minh Lê, San José State University

Kamyar Mohsenin, California College of the Arts

Lian Yung, California College of the Arts

Khadijah Morley, California College of the Arts

Ariella Robinson, University of California, Berkeley

Leyla Jamil Rzayeva, San Francisco State University

Bhavani Srinivas, University of California, Berkeley

Chukwudubem Ukaigwe, Stanford University

Accessibility

SOMArts is wheelchair accessible and in proximity to several nearby public transportation stops. SOMArts does not have automatic doors at its Main Entrance. Restrooms are ADA-accessible and low-scent cleaning products are used.

For more detailed information regarding accessibility at SOMArts, contact [email protected] with any related requests, questions, or concerns.

About the Awards

The Jack K. and Gertrude Murphy Award is given to an MFA student of unusual caliber with great artistic promise. Edwin Anthony and Adalaine Boudreaux Cadogan both experienced financial challenges as art students and understood the great difference scholarships can make in the early phase of an artist’s career. The winners of the Murphy and Cadogan scholarships each receive support for their MFA studies. All the students benefit from participation in a professionally curated exhibition at SOMArts Cultural Center and mentorship from curator Kevin B. Chen.

About San Francisco Foundation

San Francisco Foundation is committed to a Bay Area where everyone can get a good job, live in a safe and affordable home, and exercise their political voice. The foundation advances its work through grantmaking, partnerships with donors, policy advocacy, and impact investing. Learn more at sff.org.