2026 Murphy & Cadogan Art Awards Ceremony and 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 Thursday, October 16, 7–9 PM.

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

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 info@somarts.org with any related requests, questions, or concerns.

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.

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.

Header photo courtesy of Claire S. Burke, 2025