A Slippery Rock University student achieved a unique display placement for her artwork—front and center in SRU President Karen Riley’s on-campus residence.
Samantha Toki, a senior dual art and strategic communication and media major from Windber (Windber HS), is the winner of the Spring 2026 SRU President’s Student Art in Residence Award. Since Fall 2023, SRU art faculty select student art for display in the foyer of the president’s home where guests attended special events can enjoy the work.
Toki’s gallery includes her digital photography and illustrations inspired by nature.
“A lot of my work revolves around nature and the natural world, and humans’ interaction with that,” Toki said.
On display are “Perspective” and “Mushrooms,” two digital photography pieces, along with “Slimy Tales,” an illustrated booklet, and “Brook Trout,” a digital illustration. Toki’s nature-themed art is a testament to the exposure she’s had across art mediums over the course of her Bachelor of Fine Art program at SRU.
“One thing that is really unique about the Art Department is how close the students are with the professors,” Toki said. “That close-knit community is just a really nice thing to be part of.”
More information about art at SRU is available on the program’s webpage.
