Elemental: The 2026 Barbara L. Kuhlman Scholars’ Group Exhibition

he Barbara L. Kuhlman Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit entity established by the estate of Barbara L. Kuhlman. Ms. Kuhlman, a college professor, and life-long supporter of fiber arts achieved world-renowned status as a collector, lecturer, and author in her field. The Foundation continues her dedication to fiber arts and closely related fields with philanthropic sponsorships, grants, and student scholarships.

The 2026 Barbara L. Kuhlman Scholars’ Group Exhibition showcases unique garments, wearable art, and textile interpretations of the theme, Elemental. Five students in the Department of Human Centered Design were awarded Kuhlman scholarships in December 2025. Each scholar conducted design research, focusing on the stories they wanted to tell and the techniques they wanted to explore from concept development to execution. The theme Elemental was chosen to reflect upon the power of nature. Each student approached elemental from a different perspective and yet one commonality seems to be the examination of our relationship with nature. Will focusing on the elements offer a reprieve? Can it take us to a dark place? According to the work in this exhibition, the answer is yes. It is a subject that contains multitudes. We hope you enjoy seeing the creative journeys this year's Kuhlman Scholars took.