Two artists with roots in the Florida State University College of Fine Arts have been named finalists in the 2025 AXA Art Prize US, one of the most significant awards for emerging artists in the nation.
Nicolina Morra, Class of 2025 BFA, and Serena Corson, Class of 2019 BFA and current MFA candidate at Louisiana State University (Class of 2026), were selected from more than 600 student entries nationwide. They are among just 40 finalists whose work will be exhibited at the New York Academy of Art from October 1–November 16, 2025.
The AXA Art Prize exhibition is juried through a rigorous three-stage process involving regional faculty from leading art schools, an exhibition panel of nationally recognized curators, and a final jury composed of acclaimed artists and arts leaders. This year’s prize jurors included Ali Banisadr, David Antonio Cruz, and Jennifer Schipf.
For both Morra and Corson, this milestone places them among a select group of rising voices in contemporary painting.
Morra, currently completing her BFA at FSU, recently presented a two-person exhibition, Dark Spot with White Dots, at Ruby/Dakota in New York, and participated in group shows at the Bascom Art Center and LeMieux Galleries in New Orleans. Corson has built an impressive exhibition record since graduating, including a 2022 solo exhibition Flora and Font at The Mill in San Francisco and group exhibitions at Hashimoto Contemporary and Soft Times Gallery.
Morra, currently completing her BFA at FSU, recently presented a two-person exhibition, Dark Spot with White Dots, at Ruby/Dakota in New York, and participated in group shows at the Bascom Art Center and LeMieux Galleries in New Orleans. Corson has built an impressive exhibition record since graduating, including a 2022 solo exhibition Flora and Font at The Mill in San Francisco and group exhibitions at Hashimoto Contemporary and Soft Times Gallery.
“This recognition underscores the strength of our students and alumni as emerging leaders in the arts,” said Carrie Ann Baade, Professor and Painting Area Head. “To have two artists represented in this highly competitive exhibition is a tremendous honor for our program.”
The AXA Art Prize continues to spotlight the next generation of figurative artists, offering unparalleled visibility and national recognition. The winners of First and Second Prize will be announced on November 12 at the awards reception in New York.
For more information, visit AXA Art Prize and New York Academy of Art.
Instagram | @nicolinamorra
