Houston, Texas, Sept. 2, 2025 — Two Houston Christian University Master of Fine Arts students, Julia Marcucci-Wood and Chloe Hudspeth, were selected to showcase their work in Future Forward, a prestigious juried exhibition spotlighting emerging artists from across Texas.

The Future Forward exhibition highlights the vitality of Texas’s emerging creative voices and affirms HCU’s commitment to cultivating the next generation of artists through its rigorous and supportive MFA program.

Selected through a highly competitive statewide open call, the HCU art students were among 15 emerging undergraduate and graduate artists recognized for their innovative exploration of material, identity and narrative, working across a diverse range of disciplines including painting, drawing, sculpture, photography and textiles.

“We are so proud of our MFA candidates Julia Marcucci-Wood and Chloe Hudspeth,” said Hillaree Hamblin, Asst. Professor of Visual Arts and Director of HCU’s MFA Program. “Their inclusion in this exhibition speaks volumes about the strength of their studio practices and their ability to create meaningful, thought-provoking work rooted in both craft and concept.”

Marcucci-Wood’s drawings explore womanhood and femininity through intimate, realistic portrayals of the human form. “My drawings invite the viewer in through small portals, reflecting on the textures and perceived imperfections of the feminine form,” said Marcucci-Wood. “Being part of Future Forward is a tremendous opportunity, and I’m honored to share space with other emerging artists from across Texas,” said the HCU graduate art student.

Chloe Hudspeth, also representing HCU in the exhibition, is known for her emotionally resonant work rooted in introspection, memory and material exploration. “I’m really excited and honored to have my work selected for this exhibition. It’s a meaningful opportunity, and I’m grateful to be included alongside such a talented group of artists. Being part of Future Forward is a motivating reminder to keep growing and creating,” said Hudspeth.

Madi Murphy, FotoFest Associate Curator and juror for the Future Forward exhibition, praised participating artists.

“Many of the artists demonstrate a deep investment in material and process, using their chosen mediums to engage with personal and collective histories,” said Murphy. “These works suggest pathways to navigate the world and meditate on the complexity of contemporary life.

The exhibition was held Aug. 8 to Aug. 30, 2025, at Throughline Gallery,

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Houston Christian University

For more than 60 years, Houston Christian University has equipped students to lead, collaborate and embody a deep sense of spiritual purpose. The University offers a wide range of majors, undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degree programs, as well as NCAA Division I athletics in the Southland Conference. Located in the heart of one of the nation’s largest metropolitan centers, HCU’s culture of excellence molds the next generation of educated disciples to be pillars in their communities, preparing them to think critically and biblically as they impact the world.