Joy Son

Joy Son is a 17-year-old artist based in Belmont, Massachusetts, and a Senior at Belmont High School, where she is currently under the direction of Mark Milowsky in her AP Art class. Her artwork explores themes of compassion and identity, focusing on her Korean American heritage, her family, and social, cultural, and political topics that are deeply meaningful to her.

Joy’s artistic journey began in the fifth grade under the guidance of Yulmae Kwon, and she continues to refine her skills at Studio Noma in Waltham, studying with Hyojin Song and Suyeon Ji. Her commitment to art has earned her numerous accolades, including the prestigious American Vision Award in 2023, alongside 20 other awards in one submission season from the Scholastic Art & Writing Organization. She began receiving recognition from Scholastic in 8th grade, followed by her first National Gold Award in 10th grade.

She received 1st place in the International Art Museum of America (IAMA) 2024 Youth Art Contest and 2024 DEGA International Art Association, and has won 1st place for two consecutive years (2022, 2023) in the Emerging Young Artists Art Competition in Massachusetts. Additionally, Joy was awarded 2nd place in the Art Collide 2024 International Competition, 3rd place in the 2024 JIA International Illustration Competition, and received an Honorable Mention in the Blue Space Gallery “Emerging Artist” Competition, further solidifying her place in the art world.

Beyond her personal artistic growth, Joy has developed a passion for teaching younger students, starting in her sophomore year of high school. Most recently, in the summer of 2024, she led a twelve-week art camp for thirteen students aged 8-16. She strives to be a source of encouragement and hope for young artists pursuing their own creative paths.

In the summer of 2024, Joy held solo art exhibitions at several senior homes in Massachusetts, sharing the world of art with the seniors who reside or visit there. Considering those who are physically unable to visit art galleries, she was motivated by the thought that bringing her artwork to senior centers for solo exhibitions could create more opportunities to share seniors’ interest and passion for art. The pure and passionate expressions of these seniors, who transcend age to enjoy and love art, were truly beautiful. Additionally, it provided a warm opportunity to engage in charitable activities together, sharing heartwarming love for their neighbors.

Joy also uses her artwork to support charitable causes. Through various exhibitions and galleries, she has fundraised for UNICEF and HEMEFund by selling prints of her artwork, donating 100% of the proceeds. These exhibitions have also allowed her to share her work with diverse communities, bridging connections across different ages and backgrounds, and she wants to continue healing and helping people through her passion for art.

Through her art and advocacy, Joy continues to make a meaningful impact both in the art world and beyond.