A new year is a doorway—an invitation to begin again, to dream a little louder, and to see the world with fresh eyes. At IAMA, we believe art is one of the most beautiful ways to step into that promise. This January, we are honored to welcome the community to a youth art exhibition that celebrates confidence, imagination, and the quiet courage it takes to be yourself.
IAMA presents Be Your Own Spotlight by Yen’s Art Studio
Opening Day: January 14, 2026
Gallery Reception: Sunday, January 18, 2026 at 2 PM
Exhibition Dates: January 14 – January 28, 2026
Location: IAMA Grand Exhibition Hall, San Francisco
Presented by Yen’s Art Studio, Be Your Own Spotlight features 150 outstanding works by young students, created in all ranges of mediums: acrylic, watercolor, pencil, and mixed media. Each piece is a moment of bravery—a visual statement that says, this is who I am.
These students are not simply learning techniques. They are learning to trust their voices, to take up space, and to stand confidently behind what they create. Their artworks reflect growth, self-discovery, and the joy of becoming. Whether you are a parent, an educator, a collector, or someone simply searching for inspiration, this exhibition offers visitors something new to enjoy and something meaningful to feel.
A Joyful Challenge: Guess the Artist’s Age
As you walk through the gallery, we invite you to play along with one of our favorite traditions:
Look at the artwork.
Guess the artist’s age.
Then check the answer.
The results are often surprising. Visitors are consistently amazed—not only by the technical skill on display, but by the emotional depth, originality, and storytelling power found in these young voices.
As Yen’s Art Studio beautifully expresses: “In the world of art, there are no boundaries of age or race. Children’s artwork can reach—and sometimes surpass—the technical ability and creative understanding typically associated with adults.”
Among the many works featured this year, a compelling self-portrait by 8th-grade student Cynthia Liu stands out for both its technical sensitivity and emotional depth. Known for her strong perfectionist tendencies, Cynthia’s work reflects a truth familiar to all artists: no artwork is ever truly “finished.” Without a clear endpoint, a piece can be revised endlessly—sometimes at the cost of the artist’s original vision.
At Yen’s Art Studio, she was guided to first complete what is visibly unfinished, then refine the details that matter most to her. This approach reinforces an important lesson: only the artist can decide when a piece is complete. This mindset extends beyond art, supporting academic growth, future careers, and personal development by balancing ambition with self-trust.
Her parents shared, “We are thankful for the time, patience, and care that allowed this work to become what it is.”
Another featured work comes from Sophie, a once‑shy artist who nearly gave up on art. Through the creative process at Yen’s Art Studio, Sophie rediscovered calmness, confidence, and inner strength—marking one of the studio’s most meaningful transformations this year.
Her growth reflects the studio’s commitment to nurturing both technical skill and personal expression. Her parents shared, “The first time we saw this drawing, we felt peace, delight, and passion. We believe she truly enjoyed creating it—and that is all we want her to feel when she draws.”
Among more than 150 paintings in the exhibition, this piece was selected for the story it carries rather than immediate visual impact. Created by Nova, a student dedicated to becoming a professional ballet dancer, the piece reflects quiet discipline and inner resolve. Acknowledging the demands of her rigorous dance training, her art education emphasized observation, sensitivity, and emotional understanding over technical display. During exhibition preparation, participation was optional; nevertheless, Nova chose to complete this work in the final week, driven by personal commitment rather than obligation.
Her painting reveals genuine emotion and determination—qualities she will carry into her future as a dancer, where art and movement meet as a shared language of expression.
Her family shared, “Nova approaches everything with heart, focus, and quiet determination. We are proud of the depth she brings to all she does.”
A Partnership Built on Shared Belief
Yen’s Art Studio first connected with IAMA through the museum’s 2025 International Youth Art Contest, which provided young artists a platform to showcase their art to the public. Building on that success, we are excited to announce that first-round registration for the 2026 edition will begin soon. That first connection left a lasting impression:
“The emotional impact we felt when we first stepped into the museum is something we still vividly remember. There is a community here—people who, like us, are devoted to art and committed to sharing its beauty and meaning with others.”
For families, seeing a child’s artwork displayed in a professional museum setting is transformative. It’s a moment of pride, validation, and joy—a reminder that young creativity deserves to be honored with the same respect as any masterwork.
Helping Every Child Discover Their Voice Through Art
Yen’s Art Studio shared a heartfelt hope for every young artist: the chance to feel true freedom through creativity. They believe that when children are understood and respected, they naturally grow stronger. In a safe, caring environment, kids can show their real selves—strengths, quirks, and all. From there, teachers gently guide them to discover their own worth and unique gifts.
That is what visitors will see in Be Your Own Spotlight. No two artworks are the same. Each student has cultivated their skills through various mediums and chosen subjects that interest them. Yen’s Art Studio guides them through their technical skills and Be Your Own Spotlight is the culmination of each artist’s individual journey.
Reception Highlights
The exhibition reception was a resounding success, welcoming over 145 guests including students, families, and members of the San Francisco arts community. The afternoon featured heartfelt remarks from several participating students, who shared what learning at Yen’s Art Studio meant to them, many speaking about confidence, growth, and finding their own artistic voice. The program also included a presentation by Adam Caldwell, Professor at the Academy of Art University and Chairman of the Jury Committee for the International Youth Art Contest, who explored the evolving role of artificial intelligence in contemporary art. His talk examined how emerging technologies are shaping creative practice, and how to use these tools as young artists, adding a thoughtful and forward-looking dimension to an already inspiring celebration.
What Visitors Will Experience
Be Your Own Spotlight is more than an exhibition. It’s an experience—one that invites you to witness individuality, courage, and the beauty of becoming.
You may leave thinking,
“Maybe my child should try learning art.”
Or even,
“Maybe it’s time I try learning art myself.”
Begin the year with a burst of inspiration.
Come celebrate young voices.
Come be part of a community that believes in the power of art.
We’ll see you at IAMA.
This article was co-written by Natalia Kao and Emilio Jimenez, and edited by Hannah Taschek.