{"id":2386,"date":"2026-01-22T17:22:37","date_gmt":"2026-01-22T23:22:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/iamasf.org\/?p=2386"},"modified":"2026-01-22T17:37:47","modified_gmt":"2026-01-22T23:37:47","slug":"start-the-year-with-art-be-your-own-spotlight-at-iama","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/iamasf.org\/es\/blog\/start-the-year-with-art-be-your-own-spotlight-at-iama\/","title":{"rendered":"Start the Year with Art: Be Your Own Spotlight at IAMA"},"content":{"rendered":"

A new year is a doorway\u2014an 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.<\/p>\n

IAMA presents Be Your Own Spotlight<\/em> by Yen\u2019s Art Studio<\/p>\n

Opening Day:<\/strong> January 14, 2026
\nGallery Reception:<\/strong> Sunday, January 18, 2026 at 2 PM
\nExhibition Dates:<\/strong> January 14 \u2013 January 28, 2026
\nLocation:<\/strong> IAMA Grand Exhibition Hall, San Francisco<\/p>\n

\"\"
Yen\u2019s Art Studio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

 <\/p>\n

Presented by Yen\u2019s Art Studio, Be Your Own Spotlight<\/em> features 150 outstanding works by young students, created in all ranges of mediums:<\/strong> acrylic, watercolor, pencil, and mixed media. Each piece is a moment of bravery\u2014a visual statement that says, this is who I am.<\/em><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0A Joyful Challenge: Guess the Artist\u2019s Age<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"
IAMA<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"
IAMA<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

 <\/p>\n

As you walk through the gallery, we invite you to play along with one of our favorite traditions:<\/p>\n

Look at the artwork.
\nGuess the artist\u2019s age.
\nThen check the answer.<\/p>\n

The results are often surprising. Visitors are consistently amazed\u2014not only by the technical skill on display, but by the emotional depth, originality, and storytelling power found in these young voices.<\/p>\n

As Yen\u2019s Art Studio beautifully expresses: \u201cIn the world of art, there are no boundaries of age or race. Children\u2019s artwork can reach\u2014and sometimes surpass\u2014the technical ability and creative understanding typically associated with adults.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"
Photo courtesy of Yen\u2019s Art Studio. Self-Portrait by Cynthia Liu, 8th grade<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

 <\/p>\n

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\u2019s work reflects a truth familiar to all artists: no artwork is ever truly \u201cfinished.\u201d<\/strong> Without a clear endpoint, a piece can be revised endlessly\u2014sometimes at the cost of the artist\u2019s original vision.<\/p>\n

At Yen\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

Her parents shared, \u201cWe are thankful for the time, patience, and care that allowed this work to become what it is.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"
Photo courtesy of Yen\u2019s Art Studio. Hanni from Newjeans by Sophie Sun, 9th grade<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

 <\/p>\n

Another featured work comes from Sophie, a once\u2011shy artist who nearly gave up on art. Through the creative process at Yen\u2019s Art Studio, Sophie rediscovered calmness, confidence, and inner strength\u2014marking one of the studio\u2019s most meaningful transformations this year.<\/p>\n

Her growth reflects the studio\u2019s commitment to nurturing both technical skill and personal expression. Her parents shared, \u201cThe first time we saw this drawing, we felt peace, delight, and passion. We believe she truly enjoyed creating it\u2014and that is all we want her to feel when she draws.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"
Photo courtesy of Yen\u2019s Art Studio. Lovers by Nova Cui, 9th grade<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

 <\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Her painting reveals genuine emotion and determination\u2014qualities she will carry into her future as a dancer, where art and movement meet as a shared language of expression.<\/p>\n

Her family shared, \u201cNova approaches everything with heart, focus, and quiet determination. We are proud of the depth she brings to all she does.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

A Partnership Built on Shared Belief<\/strong><\/p>\n

Yen\u2019s Art Studio first connected with IAMA through the museum’s 2025 International Youth Art Contest<\/a>, 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:<\/p>\n

\u201cThe emotional impact we felt when we first stepped into the museum is something we still vividly remember. There is a community here\u2014people who, like us, are devoted to art and committed to sharing its beauty and meaning with others.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"
San Francisco District Supervisor Matt Dorsey speaks during the 2025 International Youth Art Contest awards ceremony, highlighting the importance of youth arts programming and recognizing the International Art Museum of America as a hidden cultural gem in the heart of the city. Photo Credit: IAMA<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

For families, seeing a child\u2019s artwork displayed in a professional museum setting is transformative. It\u2019s a moment of pride, validation, and joy\u2014a reminder that young creativity deserves to be honored with the same respect as any masterwork.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Helping Every Child Discover Their Voice Through Art<\/strong><\/p>\n

Yen\u2019s 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\u2014strengths, quirks, and all. From there, teachers gently guide them to discover their own worth and unique gifts.<\/p>\n

That is what visitors will see in Be Your Own Spotlight<\/em>. No two artworks are the same. Each student has cultivated their skills through various mediums and chosen subjects that interest them. Yen\u2019s Art Studio guides them through their technical skills and Be Your Own Spotlight<\/em> is the culmination of each artist\u2019s individual journey.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Reception Highlights<\/strong><\/p>\n

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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

\"\"
A participating student shares their experience during the Be Your Own Spotlight exhibition reception at IAMA. Photo Credit: IAMA<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

 <\/p>\n

What Visitors Will Experience<\/strong><\/p>\n

Be Your Own Spotlight<\/em> is more than an exhibition. It\u2019s an experience\u2014one that invites you to witness individuality, courage, and the beauty of becoming.<\/p>\n

You may leave thinking,
\n\u201cMaybe my child should try learning art.\u201d<\/em>
\nOr even,
\n\u201cMaybe it\u2019s time I try learning art myself.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Begin the year with a burst of inspiration.
\nCome celebrate young voices.
\nCome be part of a community that believes in the power of art.<\/p>\n

We\u2019ll see you at IAMA.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

This article was co-written by Natalia Kao and Emilio Jimenez, and edited by Hannah Taschek.<\/em><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"A new year is a doorway\u2014an invitation to begin again, to dream a little louder, and to see the world with fresh eyes. 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