On July 19, 2026, the International Art Museum of America (IAMA) hosted the awards ceremony for the Third Annual IAMA International Youth Art Contest at its San Francisco museum, welcoming nearly 400 guests to celebrate the achievements of young artists from around the world. Distinguished attendees included Guy Djoken, Executive Director of the UNESCO Center for Peace in Washington, D.C.; San Francisco District Six Supervisor Matt Dorsey; Professor Adam Caldwell, Chair of the Jury Committee and faculty member at the Academy of Art University; and Jeffrey Himmelman, Art Director at Zynga Interactive Entertainment.
This year’s competition reached a new milestone, receiving 2,500 submissions from forty-two countries. After a rigorous two-round review by an international jury, 1,200 works advanced to the semifinal round, with 623 outstanding artworks ultimately selected for exhibition in IAMA’s Grand Exhibition Hall.
The competition was divided into four age groups—five to six, seven to ten, eleven to fourteen, and fifteen to eighteen—with each category recognizing one First Place, two Second Place, three Third Place, and ten Honorable Mention recipients. Showcasing exceptional technical skill and artistic maturity, the finalist works explored a broad range of contemporary themes, including technology and its societal impact, family, identity, climate change, dreams, contemporary womanhood, and other pressing social issues, reflecting the creativity, insight, and global perspective of today’s emerging artists.
In addition to its principal awards, the competition presented the Rising Star Award to encourage young artists to continue developing their creative voices. This year’s program also introduced a new Digital Art category, with the Zynga Award for Digital Art presented by Jeffrey Himmelman, recognizing excellence in digital creativity and encouraging the next generation to explore the expanding possibilities at the intersection of art and technology.
The exhibition and awards ceremony underscored IAMA’s ongoing commitment to fostering artistic excellence, cross-cultural dialogue, and meaningful opportunities for young creators, while providing an international platform for the next generation of artists to share their vision with the world.
The celebration began with the contest’s youngest participants, ages five to six, whose sincere brushwork and boundless imagination revealed an extraordinary innate talent that delighted audiences and judges alike.
From these first joyful strokes, the seven- to ten-year-old age group carried the story forward, their growing command of color, line, and composition matched by a curiosity that reached ever further into the world around them.
As the young artists matured, so too did their questions; the eleven- to fourteen-year-old age group turned to themes of identity, family, and emotion, reflecting a keen insight and deepening connection to the world they inhabit.
Finally, the fifteen- to eighteen-year-old age group brought the journey to its culmination, addressing complex social themes with the technical mastery, emotional depth, and singular vision of artists already discovering their own voices.
Guy Djoken, Executive Director of the UNESCO Center for Peace in Washington, D.C., praised the young artists for bringing hope and inspiration through their creativity. Reflecting on today’s global challenges, he said, “When I come here and see the work of young people—even those as young as five years old—you cannot help but realize that the future is bright. There is hope out there.”
He also recognized the dedication of the IAMA team, whose efforts have helped the museum achieve international recognition, including being named SFGATE’s Best Museum and Best Art Gallery in the Bay Area.
San Francisco District Six Supervisor Matt Dorsey expressed his appreciation for having the International Art Museum of America located in his district, recognizing IAMA’s role not only as a cultural destination but also as a place that nurtures and inspires diverse young artists. He encouraged participants to remain committed to their creative journeys, stating, “Don’t ever give up because you’re not the best. Keep plugging away, because someday you will be. And even if you aren’t, you’re still contributing something just by being an artist—a voice and eyes in the world.”
Supervisor Matt Dorsey also shared his enthusiasm for the event, saying, “I love this ceremony. I will always be here as long as I’m a supervisor.” His remarks highlighted his continued support for IAMA’s mission of promoting arts education, creativity, and cultural exchange in the community.
Jeffrey Himmelman, Art Director at Zynga, led a masterclass titled “The Secret Language of Game Art,” introducing participants to the creative principles behind game design. He explained how artists use color, shape, and style—fundamental elements shared across traditional and digital art—to create emotion, establish identity, and tell stories visually. Through examples from popular games and the character development process, Mr. Himmelman demonstrated how thoughtful design choices bring digital worlds to life. Praising the young artists’ creativity and individuality, he encouraged them to “stay curious, keep pushing yourself, keep practicing, and keep making art,” emphasizing that continued exploration and perseverance are essential to artistic growth.
As a member of the Jury Committee and Director of Student Services at the New York Academy of Art, Dr. Amy Hughes observed a growing confidence among young artists in expressing their creative voices. “They seem less concerned with creating work simply because it is visually appealing,” she said. “They are more interested in asking questions and using art to engage with the world around them.”
One work that particularly impressed Dr. Amy Hughes was Submerge Her With The Rest by Veronica Cai, the First Place winner of the fifteen- to eighteen-year-old age group. She praised the painting for its striking contrast between a sensitively rendered portrait and a series of deliberately object-like, interchangeable dolls. “I interpreted the piece as an exploration of beauty standards, body image, and the expectations placed on women,” Dr. Hughes said. “The composition creates a compelling tension between individuality and the ideals imposed by popular culture,” highlighting the artist’s remarkable ability to address complex social issues through a sophisticated visual language.
Professor Adam Caldwell, Chair of the Jury Committee and faculty member at the Academy of Art University, praised the exceptional maturity, technical skill, and creative vision demonstrated by this year’s young artists. During the special “Behind the Scenes” session, he offered attendees insight into the jury’s evaluation process, sharing how elements such as composition, technique, originality, and emotional expression contribute to outstanding works. Highlighting several notable entries, Caldwell praised Coco the Black Panther by six-year-old Charlotte Wu, the First Place winner in the five- to six-year-old age group, for its vibrant colors, striking visual impact, and thoughtful integration of mixed media, noting its unique balance of delicacy and strength. He also recognized Riverside Rocks by Bozhidar Atanasov of Bulgaria, the First Place winner in the seven- to ten-year-old age group, commending the young artist’s refined watercolor technique, including the skillful interplay of soft bleeding edges, precise contours, and dynamic composition. Caldwell encouraged young artists to continue nurturing their creative voices through persistence, practice, and exploration.
Digital Art juror Lixin Yin was particularly impressed by You’ll Look Prettier If…, created by seventeen-year-old Honorable Mention recipient Hope Chon. He praised the work’s distinctive color palette and visually compelling composition, noting that it serves as a thoughtful commentary on contemporary social pressures. “It felt as though the artist was using this image to comment on a social phenomenon,” Yin said. “I thought both the concept and its execution were unique and memorable,” highlighting the young artist’s ability to communicate a powerful message through an original and visually engaging approach. In his view, IAMA serves as more than an exhibition venue—“it acts as a bridge that allows the world to better understand the artistic expression and ways of thinking of today’s young artists.”
Mr. Fernando Sandoval, a member of the international jury panel, noted that this year’s submissions demonstrated a growing awareness of social and environmental issues, along with thoughtful explorations of self-image, identity, and the human experience. Among the works that made a lasting impression on him was Lady in the Blue by Jun Zhang Cheng, which he described as “a beautifully resolved and enigmatic portrait” distinguished by its sophisticated use of color and emotional depth. Although the work was not selected as a finalist, Sandoval remarked that it was “one of the works that stayed with me,” praising its compelling visual presence and expressive impact. He added that the IAMA Youth Art Contest serves as “a bridge that helps the world understand how today’s young artists think and create.”
Sparks in the Air by ten-year-old Josephine Xin-Meng Lee from Malaysia, the First Place winner of the seven- to ten-year-old age group Digital Art Award, hopes to inspire others to embrace art in all forms and find joy through creative expression. Inspired by the artists and authors she admires, Josephine believes that setting goals and continuously building skills are essential to artistic growth. She encourages young creators to keep learning, experimenting, and turning their dreams into reality—one step at a time.
Fifteen-year-old Sasha Borum, an honorable mention recipient, shared that her digital artwork, King of Pop, was inspired by her admiration for Michael Jackson and the support of her family throughout her artistic journey. Having practiced digital art since childhood, Sasha described seeing her work displayed in a museum for the first time as an unforgettable experience, saying it felt like a dream and a meaningful recognition of her creative efforts.
Six-year-old Abigail Liu, an Honorable Mention recipient, shared that her artwork Blooming Under the Stars was inspired by her love of horses, which she admires for their beauty, gentleness, and strength. Featuring a magical white horse surrounded by colorful flowers and sparkling details, the painting evokes a peaceful and hopeful fairy-tale world. Through her artwork, Abigail hopes to share a message of kindness, courage, and joy, reminding viewers that imagination has the power to brighten the world.
Ten-year-old Canadian participant Angela Tse earned Third Place in the seven- to ten-year-old age group with The Moon’s Secret Village, marking her third consecutive year of receiving awards in the IAMA International Youth Art Contest. That same month, Angela and her mother, fashion designer Rebecca Xu, presented a joint exhibition at the Lightspace Gallery at IAMA. Eastern Charm Awakens, Where Art Meets Silk showcased a cross-disciplinary dialogue in which Angela’s ink paintings were transformed into couture pieces, revealing how traditional art can be worn and reimagined across garments and accessories.
Ten-year-old Julian Vazquez, an Honorable Mention recipient, shared that his painting, The Watchful Protector, was inspired by his love of fantasy stories and dragons. An avid reader, Julian created the dragon as a powerful guardian, with the reflection of a human in its eye symbolizing its role as a protector. Through the artwork, he sought to capture the strength, mystery, and loyalty that dragons represent in the stories he enjoys.
Diego Mireles Gonzalez Gallo from Mexico, an Honorable Mention recipient in the fifteen- to eighteen-year-old age group, shared that his painting, Blossom – Future is Looking Bright, was inspired by his appreciation for Japanese culture and explores the transformation of a city as it evolves from traditional roots toward a modern and futuristic future. He admired Japan’s ability to preserve its cultural heritage while embracing contemporary development.
Seventeen-year-old Berra Karac from Turkey shared that her painting, The Art, was inspired by Asian culture and the meaningful symbolism of the Baron Ket figure. Experiencing her artwork displayed in a museum for the first time, Karac described the opportunity as an honor for herself and her family. Reflecting on her artistic journey, she emphasized the importance of valuing the creative process, encouraging young artists to focus on exploration and enjoyment rather than perfection. Through her work, she hopes viewers can experience a sense of happiness and connection with art.
Seventeen-year-old participant Barathi Balamurugan shared that her painting, Indisposable in Disposability, explores the often-overlooked complexity of mental health and emotional well-being. Through symbolic figures, the work reflects how modern society can leave people feeling emotionally drained, isolated, or treated as disposable. By portraying different emotional states, Barathi hopes to encourage greater empathy and remind viewers that a person’s inner struggles often run far deeper than they appear.
Thirteen-year-old Anumita Vakayil Maheshkumar shared that her portrait work, Portrait for My Thoughts, holds special significance as one of her first explorations of portraiture. Reflecting an important early step in her artistic journey, the piece represents the challenges she embraced while developing her skills. Through her art, Anumita hopes to encourage others to believe in themselves, emphasizing that confidence and perseverance can overcome limitations of age or circumstance.
Sixteen-year-old Rebecca Laptes from Romania shared that her painting, Ballad, explores the beauty of love, connection, and the feeling of two people completing one another. Inspired by the idea that a couple can create a shared harmony, she chose the title Ballad to symbolize the music and symphony formed through their bond. Through the artwork, Laptes captures the emotional unity and deep connection that bring two individuals together as one.
Professor Caldwell emphasized the importance of artistic exploration and personal expression. He encouraged young artists to remain dedicated to creating meaningful work while trusting their own artistic instincts. “Your own sense of what is meaningful and good should be your guide in making art that speaks to others,” he said. He also reminded emerging artists not to be concerned with developing a fixed “style,” explaining that an authentic artistic voice naturally evolves through personal experiences, training, and the artists who inspire them.
This year, IAMA was recognized by SFGATE as the “Best Art Museum” and “Best Exhibition Space,” and a finalist for “Best Event Space/Venue”. “It is a driving force for me and my team to plan even more within these walls,” said Mr. KC Hsieh, IAMA President. “We want to open our doors wider, reach further into the world, and make IAMA a home where every young creator—no matter where they come from—can be seen, heard, and celebrated.”
Across four age groups, forty-two countries, and countless hours at the easel, one truth filled the Grand Exhibition Hall: the imagination of a child knows no border, no language, and no limit. Every brushstroke on these walls began as a question—about who we are, what we fear, and what we still dare to hope for—and every young artist bold enough to answer reminds us that the future is not something we wait for, but something we create. As these works return home and the next blank canvas waits, IAMA carries forward a simple and radiant belief: that when we give young people the courage to create and give the world a reason to look closely, art becomes far more than an image on a wall. It becomes a bridge between strangers, a light in uncertain times, and a promise that the most beautiful chapters of our shared human story are still being written—one fearless young hand at a time.
For the complete list of award recipients, please visit:
https://iamainternationalyouthartcontest.org/ または
https://iamainternationalyouthartcontest.org/2026-international-youth-art-contest-results/
Located in the heart of San Francisco at 1025 Market Street, the International Art Museum of America (IAMA) is dedicated to making world-class art accessible to all through exhibitions, education, and international contests. With a mission to foster peace and happiness through art—especially by nurturing the next generation—IAMA brings together works from around the globe, bridging East and West, classical and contemporary.