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/ 或

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.

The post The Future Is Bright: IAMA Honors a New Generation of Global Artists at Its Third Annual Youth Art Contest appeared first on International Art Museum of America.

A steam clock, a canopy of autumn maples, a family walking a quiet path — the scene began as a 10-year-old’s ink painting on rice paper. At the International Art Museum of America on Market Street, it now hangs off the shoulders of a hand-tailored qipao, worn by the young artist herself.

That leap — from brush and paper to silk and thread — is the heart of “Eastern Charm Awakens, Where Art Meets Silk,” a mother-and-daughter exhibition on view free to the public at IAMA through Aug. 2. It pairs the award-winning Chinese brush paintings of Vancouver fourth-grader Angela Tse with wearable pieces by her mother, the Canadian interdisciplinary fashion designer Yuan Yuan (Rebecca) Xu, who reinterprets each painting as a garment you could, in theory, walk out the door in.

The show is built on a simple, appealing structure: 24 of Angela’s original paintings become 15 garments, presented “one painting, one piece.” Hang a landscape beside the dress it inspired and the conversation between them becomes obvious. The layered ridgelines of a mountain village turn into the sculptural line of a shoulder; a sweep of dry, feathered brushwork reappears as an asymmetric ruffle along a hem.

Xu approaches her daughter’s work almost like an architect, pulling out line, proportion and color and rebuilding them in three dimensions. She works in silk, satin, gauze and linen, uses digital printing to carry over the exact bleed and wash of Angela’s ink, and answers small details in the paintings with embroidery and beadwork. “I don’t copy the painting,” Xu says. “I let the garment become another form of the painting’s existence.”

The exhibition’s centerpiece is a painting called “Misty Ancient Town.” Angela’s rendering of a southern-Chinese river town — rooftops stacked above stone stairways, villagers moving through the lanes — took first place in the ages 7–10 category at IAMA’s 2024 International Youth Art Competition. Mother and daughter then extended it into a couture qipao, mist spilling down the body and the old town surfacing through beadwork and careful tailoring. That gown was later chosen as the official qipao for the grand final of the 2025 Miss Chinese Vancouver pageant.

For all the polish of the finished garments, the paintings are unmistakably a child’s — and that is the point. Angela has loved drawing and clay since she was small, and began studying Chinese brush painting under Master Shen Heng in 2022. At 10, her résumé is already long: gold and first-place finishes at international youth competitions over three consecutive years, including back-to-back honors at IAMA’s youth contest. At five, she co-created and illustrated a children’s picture book, “Mr. Crab’s 24 Amazing Days,” whose auction and fundraising proceeds went to B.C. Children’s Hospital. In 2025 she was commissioned to paint Vancouver’s Lions Gate Bridge for the Miss Chinese Vancouver pageant, an image that was then worked into the contestants’ gowns.

Her subjects come from the world close to her — nature, family, cultural heritage and the city she lives in — and Xu’s designs are careful to keep that spirit intact rather than smooth it away. The result is less a designer borrowing a cute motif than two artists, a generation apart, actually talking to each other.

The museum hosting them is a fitting match. Founded in 2010, the International Art Museum of America sits in San Francisco’s Central Market district, near the cable-car turnaround and Civic Center, in a stretch of the city long associated with theater, literature and the arts. IAMA runs on the mission of making art appreciation and education accessible to everyone, offering programs to schools and the community year-round, and its annual International Youth Art Contest — the same contest Angela has won — gives young artists an international stage. Angela is exactly the kind of emerging voice that mission is built to encourage: a child unafraid to express herself and to be heard through her art.

Ask the two of them about working together and the roles blur. “We are each other’s best teachers,” Xu says — her daughter’s fearlessness keeps breaking her out of her design habits, while her own experience helps Angela bring wild ideas down to earth. Asked what they’d most like to say to each other, Angela grins and calls her mother “the most powerful magician.” Xu’s answer: “Thank you for teaching me to see the world again through a child’s eyes.”

It is also, quietly, the exhibition’s message to everyone who walks through it. Art, mother and daughter hope visitors will remember, has no age limit and no single correct form — and each of us can find our way back to the child inside who dares to imagine and isn’t afraid to speak up.

If You Go

“Eastern Charm Awakens, Where Art Meets Silk” runs through Aug. 2 in the Lightspace Gallery on the second floor of the International Art Museum of America, 1025 Market St., San Francisco.

Hours: Wednesday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Admission is free.

Details: https://s4.hzxfy.com/art/exhibitions/eastern-charm-awakens-where-art-meets-silk/

The post A 10-Year-Old’s Ink Paintings Step Off the Page — and Onto Silk — at a Downtown S.F. Museum appeared first on International Art Museum of America.

【三藩市訊】由美國國際藝術館（IAMA）主辦的第三屆「IAMA 國際青少年繪畫展賽」（IAMA International Youth Art Contest）頒獎典禮，七月十九日下午二時於三藩市市場街1025號 （1025 Market Street）的美國國際藝術館盛大舉行，近四百位民眾共襄盛舉。今年賽事規模再創新高，共有來自四十二個國家的青少年報名參加，提交二千五百件作品；經評審團嚴格篩選，一千二百件晉級第二輪，最終六百二十三件佳作於 IAMA 大展廳正式展出。

典禮貴賓雲集，包括聯合國教科文組織俱樂部、中心與協會聯合會主席蓋依·約肯（Mr. Guy Djoken）、三藩市參事麥德誠（Mr. Matt Dorsey）、評審委員會主席暨三藩市藝術大學教授亞當·考德威爾（Prof. Adam Caldwell），以及 Zynga 互動娛樂的藝術總監傑佛瑞·希梅爾曼（Mr. Jeffrey Himmelman）等，共同見證這場充滿創意與朝氣的國際藝術盛會。

六百二十三件入圍作品的藝術高度令評審嘆為觀止，主題橫跨科技影響、家庭、當代女性、自我認同、氣候變遷、夢想與社會議題，展現新世代的思想深度與人文關懷。大賽依年齡分為五至六歲、七至十歲、十一至十四歲、十五至十八歲四大組別，每組設佳作獎十位、第三名三位、第二名兩位、第一名一位；並特設「明日之星獎」，鼓勵青少年持續創作、勇於發聲。本屆並特別新增「數位藝術」類別，由Zynga 互動娛樂藝術總監傑佛瑞·希梅爾曼頒發數位藝術創作獎，鼓勵青年探索科技與藝術交會的無限可能。

評審委員會主席考德威爾教授表示，今年最令他驚訝的是年輕藝術家的成熟度：「不論在技法、視野或思想上，都比我預期的更深刻。更多作品關注科技的侵入性，對環境議題的敏感度也明顯提升。」他勉勵青年：「獲獎從來不該是創作的首要目的。真正重要的，是把心中最好的作品做出來，並忠於自己對『什麼是好』的判斷——唯有如此，你的藝術才能真正與他人共鳴。」

三藩市參事麥德誠對 IAMA 藝術館坐落於其選區深感欣慰，他讚揚藝術館不僅是文化地標，更在培育多元藝術人才方面扮演重要角色。麥德誠參事勉勵青年藝術家：「比賽固然重要，但不要因為自己不是最好的就放棄。持續努力，總有一天你會達到目標；即使沒有，你依然在為世界貢獻——身為藝術家，你的眼睛、你的聲音，本身就是一種力量。」並補充: 「我非常喜歡這個典禮，只要我還是市議員，我就會一直在這裡支持大家。」

聯合國教科文組織俱樂部、中心與協會聯合會主席蓋依·約肯（Guy Djoken）於頒獎典禮致詞表示，世界正經歷艱難時刻，各地不乏絕望與戰亂，「有時你會懷疑人類是否還有未來。但當我看見這些年輕人的作品，我看見了希望——未來是光明的。」他勉勵青少年懷抱使命感：「無論是否得獎，你們都在為讓世界更美好而努力。」他並讚揚，正是 IAMA 團隊的努力，讓藝術館贏得SFGATE灣區「最佳藝術館」的殊榮，並邀請全場為幕後付出的團隊報以熱烈掌聲。

來自美國科羅拉多州的六歲參賽者李恩瑜（Ethan Li），以童年記憶與家人情感為靈感，創作出《猎犬的午茶時光》，在 IAMA 國際青少年繪畫展賽五至六歲組中榮獲第三名。自一歲半起，他珍愛的布偶獵犬，以及每天清晨陪伴外公喝茶的溫馨畫面，成為作品的創作源泉。Ethan得知獲獎後深受鼓舞，更加堅定未來擁有自己藝術工作室的夢想。母親表示，這份肯定讓孩子的努力與堅持得到回應，也讓全家更有力量，支持他在藝術道路上持續探索。

來自加拿大的十歲參賽者謝加恩（Angela Tse）今年以作品《暮山月影》（The Moon’s Secret Village）在 IAMA 國際青少年繪畫展賽中獲得七至十歲組第三名，並已連續三年於比賽中展現亮眼表現。為表彰她的創作能量，IAMA 藝術館於 Lightspace Gallery 推出其個展「潮起東方韻，丹青入綺羅」（Eastern Charm Awakens, Where Art Meets Silk），展覽以謝加恩的水墨畫為靈感，由其母親、設計師許媛媛以可穿戴藝術重新詮釋，讓紙上圖像延伸至立體空間，呈現跨世代的創意對話。

來自馬來西亞的十歲入圍者 Josephine Xin-Meng Lee 表示，希望所有人都能勇於創作，不論是數位或傳統藝術，都能在自己的作品中找到快樂。她分享，自己的靈感來自敬佩的作家與藝術家，而設定明確目標是持續進步的關鍵——從一個主題開始，逐步累積，就像從基石堆疊成高樓。

Zynga 互動娛樂藝術總監傑佛瑞·希梅爾曼親自帶來大師課，分享數位藝術的創作實務與職涯發展，現場青少年踴躍提問、交流熱烈，氣氛充滿活力，展現新世代對數位藝術的高度興趣與投入。三藩市藝術大學考德威爾教授隨後主持作品賞析講座，與青年創作者面對面，細說各年齡組得獎作品的幕後故事與獲獎特色，現場氣氛熱烈。展覽將持續至八月二日，免費對外開放，IAMA 誠摯邀請社會各界蒞臨，一同聆聽青少年畫筆訴說對世界的觀察與期待，感受藝術如何啟發生命、凝聚社群。此次獲獎名單詳情，請至https://iamainternationalyouthartcontest.org/
https://iamainternationalyouthartcontest.org/2026-international-youth-art-contest-results/  或致電 (415) 376-6344。

位於三藩市市中心的美國國際藝術館（IAMA），二〇二六年榮獲舊金山《SFGATE》票選為灣區「最佳藝術館」（Best Museum） 與「最佳藝術展覽廳」（Best Art Gallery）第一名，並入圍「最佳活動場地」（Best Event Space／Venue）決選。館長謝光中表示，這份肯定是推動團隊持續前進的重要動力，也象徵IAMA在公共文化使命上的進一步深化。未來，IAMA 將規劃更多、更高品質的展覽與活動，持續拓展藝術的可能性。謝館長強調：「服務參觀者與社區，始終是我們的首要目標；未來我們也將秉持更長遠的願景與更高的標準，不辜負各界的期待。」

The post IAMA 第三屆國際青少年繪畫展賽頒獎典禮圓滿舉行 appeared first on International Art Museum of America.

This recognition would not have been possible without the support of our fans, followers, visitors, members, partners, and friends. To everyone who took the time to vote for IAMA, share our work, visit the museum, attend our events, and continue supporting our mission: thank you. Your support helped make this achievement possible, and we are truly grateful.

To celebrate this special recognition, our team attended the SFGATE Best of Bay Area 2026 event at Chase Center, where we joined other Bay Area businesses, organizations, and community leaders for an unforgettable evening. The event was filled with great conversations, new connections, delicious food and drinks, and a lively atmosphere that truly captured the spirit of the Bay Area.

One of the highlights of the night was having the chance to step onto the actual Chase Center court, where NBA legends have played. We even had the opportunity to shoot some hoops, making the celebration even more memorable for our team.

Throughout the evening, we enjoyed a special performance by Club Fugazi, met the Golden State Valkyries mascot, and connected with many inspiring people from across the Bay Area. It was a wonderful reminder of how vibrant, creative, and diverse our local community is.

Winning Best Museum and Best Art Gallery is an honor that motivates us to continue growing, improving, and creating meaningful cultural experiences for our visitors. Being named a finalist for Best Event Space/Venue also highlights IAMA’s role as a welcoming venue for corporate events, community gatherings, cultural events, private celebrations, and special programs.

This recognition belongs to everyone who has been part of IAMA’s journey. Thank you for voting, following, visiting, sharing, participating, and believing in what we do.

We look forward to welcoming you to the museum soon and continuing to celebrate art, culture, and community together.

Thank you, Bay Area!

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The International Art Museum of America is honored to share that the museum has received the 2025 Mid Market Golden Brick Award, presented by the Mid Market Community Benefit District in recognition of IAMA’s ongoing contributions to the Mid-Market neighborhood and the broader San Francisco community.

Although the award recognizes IAMA’s impact in 2025, the Golden Brick was officially presented to the museum this year, along with a special Certificate of Honor from the Office of the Mayor of San Francisco, bearing the signature of Mayor Daniel Lurie.

The Golden Brick Award recognizes individuals and organizations that help strengthen, support, and uplift the Mid-Market District through meaningful contributions to the neighborhood. For IAMA, this recognition is especially meaningful because it reflects not only the museum’s work within its galleries, but also its role as part of the larger community surrounding it.

Located on Market Street, IAMA has long been dedicated to making art accessible to visitors of all ages and backgrounds. Through exhibitions, youth art initiatives, community events, and partnerships with local organizations, the museum continues to play an active role in bringing creativity, culture, and connection to the Mid-Market area.

The award was accepted on behalf of the museum by KC Hsieh, who represented IAMA during the presentation. KC spoke about the museum’s continued commitment to serving as a cultural, educational, and community-centered space in the heart of San Francisco.

IAMA extends its sincere appreciation to the Mid Market Community Benefit District, the Office of the Mayor of San Francisco, and the Mid-Market Board for this meaningful recognition. The museum also thanks its staff, artists, visitors, partners, and supporters, whose continued involvement makes IAMA’s work possible.

As IAMA looks ahead, the museum remains committed to welcoming the public, supporting artists, expanding opportunities for the youth, and contributing to the continued cultural vitality of San Francisco’s Mid-Market neighborhood.

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The winners and finalists of the 2025 IAMA International Youth Art Contest Age Group 5-6 with IAMA President KC Hsieh

Finalists of the digital first round of the contest will be selected to move on to the second round and will have the opportunity to compete for global recognition, cash prizes, certificates of honor, and trophies. More than 700 finalist artworks will be exhibited in the museum’s 10,000 square foot Grand Exhibition Hall for viewing during the Awards Ceremony on July 19th,  and will remain open to the public until August 2nd. In addition, participants will have the opportunity to be recognized through sponsored distinctions such as the Zynga Digital Art Award 2026, highlighting excellence in digital art.

Kedarnath Kalidindi, Honorable Mention at the 2025 International Youth Art Contest Awards Ceremony

Along with several hundred participants’ friends and family, the ceremony will be attended by Guy Djoken, President and CEO of the U.S. Federation for UNESCO Clubs, Centers, and Associations. Jury committee member Dr. Adam Caldwell, professor at San Francisco’s Academy of Art University, will also attend the ceremony to help select the winners. This year’s event will also include an exclusive Zynga-led masterclass exploring game design and creative career pathways for youth participants.

Chairman of Jury Committee Professor Caldwell congratulating participants at the 2025 International Youth Art Contest Awards Ceremony while 300 people attended

IAMA Director Hsieh Kuang-chung stated that last year’s exhibition and competition attracted enthusiastic participation from 1,600 young artists from 65 countries, and he expects an even larger group to participate this year. The exhibition and competition serve not only as a platform for artistic exchange, but they also allow the world to see the issues that young people care about and their creative perspectives. “Our mission is to create an outstanding international stage for young people, allowing art to become a bridge connecting the world and bringing peace and blessings.”

Although the exhibition has no theme, many of the 2024 IAMA International Youth Art Contest submissions incorporated similar themes of the natural environment, cultural appreciation, community, and self-perception and expression. The International Youth Art Contest strives to uplift and highlight the voices of the next generation of artists and activists as they creatively express themselves and advocate for meaningful change for the most pressing issues of the world they will soon inherit.

Kate Fieldhouse, Honorable Mention at the 2025 International Youth Art Contest Awards Ceremony

Located in the heart of San Francisco, the International Art Museum of America was voted the “Best Art Gallery” and was a finalist for the “Best Museum” of the Bay Area for 2024 by SFGate. As a part of the Museums For All program, IAMA aims to provide enriching experiences, access to art, and educational programming to all residents and visitors of San Francisco. The International Youth Art Contest offers these talented young artists the opportunity to exhibit their work in a major museum with a noteworthy collection of Chinese paintings and sculptures featuring artists such as HH Dorje Chang Buddha III, Dr. Yuhua Shouzhi Wang, Li Keran, and Qi Baishi, as well as European oil paintings by Rosa Bonheur, Maurice de Vlaminck, Edward Ladell and more.

Charlotte Wu, Third Place at the 2025 International Youth Art Contest Awards Ceremony

IAMA’s mission is to increase visibility for youth art through creative cultural exchange, as well as amplify the voices of the next generation of artists and activists. IAMA hopes to expand the International Youth Art Contest as a means of increasing access to educational art programming in diverse communities, including our own community right here in the Tenderloin. The IAMA Youth Art Contest gives young artists a global stage to creatively express themselves about issues dear to their hearts.

Registration for the 2026 IAMA Youth Painting Exhibition and Competition is now open. Registration website:

https://iamainternationalyouthartcontest.org/

The post IAMA Opens Submissions for Third Annual International Youth Art Contest Through April 27 appeared first on International Art Museum of America.

SFGATE’s Best of Bay Area recognizes the best local businesses by celebrating winners, featuring them in both print and digital channels, and promoting them on social media.

With the support of our loyal visitors and community members, the International Art Museum of America (IAMA) won SFGATE’s Best Art Gallery in the Bay Area Award in 2024. 

This year, we are excited to invite you to nominate us for the following categories:

• Best Museum
• Best Art Gallery
• Best Venue
• Best Family Amusement
• Best Wedding Venue
• Best Music Venue

Nominations are open from February 17th at 2:00 PM to March 17th at 11:59 AM PST. Each person can nominate IAMA in the above six categories each day during the nomination round.

If we secure a spot in the top five of any of these categories, we will advance to the voting round, which will begin on April 14th at 2:00 PM and end on May 5th at 11:59 PM. 

Click here to nominate us

As always, the IAMA team is very grateful for your support of our museum and mission! Our non-profit art museum is dedicated to highlighting both local and international artists, and we continue to support youth arts programming through our International Youth Art Contest, our Live Youth Art Competition, and our exhibitions featuring local youth artists and art studios. We thank you for your ongoing support of our museum, including nominating us for awards such as these, which makes a difference in our programming, public engagement, and visibility.

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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.

The post Start the Year with Art: Be Your Own Spotlight at IAMA appeared first on International Art Museum of America.

Curator Tony Liang (fifth from left) with IAMA President KC Hsieh (fourth from right), joined by guests and visitors. Photo Credit: IAMA

The exhibition showcases a remarkable assembly of twenty-nine full-sized Thangkas and 204 miniature works, offering a sweeping view of the breadth and depth of this sacred art form. Another highlighted work in the collection is Four‑Armed Avalokiteshvara (四臂觀音), created over eight months by National Master Tashi Jian Cuo (扎西尖措). The piece employs a central composition and is a representative masterpiece of the Menri (勉唐) painting tradition. Rendered with pure gold and composed in the traditional central layout, the piece exudes solemnity and balance, standing as a treasure of exceptional artistic and collectible value. Another highlight of the exhibition is the Menri School Treasury King (財寶天王) by Huadan Cairang (華旦才讓), inheritor of the Rebgong (熱貢) Thangka tradition in Qinghai. A particularly notable aspect of the exhibition is the debut of over 200 miniature Menri School Thangkas, displayed publicly in the United States for the first time. These works were meticulously painted by artists of the Qinghai Longshu Art Studio, trained under Tashi Jian Cuo (扎西尖措), and reflect both the continuity and the contemporary innovation of Thangka art.

The exhibition showcases 204 miniature Thangka works, offering a sweeping view of the breadth and depth of this sacred art form. Photo Credit: David Huang, Sing Tao Daily 

Visitors will also encounter nine Karma Gadri School (嘎瑪嘎孜派) Thangkas depicting the Original Portrait of Shakyamuni Buddha by Provincial Master Wamu Dangzhou (哇么當周), alongside five striking red-gold Thangkas from Beijing’s Yonghe Temple. The exhibition further presents works by Xianjia Li (李先加), disciple of master Nyangben (娘本), and selected pieces from renowned artists including Genqiu Jiangcun (根秋江村), Rui Wang (王瑞), and Longsa Futang (龍薩福唐).

The exhibition showcases a remarkable assembly of twenty-nine full-sized Thangkas. Photo Credit: IAMA

All of the exhibited Thangkas are created using natural mineral pigments, including gold, red coral, cinnabar, orpiment, lapis lazuli, azurite, malachite, and turquoise. Their vivid colors are known for their durability, capable of lasting for centuries without fading. The creation of a Thangka demands extraordinary discipline; artists undergo more than a decade of rigorous apprenticeship before mastering the intricate techniques, and each piece represents months or even years of devoted labor.

Thangka is often described as sacred scripture painted on cloth, a unique art form that integrates painting, religion, philosophy, and craftsmanship. Thangka embodies the solemnity and wisdom of faith, serving not only as artwork, but also as sacred objects of meditation, devotion, and spiritual guidance. Recognized by the United Nations as part of the world’s intangible cultural heritage, Thangka continues to inspire reverence and admiration across cultures. This exhibition in San Francisco offers a rare chance to experience Thangka’s extraordinary power firsthand.

Visitors are not only able to admire up closely the masterful brushwork and delicate craftsmanship of Thangka masterpieces, but also are able to gain deeper insight into the creative process and cultural background of Thangka through documentary screenings. Many attendees remarked that within the reverent atmosphere, the intricate artistry of the Thangka works – combined with the vivid documentary – created a powerful impact and profound emotional resonance.

Visitors watching a documentary on a Thangka artist, shown moistening his brush with the tip of his tongue to maintain the softness of each stroke. Photo Credit: IAMA

On December 6, during the exhibition’s reception, Yue Zhang from Novato City in Marin County, California, reflected, “This exhibition allowed me to admire the exquisite Thangka works up closely, while also deepening my appreciation for the artistic value and cultural meaning they carry.”

Yue Zhang of Marin County visited the Thangka exhibition with her family, embracing this rare chance to experience the art firsthand. Photo Credit: IAMA

Located in the heart of San Francisco, IAMA was voted the “Best Art Gallery” and was a finalist as the “Best Museum” in SFGate’s Best of Bay Area 2024. 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 fostering youth creativity – IAMA brings together works from around the globe, bridging East and West, classical and contemporary.

Curator Tony Liang offered an on‑site introduction to the exquisite artistry of Thangka and the rarely seen methods used in its making. Photo Credit: IAMA

At the opening reception of Experiencing the Power of Thangka on December 6, Mr. KC Hsieh, President of the Museum, remarked, “The mission of IAMA is to bring the world’s finest art to everyone, and may art serve as a bridge of harmony and blessings across nations.” In his speech, he emphasized that this exhibition marks a significant presentation of Thangka art in the United States, with many pieces being exhibited in the country for the very first time. IAMA extends a sincere invitation to people from all walks of life to visit the Grand Exhibition Hall and experience the extraordinary power and solemn beauty of Thangka art.

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Visitors have responded with profound emotion. Standing before the carpet and photographs, one reflected that the woven patterns felt like veins of memory, soft yet unyielding, while the family photos testified that warmth once lived in those homes. In rooms now cold and fractured, these objects became the only lights still glowing. Another visitor was moved by the image of a child kissing another child, a fleeting tenderness blooming in the midst of war, and by the boy shielding himself behind two white pigeons—symbols of peace and innocence, fragile yet fiercely guarded. These moments, unfinished yet full of love and hope, invite us to witness, understand, and respond.

Khachikyan himself describes his work as a dialogue in silence. “A poor person’s daily life is not cluttered with unnecessary, expensive objects. When we appear on opposite sides of the camera, we are participants in the same modern ritual, speaking in the language of silence. This is the most international, most human language. I simply call myself a photographer, and the person I encounter—a storyteller. Sometimes the storyteller may be a tree, a mountain, or a cloud.” For him, Live by Loving is a call to transformation: to become the one standing before you, and through them, return to your own inner self, to lovingly rearrange your home, your people, your childhood.

The exhibition also serves as guidance for new generations of photographers. Khachikyan advises them to first clarify their genre—whether journalism, literary-philosophical expression, or pure photography—and then to remain honest and continue observing life with patience and compassion. His own career exemplifies this ethos. Born in Meghri in 1955, Khachikyan is widely recognized as Armenia’s leading documentary and artistic photographer, trained in physics, philosophy, and fine arts. His work has appeared in major Armenian publications and international outlets such as AP, TASS, Time, and Paris Match. A pioneer of commercial photography in Armenia, he introduced high production values and a signature style to advertising and public campaigns, while also founding cultural and educational initiatives including the East-West Intercultural Relations Center and youth photography programs supported by the Eurasia Foundation, OSI, and UNICEF. His projects have been exhibited across Europe, Armenia, Russia, and the United States, including the notable Crossing Borders Between Turkey and Armenia project, and he has earned honors such as Armenia’s Best Photojournalist of the Year and the Presidential Award.

Today, Khachikyan remains a leading figure in international photography, known for his strong narrative voice and innovative techniques. “Live by Loving” is not only a collection of photographs but a call to empathy, a reminder that even within fractured homes, love and warmth endure. To extend this experience beyond the museum walls, IAMA now offers a 3D virtual tour of the exhibition, available at iamasf.org. This immersive online experience invites audiences worldwide to pause, reflect, and take
part in this act of compassion. Through Khachikyan’s vision, we are reminded that to live by loving is to transform, to connect, and to carry forward the fragile yet enduring light of humanity.

Direct link to the 3D tour of “Live by Loving” on the International Art Museum of America’s website: Explore the exhibition here.
For readers who wish to explore more about the artist’s life and career, visit Zaven Khachikyan’s official biography at https://zavenkhachikyan.com/biography/.

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