Call to Artists

Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Summit

Hannah Alcordo, Marianas High School, Grade 10

As Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, we are often taught the importance of respecting different cultures and traditions. It is from that great diversity the United States is formed, making it the Nation of Immigrants. The value of respecting and understanding diversity is the main idea of my piece. It conveys that children who learn and appreciate different cultures could live a much more peaceful life away from discrimination and racial prejudice. Young children are the main subject in this work because how they are taught at a young age affects them in the future. All of this was inspired by the day to day happenings of my life here in the CNMI, a group of islands in the middle of the Pacific that is a melting pot of cultures. Here, we learn from a young age to respect all races, causing me to believe that educating children is not enough, but that these beliefs and morals should also be put into practice.

A Dream Deferred

Kala Samuels, Pleasant Valley High School, Grade 12

My work conveys a young African American girl who lives in an environment lacking opportunity. She's staring into her own reflection in the mirror. But the image looking back at her is what she perceives as her future. She is imagining what successions her future holds later in life. Despite her current situation, she does not let it affect what she wants to eventually accomplish. Also, in her reflection are people of different ethnicities graduating alongside her, serving encouragement to succeed.

My mother immigrated to America from Jamaica as a young girl and grew up with little to no help from anyone. She graduated from high school with a full scholarship and graduated from college on the Dean's list. African American children today have to get through life despite financial and racial issues they face day by day, so in my work I'm showing that it is possible. Whether you have to handle issues on your own or you aren't properly equipped to get through any situation, every problem can be overcome. My painting portrays a small girl who believes in this and has hope for her future.

Native American Student Advocacy Institute

Katelyn Thordarson, Maranatha High School, Grade 12

The central idea of my art piece is showing a Native American man that has succeeded in a higher level of education, while proudly displaying his cultural attire and attitude. The Native American chief in my painting is showing his accomplishments in the education system by proudly standing in front of a chalkboard full of complete mathematical works and inspiring quotes in the top left corner of the chalkboard. The diversity, however, is shown through the attire and attitude of the proud Native American. I have always been fascinated in Native American Culture, which is why I chose to paint a Native American chief. The most intriguing part about the culture for me is how they use natural resources in such a beautiful way.

Prepárate

Jessica Sharkey, Henry Ford II High School, Grade 12

The main idea that my piece displays is the hope and aspirations that Latino students have for academic success. By having a younger Latino student represented, this shows how when empowered at a young age, Latino students will be more successful in the future. In addition, because the Latin culture is not always represented in some schools, by putting a Latino girl as the main focus of the work shows how there is a need for the culture to stand out and be prominent. I was inspired by how the Latin culture pursues their goals and how determined they are to accomplish success.

Finalists include:

Shalese Childress
Zoe Kao
DoYeon Kim
Shannon Levin
Bess Li
Sabrina Miner
Weronika Pajdak
Amber Pursifull
Alicia Suarez
Katie Wu
Shanti Yasaffe
Emily Zhang