See the Scholastic Art Award Winners at Capitol Modern

Photo: Courtesy of Capitol Modern

The 62nd annual Scholastic Art Awards is here! Part of the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards founded in 1923, it is the longest-running recognition program for creative teens in the country. Open to students in grades 7–12 (ages 13 and up), the competition invites young artists from all islands to enter. Categories include painting, photography, mixed media, sculpture, fashion and more.

Each year, the Hawai‘i State Foundation for Culture and the Arts (SFCA) is entrusted with coordinating the regional competition, awards ceremony and exhibition space. “The Scholastic Art Awards have a significant positive impact on young artists by providing them with opportunities for recognition, growth and exposure,” says Aly Ishikuni, Public Programmer for Capitol Modern and this year’s competition organizer. “For many students, receiving a Scholastic Art Award can serve as a confidence booster, validating their creative abilities and encouraging them to continue developing their skills.”

2,211 entries were submitted from 59 different schools across the state for the competition. “As the only state to waive all entry fees, we ensure that every student has the opportunity to participate and submit their creations,” says Ishikuni.

Photo: Courtesy of Capitol Modern

Judges from the local art community carefully looked over each entry together, with some categories taking up to 4 hours to complete. The judges were Aly Ishikuni, Ridge Hirano, Brady Evans, Lila Lee, Kamran Samimi, Lauren Trangmar, Zoe Liu, Edd Tokarz Harnas, Hannah Shun, MaryAnne Long, Terry Savage, Kenyatta Kelichi, Diana Nicholette Jeon and Deborah G. Nehmad. They selected 103 Gold key winners and 141 Silver key winners.

“Each year, I always look forward to seeing how students continue to push boundaries and explore new mediums and techniques through the guidance of their art instructors. The work submitted is always so innovative and inspiring!” says Ishikuni. “There’s always a special energy in the air when these young artists are given the platform to showcase their vision in our museum. It’s an exciting opportunity to witness the future of art in the making!”

Dress by Miley Cox. Photo: Courtesy of Capitol Modern

With a background in fashion, Ishikuni becomes passionate when she sees “students take bold, personal ideas and turn them into something visually stunning.” A piece by Miley Cox (Grade 11) stood out amongst the rest for Ishikuni “because of its powerful theme and exceptional execution.” She explains, “The concept focused on imperfection and embracing uniqueness, and the dress was beautifully constructed with intricate details that truly brought the theme to life.”

On Saturday, March 1, from 2 to 4 p.m., winners of the Scholastic Art Awards competition will be honored at the awards ceremony on the front lawn of Capitol Modern. Featured guest speakers will be Jasper Wong from World Wide Walls and Solomon Enos, the museum’s Artist-in-Residence. There will also be a live performance by talented multi-instrumentalist Rhiana Alana Lewis.

Super Saturday, a family friendly event with artist-led workshops, will be held the same day in the museum from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., encouraging even more creative expression.

“We are honored to present scholarship awards from local arts organizations such as the Hawai‘i Watercolor Society, Mori by Art + Flea and the Windward Artists Guild,” says newly appointed Executive Director of Art in Public Places Kamakani Konia. “We are also excited to present scholarships gifted by individuals from the community who are dedicated to supporting our young artists. These include the Mihoku Ogawa Memorial Awards and the LONG on Arts scholarships.”

“When visitors experience this year’s show, I want them to fully appreciate the depth of imagination and passion behind each piece,” says Ishikuni. She hopes “they leave feeling inspired by the incredible talent and creativity of these students and motivated to support and nurture the next generation of artists.”

Photo: Courtesy of Capitol Modern

Konia adds, “We’re always looking for new scholarships to award to our winning students.” If you’re interested in offering a scholarship, please contact kamakani.p.konia@hawaii.gov.

2025 Scholastic Art Awards on view through April 1, free admission, Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Capitol Modern, 250 S. Hotel St., capitolmodern.org, @capitolmodern

SEE ALSO: See Hawai‘i Triennial 2025’s Featured Artists at Capitol Modern

Lisa Shiroma is a correspondent for Capitol Modern and an artist. She is the former owner of the Capitol Modern Museum Gallery Shop, which she ran with partners Aly Ishikuni and Travis Sasaki from Mori by Art + Flea.