There are many ways to express one’s creativity, from hours spent staring at the same canvas perfecting every detail to drafting poems that evoke the right tone. But, it is rare to receive recognition for your artwork despite the effort.
“I spend a lot of time on [my pieces],” Long Do (12) said. “It’s really nice to show all of your progress and hard work.”
Finding a community of people who not only recognize but value creativity as a serious skill, and possible occupation, is even rarer. So, finding a project to be proud of and to be praised alongside other dedicated and creative minds adds to the fulfillment and appreciation of a creation.
“Seeing all these amazing works that my works are considered to be as great as is really great,” Do said. “It is [an] achievement to see my work come to fruition.”
In displaying pieces for curious minds, there is also a gateway to opening yourself to new ideas, media and techniques beyond what was known. This allows for experimentation and nourishment of creativity.
“In the past, I have turned in works [to Scholastic],” Do said. “My skills have drastically improved since then. It’s really good to take inspiration from or be inspired by other works into your own.”
Alongside awards, winners such as Khloe Brown (12) had the opportunity not only to receive recognition, but also found a community of like-minded youth. Her work didn’t just hang on the walls of the Brooks Museum as the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards regional winners were presented—it lit up the big screen at Carnegie Hall. A regional win snowballed into a national honor that brought her to New York City, from where she returned with a gold medal in hand.
“It honestly felt so good to be there because I’ve wanted to pursue art my entire life,” Brown said. “Most of the time I just hear about the likelihood I’ll fail or the financial burdens [of art], so it was amazing to finally hear encouragement and meet other kids who want to make art a career, not just a hobby.”
From the moment they checked in, that rarely seen recognition appeared multiple times. They received medals celebrating all winning artists and writers. Photographers snapped photos of artists and writers. A mixer buzzed with young creatives swapping ideas and an open studio turned into a friendly get-together.
“It was really special getting my medal and then having photos taken with my dad,” Brown said. “The mixer was fun, too. It felt like being in a room full of people who just get it.”
The celebration continued at Carnegie Hall, where winners filled the stage as their artwork flashed across a massive slideshow. Playwright Brandon Jacobs Jenkins, fresh off big theater wins and once a Scholastic medalist himself, delivered advice to the young writers and artists.
“He told us to keep a journal, because we won’t remember half the things we think we will, and not to stress about building a brand at seventeen,” Brown said. “That really stuck with me. It made me feel like I actually have time to experiment.”
Adding to the star power, comedian Tracy Morgan made a surprise appearance. His presence reminded the crowd that big names were backing the next generation of artists. The night closed with applause thundering through Carnegie Hall as the young creatives took these pieces of advice into their artistic journey.
“It was surreal standing there while everyone clapped,” Khloe said. “And the host was hilarious, which made it even better.”
But the trip’s secret crown jewel came after the ceremony. Scholastic gave winners free entry to The Metropolitan Museum of Art, one of the most iconic art spaces in the world.
“Seeing the Greek and Roman classical art and the Met Gala fashion exhibit was probably my favorite part,” Brown said. “It felt like everything I love about art was all in one place.”
