Pair of MUSD student artists selected as winners in 2022 SCCOE Young Artist Showcase

Zanker Elementary School sixth grader Joanna Lee and Thomas Russell Middle School seventh grader Anita Kwong were among the winning student artists announced May 19 at the Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE) annual Young Artist Showcase.

Joanna Lee received the People's Choice Award (6th grade) for her piece, "Connecting through Knowledge," while Anita Kwong received the People's Choice Award (7th grade) for her piece, "Let's Catch Up!"

Each year the Young Artist Showcase features various forms of student expression including paintings, drawings, watercolors, photographs, sculptures, and digital art. This year's artwork theme of “Contact Zones: Places Where We Meet" encourages students to show experiences of places or events where different cultures, languages, or interests may come together.

"The SCCOE is proud to host the Young Artist Showcase every year to provide students with a platform to express their diverse perspectives,” said Santa Clara County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Mary Ann Dewan in the SCCOE's press release announcing the winners. “Art education is essential to all aspects of student learning. Events like these provide us with an opportunity to promote the importance of art education and celebrate the continued creativity of our youth in Santa Clara County.”

Student artists from pre-kindergarten to 12th grade submitted artwork that expressed themselves and their experiences based on this theme. All Santa Clara County public/charter schools, public preschool programs, and after-school public programs were eligible to participate. The winners were selected based on various criteria including visual impact, creativity and imagination.

Click to watch the video of all the Young Artist Showcase Winners.