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Empower Youth Art
Empowering K-12 youth to create original art that fosters emotional expression, individuality, and authentic human creativity in the age of AI.
Art contests
A Fresh Start: Lunar New Year Art Contest
Description The Lunar New Year marks a time of change and possibility, and invites you to think about new beginnings. A fresh start can include things we're excited about — also things that can feel difficult or challenging. What does a fresh start mean to you? Details • K-12 students in San Francisco • Any medium on 8.5x11 inch paper • Submit your art at www.empoweryouthart.com • Submission Deadline: February 28, 2026 • First place: $500 Visa Gift Card • Second place: $300 Visa Gift Card • Third place: $200 Visa Gift Card Finalists Exhibition at Chinese New Year Festival & Parade on Saturday, March 7 and Sunday, March 8 at Grant between California and Broadway Partnership with Community Youth Center of San Francisco
Submission Deadline: February 28, 2026
Cultural Celebrations Art Contest - Past
Description Cultural Celebrations invites you to explore the personal rituals, cultural traditions, and emotional connections that make your celebrations uniquely yours. Whether it's the smell of a dish your grandmother makes, the way light filters through decorations in your home, or the feeling of celebrating far from where you grew up — show how the holidays live in your heart and heritage. Details • K-12 students in San Francisco • Any medium on 8.5x11 inch paper • Submit your art at www.empoweryouthart.com • Submission Deadline: November 30, 2025 • First place: $300 Visa Gift Card • Second place: $200 Visa Gift Card • Third place: $100 Visa Gift Card Finalists Exhibition at San Francisco Chinatown Winter Wonderland, Grant Avenue on Sunday, December 7, 2025 Partnership with San Francisco Chinatown Winter Wonderland. San Francisco Chinatown Winter Wonderland is a free annual holiday festival on Grant Ave with Santa toy drive, cultural performances, and activities for families. The event is hosted by ImaginAsian Productions, and local sponsors and volunteers.
Winners
Cultural Art Celebrations Art Contest
December 7, 2025
First Place
Lantern Festival
Melanie Mei, Grade 9
Balboa High School
Second Place
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San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge
Larry Deng, Grade 3
Commodore Sloat Elementary School
Third Place
Christmas Time Arrive
Annie Cai, Grade 2
Our Lady of the Visitacion School
A Fresh Start Art Contest — Upcoming
March 7 & 8, 2026
Partnerships
Community Youth Center of San Francisco (CYC)
CYC serves more than 8,000 youth each year and is one of only a few agencies in the city addressing the needs of a diverse population of low-income, high-need, and at-risk Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI), Latinx, and African American youth. We believe in opening doors of opportunity based on individual interests and needs, always with multiple entry points and multiple potential paths.
Asian Pacific American Community Center (APACC)
APACC’s mission has grown to be inclusive of all low to moderate-income families and individuals living in Visitacion Valley and other San Francisco neighborhoods. Its programs and services aim to help them become self-sufficient, educated, healthy, and safe.
About
Empower Youth Art is founded by Baron Zhang, a young artist in the San Francisco Bay Area. Baron has been drawing and painting since he was a child as a way to express his emotions and feelings. He loves what he can create with his imagination and a paintbrush. Baron hosted his first solo exhibition in July 2025 and has published pieces in multiple art anthologies. His top works are "Pierced By its Own Hands" and "A Bouquet for No One".