Washington, D.C. – The National Youth Visionaries Association (NYVA) honored over 60 exceptional young artists during its third annual Rising Visionaries Young Artists Award Ceremony, held on May 18, 2025, at the Kennedy Center. The event brought together students, families, educators, and arts leaders in a pulsating celebration of creativity and youth expression.
This year’s competition invited students to interpret two dynamic themes: “AI and Me”, which explored how young people see their evolving relationship with technology, and “The Silk Road”, reflecting the rich history of cultural exchange across continents. The themes challenged participants to connect personal narratives with broader global concepts, producing works that were as thoughtful as they were visually compelling.
The ceremony opened with a warm welcome and introductions of special guests whose work spans arts, education, and international collaboration. Among the distinguished speakers were Ms. Yuyan Zhou, President of CAPA Nova; Ms. Karina Hou, Chair of the International Forum; Dr. Julia Guo, Founder and President of the VSA Education Center; Ms. Sinikka, an international painter; Mr. Guy Djoken, Executive Director of the UNESCO Center for Peace; Mr. Stuart Holt, President and CEO of Arts Fairfax; Ms. Yingxi Zhao, Co-Founder and President of NYVA Youth Leadership; and Mr. Tim Zhao, Commissioner of the Arts for Virginia and Co-Founder & CEO of NYVA and Smart Art Education.
In letters of support, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin and First Lady Suzanne Youngkin praised the students’ achievements. Cultural ambassador and entrepreneur Yue-Sai Kan commended the young artists for blending heritage and innovation. Her remarks were especially timely during May, which is observed as AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander) Heritage Month. Colleen Dugan Messick, Executive Director of the Virginia Commission for the Arts, noted how many submissions creatively bridged technology and tradition.
Karina Hou discussed art’s role in facilitating global understanding. “Whether through painting, music, or literature, art has the power to bring peace, connection, and understanding to our lives,” she said. Other speakers echoed her sentiment, encouraging students to see their work as self-expression and contributions to a more connected world.
Awards were presented to outstanding students across elementary, middle, and high school categories. The event ended with a group photo that captured the excitement and promise of a new generation of artists ready to engage with the world through creativity.
Tim Zhao concluded the program by thanking the audience and inviting everyone to view the student artworks on display. The gallery featured digital illustrations, mixed media pieces, sculptures, and paintings, many accompanied by personal reflections from the artists. Their statements revealed how the themes encouraged them to think deeply about identity, culture, and the future.
NYVA continues to provide a platform where young creators are encouraged to think critically, create boldly, and lead with vision. This year’s event reaffirmed that mission, demonstrating the role art plays in shaping the perspectives of tomorrow’s leaders.
