Visual Arts - California State PTA

Special Artist Division (All Grades)

Isabella Juarez-Padilla
Title: Power of Hope
Grade: 9
Corona del Mar Middle & High School PTA (Fourth District)
“Being autistic makes me different. Sometimes it keeps me from having a good communication with the world and make connections with the world and other teenagers. I am not as independent as any other teenager in my school. Sometimes I feel chained, but I feel hopeful, that one day I will find the freedom I desire thorough my art. I’m hopeful that one day every piece of my art will be a story to tell. The swallow symbol of hope for every sailor. For me, hope is freedom.”

Primary Division (Pre-K-Grade 2)

Whimsy Little
Title: Make a Wish
Grade: 2
Darby Avenue Elementary PTA (Thirty-First District)
“Whenever I make a wish on these flowers, I feel hopeful my wish will come true. “

Intermediate Division (Grades (3-5)

Claire Im
Title: Roots of Hope
Grade: 4
Robert C. Fisler PTSA (Fourth District)
“I was inspired by the 9/11 Survivor Tree which showed me hope and resilience. The strong and deep roots of the tree embraced the ruins of 9/11 and held it together, bringing a new life, a new tomorrow. When I think of the Survivor Tree, I am very hopeful that the future will be better than today. When I think of the Survivor Tree, I am hopeful that all violence and wars around the world will stop someday. I remain hopeful.”

Middle School Division (Grades 6-8)

Emeri Cunanan
Title: A Blossom of Hope
Grade: 8
Vail Ranch Middle School PTSA (Twenty-Third District)
“A Blossom of Hope takes an abstract approach, depicting a figure with iris flowers blossoming from where their head should be. Although questionable at first glance, this piece symbolizes my love and hope for humanity to continue to grow. The iris flower, known to symbolize hope, adds depth to the overall piece. The suit represents that success accompanies growth, and the butterfly symbolizes development. Each day brings countless growth opportunities, and my drawing reflects my hope for humanity to grow and develop further, and for that growth to be a beautiful thing.”

High School Division (Grades 9-12)

Soobin Oh
Title: Help is available.
Grade: 11
California High PTSA (Thirty-Second District)
“We are all unique and different. Sometimes, however, we are marginalized because of this individuality. We can feel alone and vulnerable. Breathe in. Breathe out. Here are the hands that will catch you when you’re falling and here is the hand that will not let you go. Your loved ones embody your strength, your foundation, and your heart, and will ignite a flame of hope within.”